Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same as follows:

SECTION 1. Section 39 of chapter 146 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2004 Official Edition, is hereby amended by inserting after the word "for", in line 1, the following word:- internal.

SECTION 2. Said section 39 of said chapter 146, as so appearing, is hereby further amended by inserting after the word "material", in line 4, the following 4 sentences: Ultrasonic thickness determination shall be permitted in lieu of, or in conjunction with, internal inspection for air tanks or other receptacles of 36 inches diameter or less. Thickness measurements shall be made in at least 8 areas: 2 on each head and 2 on both the top and bottom portions of the shell. Thickness determinations indicating significant reduction in material thickness over a general area shall be shown on the inspection report, as well as calculations for the reduction in allowable working pressure. The authorized inspector's employer shall be responsible for the inspector's or the ultrasonic examiner's competency in the use of the ultrasonic thickness gauge and the examiner's signed report shall be attached to the authorized inspector's inspection report.

Approved March 15, 2006.