Frequently-Asked Question FAQ #155

FAQ-155: Mandating of Appendices to Standards

Question: In several places, the rule requires that operators follow Appendices in ASME/ANSI B31.8S. The title of both Appendices A and B in the standard indicate they are non-mandatory. Must the requirements in these Appendices be followed verbatim?

Answer: Where sections of consensus standards are incorporated by reference into a rule, those sections become binding requirements the same as if the language were repeated in the rule. Operators must follow the requirements in the Appendices of ASME/ANSI B31.8S when those Appendices, or sections thereof, are referenced in the rule, even though the standard indicates that the appendices are non-mandatory.