255.183 Vaults: structural design requirements.

(a)Each underground vault or pit for valves, pressure relieving, pressure limiting, or pressure regulating equipment, must be able to meet the loads which may be imposed upon it, and to protect installed equipment.#

(b)There must be enough working space so that all of the equipment required in the vault or pit can be properly installed, operated, and maintained.#

(c)Each pipe entering, or within, a regulator vault or pit must be steel for sizes 10 inches (254 millimeters) and less, except that control and gauge piping may be copper. Where pipe extends through the vault or pit structure, provision must be made to prevent the passage of gasses or liquids through the opening and to avert strains in the pipe.#

(d)In the design of vaults and pits for pressure limiting, pressure relieving, and pressure regulating equipment, consideration shall be given to the protection of the installed equipment from damage, such as that resulting from an explosion within the vault or pit, which may cause portions of the roof or cover to fall into the vault.#

(e)Vault or pit openings shall be located so as to minimize the hazards of tools or other objects falling upon the regulator, piping, or other equipment. The control piping and the operating parts of the equipment installed shall not be located under a vault or pit opening where workmen can step on them when entering or leaving the vault or pit, unless such parts are suitably protected.#

(f)Whenever a vault or pit opening is to be located above equipment which could be damaged by a falling cover, a circular cover shall be installed or other suitable precautions taken.#