Disclaimer: The English language text below is provided by the Translation and Terminology Centre for information only; it confers no rights and imposes no obligations separate from those conferred or imposed by the legislation formally adopted and published. Only the latter is authentic. The original Latvian text uses masculine pronouns in the singular. The Translation and Terminology Centre uses the principle of gender-neutral language in its English translations. In addition, gender-specific Latvian nouns have been translated as gender-neutral terms, e.g. chairperson. Text consolidated by Tulkošanas un terminoloģijas centrs (Translation and Terminology Centre) with amending regulations of: 28.12.2004 (No. 1059). If a whole or part of a paragraph has been amended, the date of the amending regulation appears in square brackets at the end of the paragraph. If a whole paragraph or sub-paragraph has been deleted, the date of the deletion appears in square brackets beside the deleted paragraph or sub-paragraph.

Republic of Latvia Cabinet Regulation No. 87 Adopted 27 February 2001

Requirements for Steel Melting Equipment and Procedures for Technical Supervision of such Equipment

Issued pursuant to
Section 3, Paragraph two
of the Law On Technical Supervision of Dangerous Installations

I. General Provisions

1. These Regulations prescribe the requirements to be complied with by the possessors and servicing personnel of steel melting equipment (equipment designed and installed for the melting of products of ferrous metals) and legal persons so as to prevent any hazard to human life, health, property or the environment during the usage of the relevant equipment or any performance of installation, repair, technical maintenance, reconstruction or technical control thereof, as well as the procedures for the technical supervision of steel melting equipment.

2. Steel melting equipment has the following basic components:

2.1. an open-hearth furnace or electric arc furnace;

2.2. steel casting ladles and slag ladles;

2.3. continuous billet casting mechanisms; and

2.4. technological equipment directly related to the steel melting equipment.

3. The Ministry of Economics, in co-operation with the relevant standards technical committee, shall recommend to the limited liability company Latvijas standarts [Latvian Standard] a list of standards to be developed, adapted and applied in relation to these Regulations.

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4. The limited liability company Latvijas standarts shall publish in the newspaper Latvijas Vēstnesis [the official Gazette of the Government of the Republic of Latvia] a list of those Latvian national standards, which may be applied to fulfil the requirements of these Regulations.

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4.¹ An accredited authority regarding which the Ministry of Economics has published a notice in the newspaper Latvijas Vēstnesis (hereinafter - inspection authority) is entitled to perform technical inspections of steel melting equipment, if:

4.¹ 1. it has been accredited by the Latvian National Accreditation Bureau in conformity with standard LVS EN 45004 "Main Criteria for Various Types of Authorities, which Perform Inspections"; and

4.¹ 2. it has insured its civil legal liability in such an amount as to cover possible losses caused due to errors, which in co-operation with the insurer chosen by the authority a risk assessment has been calculated for the field of activity of the authority.

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4.² The Latvian National Accreditation Bureau shall assess and supervise the conformity of the inspection authority to the requirements referred to in Paragraph 4.¹ of these Regulations.

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II. Usage of Steel Melting Equipment

5. In order not to cause hazard to human health, life, property and the environment, the possessor of steel melting equipment shall ensure appropriate and safe use, servicing and monitoring of the steel melting equipment in accordance with the requirements of these Regulations and the instructions of the installer of the steel melting equipment.

6. It is permitted to use only steel melting equipment registered with the State Labour Inspection.

7. It is required that each unit of steel melting equipment has a passport in the official language. The possessor of the steel melting equipment shall complete a passport for the steel melting equipment in accordance with the specimen of the passport for a particular unit of steel melting equipment specified in the Annex to these Regulations.

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8. The possessor of the steel melting equipment shall append to the passport the declaration of conformity with the regulatory enactments regarding machinery safety, as well as the assembly and operating instructions in the official language. The instructions shall indicate the following information:

8.1. procedures for the installation and relocation of the steel melting equipment (also the connection of individual components);

8.2. procedures for initiating usage of the steel melting equipment;

8.3. procedures for the use of the steel melting equipment;

8.4. procedures for the technical maintenance and supervision of the steel melting equipment (including inspections performed by the user); and

8.5. the technical documentation, technical drawings, diagrams and calculations for the steel melting equipment if they help to understand the use of the steel melting equipment or if the possessor intends to extend the length of time of use of the equipment (resource).

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9. The possessor of steel melting equipment, upon the handing over or renting of the steel melting equipment to another possessor, shall also hand over the passport thereof, as well as the documents specified in Paragraph 8 of these Regulations. The possessor of the steel melting equipment is prohibited from using the equipment if the passport and the documents referred to in Paragraph 8 of these Regulations have not been received.

10. The possessor of steel melting equipment has the following duties:

10.1. to assign a specialist who shall be responsible for the technical state, safe usage and maintenance of the steel melting equipment (hereinafter - responsible specialist);

10.2. to ensure a sufficient number of personnel for the servicing of the steel melting equipment who are trained and instructed in accordance with the requirements of regulatory enactments regarding labour protection, using work equipment, as well as ensure the training of personnel in labour protection issues, taking into account the construction and use conditions of the equipment;

10.3. in compliance with the operating instructions provided by the installer to develop, approve and, if necessary, clarify and supplement work instructions for the servicing personnel of the steel melting equipment;

10.4. to ensure the issuance of assignments - permits for work under conditions of increased danger;

10.5. to ensure the timely performance of the technical inspections of the steel melting equipment provided for in these Regulations;

10.6. to ensure the storage and presentation of the passport and operating instructions for the steel melting equipment to the officials of the State Labour Inspection and to representatives of the authorised inspection authorities in accordance with the procedures specified in regulatory enactments;

10.7. to notify the State Labour Inspection regarding any emergencies or accidents that have occurred in connection with the use of the steel melting equipment; and

10.8. irrespective of the inspections specified in Chapter VIII of these Regulations, to ascertain during the usage thereof the conformity of the steel melting equipment with these Regulations and other regulatory enactments relating to steel melting equipment and the facilities thereof.

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11. The possessor of steel melting equipment shall provide the responsible specialist with the following documentation:

11.1. the passport of the steel melting equipment in which, during the use of the steel melting equipment, the responsible specialist shall specify all measures taken in relation to the maintenance and servicing of the equipment that affect the safe use thereof;

11.2. results of technical inspections performed in accordance with the procedures specified in these Regulations;

11.3. the operating instructions for the steel melting equipment;

11.4. the operations log for the steel melting equipment in which the responsible specialist shall specify data on the period of operation, the state of installations, automated mechanisms, alarm and protection devices for the steel melting equipment as well as inspection results;

11.5. the technological scheme for the location of the steel melting equipment that also includes the location of pipelines, equipment and gate valves;

11.6. an electrical diagram which specifies the electricity consumers, the apparatus and location of the power line on the premises of the steel melting equipment; and

11.7. the monitoring log for the cooling system of the steel melting equipment in which the responsible specialist shall specify information regarding inspections and repairs, as well as any damage to the cooling system and the rectification thereof.

12. The responsible specialist has the following duties:

12.1. to ensure the technical state of the steel melting equipment and facilities thereof in accordance with the operating documentation;

12.2. to ensure the appropriate maintenance of the operating documentation of the steel melting equipment;

12.3. to ensure that the personnel servicing the steel melting equipment have the appropriate qualifications and is instructed regarding the safe operation of the steel melting equipment;

12.4. to prepare the steel melting equipment for the technical inspections provided for in these Regulations and to participate in the performance thereof;

12.5. if unacceptable defects or violations of instructions are determined in work with the steel melting equipment, to suspend the operation of the equipment and to ensure the elimination of the deficiencies;

12.6. to carry out briefings of the servicing personnel at workplaces, as well as repeated and extraordinary tests of their knowledge; and

12.7. to suspend the operation of the steel melting equipment if the operation thereof causes a hazard to human life, health, property or the environment, as well as when the technical inspection of the steel melting equipment has not been performed within the specified period of time.

13. The servicing personnel of steel melting equipment have the following duties:

13.1. to comply with work safety, fire safety and environmental protection requirements when working with steel melting equipment in conformity with work instructions as well as the orders and instructions of the responsible specialist; and

13.2. to suspend the operation of the steel melting equipment if the equipment causes a hazard to human life, health, property or the environment.

III. General Requirements for Steel Melting Equipment

14. The construction of steel melting equipment, during the entire time of use of such equipment, shall ensure the resistance of the equipment against mechanical, thermal and chemical loads under the intended conditions of use and not cause any hazard to human life, health, property or the environment.

15. The possessor of the steel melting equipment shall place a notice or attach a plate (the height of letters being not less than 50 mm) on the control panel of the steel melting equipment in a visible place which specifies the registration number of the equipment, the main operating parameters specified by the manufacturer as well as the date of the next technical inspection.

16. It is permitted to perform the replacement of basic components of steel melting equipment or the welding of such components the limit values of which are utilised in calculations of strength (hereinafter - repair), as well as changes in the construction or operational parameters of the equipment (hereinafter - reconstruction) only in conformity with the requirements of these Regulations.

17. Components of steel melting equipment may be welded by welders who have certified their competence in performance of the relevant work in conformity with the requirements of regulatory enactments.

18. Accredited laboratories in accordance with the procedures specified in regulatory enactments shall perform verification of welded joints of steel melting equipment by non-destructive control methods.

19. It is permitted to commence repair and reconstruction of steel melting equipment only when the possessor of the equipment has submitted a written order-permit in accordance with Sub-paragraph 10.4 of these Regulations.

20. Prior to the commencement of any repair and reconstruction the steel melting equipment shall be cooled and disconnected from all sources of pressure, temperature, liquid, vapour and gases.

21. All the data regarding the reconstruction and repair of steel melting equipment and the relevant inspections shall be documented and appended to the passport for the equipment.

22. The steel melting equipment shall be installed so as to prevent any arbitrary deviation or tilting. Components of steel melting equipment shall be located so that the inspection, repair and technical control of the equipment is possible. If necessary, appropriate platforms and stairs shall be installed.

23. Premises on which steel melting equipment is located shall comply with the following requirements:

23.1. they are equipped with fire-fighting equipment in conformity with the requirements of regulatory enactments;

23.2. they are equipped with electrical equipment of grounding grid and chimneys with lightning conductors (leakage resistance of the grids may not exceed 4 ohms for electrical equipment and 15 ohms for lightning conductors). Welding shall connect all grounding connections that are not freely accessible;

23.3. they are equipped with appropriate ventilation equipment, which ensures adequate air temperature, humidity and composition;

23.4. they are equipped with devices for the release of water and other liquid substances from places in which the accumulation of such substances is possible;

23.5. they are clean and in order, in particular in relation to the presence of slugs and production residues in workplaces and passageways;

23.6. the premises have appropriate floors from wear-resistant materials with a slip-resistant surface, workplaces and passageways are located on an even plane;

23.7. entrances are located in places from which the workplace is safely accessible;

23.8. they are equipped with mechanised gates for the entering of railcars. Sound and visual alarms shall give warning on the opening and closing of the gates;

23.9. the arrangement of electrical equipment and electrical installations shall conform to the requirements of the regulatory enactments. The facilities or equipment operated thereby shall be clearly indicated at power and light cable switches; and.

23.10. the accumulation of dust, ice and snow on the roof is not permissible.

24. Work platforms for steel melting equipment shall conform to the following requirements:

24.1. the distance from the work platform to the constructions, equipment and pipeline installed above the work platform is not less than 1.8 metres;

24.2. work platforms located higher than 0.6 m above the floor surface, as well as crossing bridges, stairs, openings, traps, canals, pits and places for sedimentation from the continuous casting equipment are limited with handrails and sheeting the height of which is at least 0.1 metres; and

24.3. furnace bypass working platforms have at least one passageway to two furnaces, but steel pouring bypass platforms - at least one passageway to three furnaces. The referred to passageways are equipped with appropriate stairs.

25. Chimneys of steel melting equipment shall:

25.1. ensure adequate heat for the mode of operation of the equipment;

25.2. prevent the entering of any air through bolts and cracks in smoke flues and the chimney itself; and

25.3. ensure that the amount of harmful emissions is not exceeded in the normal operation mode of the steel melting technological process in conformity with the requirements of regulatory enactments.

26. Chimneys of steel melting equipment shall be installed on foundations, which, during use of the steel melting equipment, ensure the stability and verticality of the chimney within permissible limits (the maximum acceptable deviation from verticality is five thousandths of the height of the chimney in metres). Foundations shall be equipped with a height reference device (benchmarks).

27. Chimney fastening rings and metal constructions shall be protected against the undesirable effect of emissions and the environment.

28. in performing work on the premises of steel melting equipment it is prohibited:

28.1. for persons to be present in zones where metal and slag splashes may fall during the tapping of steel; and

28.2. to use the heating supply pipelines of steel melting equipment as supports when raising the load, as well as for the fastening of communications or the grounding of equipment.

IV. Safety Requirements for Use of an Open-hearth Furnace

29. Fixed appropriate working platforms shall be utilised for the inspection and repair of an open-hearth furnace, as well as for removal of dust and other dirt from the top of the furnace.

30. The width of the furnace rear working platform shall be not less than 1 m and the platform shall be fenced in. Within the furnace area the entire height of the fencing shall be made of metal sheets;

31. The fencing of a steel tapping spout shall be removable or possible to be pulled out. The working area shall be covered after the removal of the spout.

32. The rear wall of an open-hearth furnace shall be shielded in order to ensure protection from heat radiation. Workplaces on the rear working platform at the tapping spout shall be provided with appropriate ventilation.

33. Open-hearth furnace gate lift stops shall be maintained in working order. Gate shutters shall be controlled from a safe distance.

34. The construction of gate shutters shall ensure adequate density between the shutter and the gate frame, and are equipped with special auxiliaries preventing the shutter from arbitrarily falling.

35. Gate shutters shall be equipped with a continuous cooling system. If gate shutters are cooled with water, the construction of the cooling system shall be such that the vapour output does not cause any hazard to persons or the technological process.

36. Damaged gate shutters and frames shall be replaced in a timely manner. Gas and air supply shall be reduced during such replacement.

37. Slag chambers and regenerators of open-hearth furnaces shall be:

37.1. airtight and with the appropriate thermal insulation;

37.2. equipped with openings in the back walls for the blowing out of the furnace or the washing of the regenerator filling. After blowing or washing the openings may be closed;

37.3. equipped with smoke channels in the form of a recess; and

37.4. sealed and located at a height of 0.8 m from the floor level.

38. The dimensions of the open-hearth furnace crawlways may not be less than 0.8 x 0.8 m, and they shall have two locking covers with guides that are sealed with fire-resistant sealing.

39. Water removal devices of the charge door covers shall prevent water from getting onto the main furnace vault.

40. The cooling system of an open-hearth furnace shall ensure the fulfilment of the following requirements:

40.1. water utilised for the cooling of the open-hearth furnace (hereinafter - cooling water) shall be purified of mechanical impurities;

40.2. it is possible to disconnect components, which are cooled with cooling water;

40.3. cooling water shall be supplied at the bottom to the components to be cooled, but the heated cooling water shall be removed from the top;

40.4. cooling water shall be collected in containers located in places in which molten metal and slag cannot come into contact;

40.5. the temperature of cooling water removed from the cooled components shall be less than the temperature for scale formation;

40.6. overflow pipes for cooling water shall be located so that the servicing personnel sees the water drainage through pipes;

40.7. components to be cooled, cooling systems and evaporation pipeline locking devices of the open-hearth furnace shall be controlled from places safe and appropriate for servicing; and

40.8. maintenance of the necessary level of cooling water in boilers-separators shall be automated.

41. If the supply of cooling water is interrupted, the supply of heating fuel to the open-hearth furnace shall be suspended. In order to prevent the formation of excessive vapour and dilapidation of the cooling system, after restoration of the water supply, the water supply shall be performed slowly in accordance with the operating instructions.

42. In open-hearth furnaces with an evaporation cooling system, fulfilment of the following requirements shall additionally be ensured:

42.1. the system shall be equipped with devices that allow the switching over of the cooling system to operations with technical water;

42.2. evaporation cooling boilers-separators shall be located in special galleries, which are built from fire-resistant materials and equipped with artificial ventilation or located outside of the open-hearth furnace premises. Such galleries shall have at least two entrances (exits) which are located on opposite sides and the doors of which shall open to the outside. The doors must not have shutters;

42.3. the evaporation cooling control panel room shall have air conditioning equipment or artificial ventilation that ensures air circulation at 1.5 times greater in volume per hour than the total volume of the room;

42.4. if water condensate has begun to discharge from the cooling system, there shall be no possibility of the presence of any water on the vault or regenerator of the open-hearth furnace; and

42.5. vapour from the evaporation cooling system shall be released utilising noise dampers at places where the vapour cannot cause any hazard to the technological process or human health and life.

43. Gas vents of boiler-separator safety valves shall lead to places where it is not possible for personnel to be subjected to vapour burns.

44. The upper water level and alarm for the cooling system of the open-hearth furnace shall be inspected once per shift and the results of the inspection shall be recorded in the log referred to in Sub-paragraph 11.6 of these Regulations.

45. The control panel of an open-hearth furnace shall be equipped with:

45.1. sound and visual alarms regarding any changes in the cooling water level within limits of ±0,15 m from the nominal level;

45.2. means of communication for communication with the open-hearth room controller, as well as connected with the local speaker equipment of the premises;

45.3. regulating devices for the heat mode of the open-hearth furnace; and

45.4. alarm devices for the extreme parameters of the fuel and oxygen carrier.

46. The opening for the tapping of steel melted in an open-hearth furnace may be opened only when a molten steel receiving ladle is placed under the steel tapping spout of the furnace.

47. The dimensions and form of the tapping spout of an open-hearth furnace shall ensure the tapping of metal in a dense flow in accordance with the operating instructions. The supply of de-oxidants into the spout or ladle shall be mechanised.

48. Slag shall be removed from the open-hearth furnace on slag ladles, which are located under the working platform in which an opening with a spout to the ladle is installed.

49. The level of molten metal in the tub of the open-hearth furnace may not be higher than the baffles of the furnace.

50. Control of the heat mode of the open-hearth furnace shall be automated.

51. Fuel supplied for the heating of an open-hearth furnace shall be purified of impurities and heated up to a temperature that does not exceed the vapour ignition temperature.

52. Locking and regulating devices and measurement equipment controlling the pressure and temperature of the fuel, as well as equipment for the automatic switching of the supply to both sides of the furnace shall be installed on joint fuel-supply furnaces;

53. Containers intended for the pouring and storage of fuel from the emptying of the pipelines shall be located outside the premises of the open-hearth furnace.

54. An open-hearth furnace shall be equipped with continuous measurement thermocouples to ascertain the temperature of the metal during melting.

55. In using an open-hearth furnace the following is prohibited:

55.1. the presence of any persons on the furnace vault;

55.2. operation of the furnace without fixed or removable fencing, platforms, molten steel tapping spouts or other components or equipment of the furnace or if the equipment is damaged;

55.3. placement of gate valves upon the head vaults of the open-hearth furnace;

55.4. the making of steps upon the walls of smoke channels;

55.5. any maintenance work upon the open-hearth furnace if the slag tapping opening is open; and

55.6. the installation above the furnaces of any pipelines for the supply of fuel intended for operation of the furnace.

V. Safety Requirements for Usage of a Continuous Billet Casting Mechanism

56. All manufacturing processes for continuous billet casting mechanisms (hereinafter - casting machines), from the casting of metal to the passing of billet to the cooler, shall be mechanised and automated to the extent possible. Manual control shall also be ensured for each casting machine.

57. Cooling equipment for second-stage casting machines shall be located in a separate room with thermally insulated walls and draught ventilation;

58. The chamber door of the cooling equipment for the second-stage casting machines shall be closed with a shutter during the casting of metal.

59. Technological equipment not located in the second-stage cooling zone (including drive rollers) shall be located in a room with fire-resistant walls. The entry by and presence of persons in the referred to room is prohibited during the casting of metal.

60. An emergency water supply system shall be located in the second-stage cooling zone. If the main system is disconnected or the supply of water is suspended or reduced, a light or sound signal is sent to the casting machine control panel and the steel casting is stopped.

61. A casting machine shall be equipped with:

61.1. means of communication and a warning alarm;

61.2. a control panel with control devices for the control of volume and temperature for such water which is being supplied for the cooling of the crystalliser and within the second-stage cooling zone; and

61.3. a centralised oiling system;

62. The control panel of a casting machine in the casting area shall be located in a separate room with thermally insulated walls and heat-resistant glass protected with a metal net, as well as with two exits to the casting area. Air temperature, humidity and composition in the room shall be ensured in conformity with requirements of regulatory enactments. The control panel shall be located in a place in which the operator may clearly view the operations performed by the casting machine.

63. While using a crystalliser observance of the following requirements shall be ensured:

63.1. the oiling of the crystalliser shall be mechanised;

63.2. the cooling system of the crystalliser shall have an emergency water supply system in case the main system is disconnected;

63.3. no accumulation of humidity inside the crystalliser is possible;

63.4. it is prohibited to start the casting of steel prior to the supply of water to the crystalliser;

63.5. the crystalliser shall be swayed during the times of pouring in and pouring out;

63.6. billet driving rollers shall be switched on after the filling with metal of crystallisers up to the level ensuring the metal crystallisation process;

63.7. the driving and crystalliser swaying mechanism shall be started up carefully by steadily increasing speed; and

63.8. the second-stage cooling system shall ensure the smooth cooling of billets.

VI. Safety Requirements for Usage of Steel Casting Ladle and Slag Ladle

64. The construction of a steel casting ladle shall be such that the ladle is resistant against the mechanical, thermal and chemical load caused when moving the molten metal during casting and transportation.

65. The construction of a steel casting ladle shall comply with the following requirements:

65.1. the ladle must not be able to tip over arbitrarily;

65.2. the safety coefficient for the ladle tenons must not be less than 8.0;

65.3. the ladle shall be lined:

65.3.1. at least in two layers - with a reinforcement layer and a work layer;

65.3.2. in monolithic form or from heat resistant bricks;

65.3.3. so that the joint seams of the reinforcement layer and joint seams of the work layer do not coincide; and

65.3.4. so that the joints of the ladle bottom and wall linings do not form penetrating seams.

66. A steel casting ladle shall be equipped with:

66.1. a shutter and drainage stopper controlled from a distance; and

66.2. a teeming shell installed vertically inside the ladle. The gap between the shell and the ladle casing shall be filled with a fire-resistant mass. Replacement of the teeming shell inside the ladle shall be mechanised.

67. Shutters shall be installed inside steel casting ladles only after the complete pouring out of any steel and the drying out of the shell.

68. The replacement of stoppers of teeming shells and steel casting ladles shall be performed in places especially established and arranged for such purpose, where the safe and mechanised disassembly, assembly and drying of the stoppers is possible.

69. The metal level inside the molten steel receiving ladle may not exceed 0.15 m of the slag drainage. The construction of the ladle shall prevent any possibility of arbitrarily overturning.

70. Drainage of slag inside slag ladles shall be performed prior to the tapping of the molten steel. The slag ladle and equipment thereof shall comply with the following requirements:

70.1. the ladle shall be dry and covered with lime solution;

70.2. dry technological rubbish shall be placed in the bottom of the ladle;

70.3. the ladle trestle shall be cleaned from waste; and

70.4. the slag level in the ladle shall not be less than 0.25 m from the upper edge.

VII. Safety Requirements for Usage of an Electric Arc Furnace

71. The construction of an electric arc furnace shall be such so that the furnace is resistant against the mechanical and thermal load to which it is subject during use. The centre of gravity of an electric arc furnace shall be located in such a place so that in case the tilting mechanism is not operating, the furnace would be in a vertical position.

72. An electric arc furnace shall be installed upon a foundation that ensures the opportunity to inspect the lower part of the electric arc furnace and mechanisms, which are located under the working platform of the electric arc furnace. An electric arc furnace shall be equipped with:

72.1. effective equipment for the output of waste gas and purification from dust;

72.2. a tilting mechanism controlled from a place in which the steel pouring operations are in full view;

72.3. control levers the direction of which shall match the tilting direction of the electric arc furnace;

72.4. stoppers for the limiting of the tilting of the electric arc furnace;

72.5. areas and stairs demarcated with handrails to access the tilting mechanism and vault of the electric arc furnace;

72.6. sound and visual alarms which switch on not less than one minute before the tilting of the furnace;

72.7. slag ladles or slag tubs for the enforced conduit thereof from the electric arc furnace;

72.8. gates and shutters thereof in conformity with Paragraphs 33, 34, 35 and 36 of these Regulations;

72.9. a lined spout for the tapping of the molten steel. The construction of the spout shall prevent any possibility of overflow with molten metal and the lining thereof shall be appropriate for preventing the breakthrough of the molten metal through the spout during the tapping of the casting; and

72.10. a continuous cooling system the cooling liquid supplies and components of which shall be air-tight. They must not be located under the gate or spout of the electric arc furnace.

73. The construction of electrodes of an electric arc furnace shall ensure the fulfilment of the following requirements:

73.1. electrode movement mechanisms shall have travel stoppers that switch on automatically when the intended extreme conditions are reached;

73.2. in replacing electrodes, the metallic part of the electrode thread shall be completely screwed into the electrode;

73.3. the clasping and release of electrodes from the electrode holder shall be mechanised and it shall be controlled from the working platform at the furnace;

73.4. electrodes shall move freely inside the vault opening, and they must not come into contact with the brickwork;

73.5. electrode clasps shall be isolated from the columns and grounded parts of the furnace; and

73.6. the gaps between electrode rings and the electrodes shall be sealed.

VIII. Technical Inspections of Steel Melting Equipment

74. Inspection authorities shall perform an initial technical inspection of steel melting equipment, regular technical inspections, inspections in respect of lengthening the time of use (resource) and emergency technical inspections in accordance with the applicable standards.

[28 December 2004]

75. The installer of the steel melting equipment, prior to the assembly of the equipment, shall submit the following documents to the inspection authority:

75.1. a general description of the steel melting equipment;

75.2. the technical design of the steel melting equipment developed in accordance with the procedures specified in regulatory enactments. The technical design shall include the following information:

75.2.1. drawings of the assembly of the construction, drawings of components, drawings of sub-assemblies and other service drawings and diagrams, as well as descriptions and explanations of the steel melting equipment; and.

75.2.2. calculations of the design; and

75.3. conformity certificates and operating instructions for the steel melting equipment if specified in the relevant regulatory enactments.

[28 December 2004]

76. The inspection authority shall verify the technical design of the steel melting equipment, as well as perform the relevant inspections during assembly in order to ensure the conformity of the steel melting equipment with the requirements of these Regulations and the relevant regulatory enactments, turning particular attention to the following issues:

76.1. verification of the design and technical documentation of the installation procedures;

76.2. verification of materials utilised and certificates thereof;

76.3. scrutiny of the territory and technical documentation of the steel melting equipment (for example, conformity of structures, equipment, facilities and the arrangement thereof with the requirements of the design and the technological scheme);

76.4. internal and external inspection of the steel melting equipment and facilities thereof and the functional inspection of furnace equipment;

76.5. inspection of steel casting ladles and measurement of ladle tenons with a non-destructive control method;

76.6. inspection of chimneys and the lining of smoke flues, as well as metal constructions and measurements of verticality and settling;

76.7. inspection of the evaporator cooling system and hydraulic inspection; and

76.8. control of the grounding grid and insulation (for example, measurements of leakage resistance and bypass resistance, insulation resistance).

[28 December 2004]

77. During the use of steel melting equipment the possessor thereof shall ensure that the inspection authority, not less frequently than every two years, performs a regular technical inspection which includes:

77.1. examination of the territory and technical documentation of the steel melting equipment;

77.2. external inspection of the steel melting equipment and facilities thereof in operation and functional inspection of the furnace equipment;

77.3. inspection of steel casting ladles and measurements of the ladle tenons by a non-destructive method;

77.4. inspection and examination of chimneys and smoke flues;

77.5. inspection and examination of the evaporation cooling system; and

77.6. inspection of grounding and insulation (for example, measurement of leakage resistance and bypass resistance, insulation resistance).

[28 December 2004]

78. Taking into account the technical state and service life of the steel melting equipment, the inspection authority is entitled to specify regular inspections more frequently than referred to in Paragraph 77 of these Regulations.

[28 December 2004]

79. Emergency technical inspections of steel melting equipment shall be performed in the following cases:

79.1. after repair or reconstruction of the steel melting equipment;

79.2. after emergencies or accidents due to which components and facilities of the steel melting equipment have been damaged;

79.3. upon reasoned request by an official of the State Labour Inspection.

80. In order to facilitate the conformity assessment of steel melting equipment during an emergency inspection, prior to commencement of repair or reconstruction of the equipment the possessor of the equipment shall co-ordinate the technology and procedures for the fulfilment of the relevant work with the inspection authority. The inspection authority shall determine the extent of an emergency technical inspection.

[28 December 2004]

81. After a technical inspection the inspection authority shall make an entry in the passport of the steel melting equipment and draw up a protocol of the technical inspection in two copies. One copy of the inspection protocol shall be issued to the possessor, the second shall be kept with the inspection authority for not less than 10 years after the day of the inspection.

[28 December 2004]

82. If the steel melting equipment conforms to the requirements of these Regulations, the inspection authority shall issue a safety control marking (sign) for a dangerous installation to the possessor and the possessor shall attach it to the control panel of the steel melting equipment in a visible place.

[28 December 2004]

83. If the inspection authority determines after a technical inspection that the steel melting equipment does not conform with the requirements of these Regulations, the possessor has a duty to rectify such non-conformity and to invite the inspection authority to perform a repeat inspection.

[28 December 2004]

84. If after a repeat inspection the steel equipment does not conform with the requirements of these Regulations and causes a hazard to human life, health or the environment, the inspection authority shall warn the possessor, notify the State Labour Inspection, as well as the State Environment Inspection in case of threat to the environment, and the State Fire-fighting and Rescue Service, if an increased risk of fire is determined, and within a one-day period send a copy of the inspection protocol to the referred to authorities.

[28 December 2004]

IX. Closing Provisions

85. These Regulations shall come into force on 1 July 2001.

Prime Minister A. Bērziņš

Minister for Welfare A. Požarnovs

 

Annex
Cabinet Regulation No. 87
27 February 2001

Specimen of Passport for Steel Melting Equipment

(title page)

(name of steel melting equipment)

PASSPORT

(new page)

Trade mark (logo) of the installer of the steel melting equipment

(name and address of the possessor of the steel melting equipment)

(name of the installer of the steel melting equipment)

(name, type and model of the steel melting equipment)

(new page)

I. General Provisions

1. Author of the design of the steel melting equipment
2. Name and address of the installer of the steel melting equipment
3. Year of installation of the steel melting equipment
4. Type and model of the steel melting equipment
5. Service life (resource) of the steel melting equipment in years
6. Calculated service life (resource) in hours.
6.1. for an open-hearth furnace
6.2. for an electric furnace
6.3. for steel casting ladles
6.4. for slag ladles
6.5. for continuous billet casting mechanisms

(new page)

II. Characterisation of the Open-hearth Furnace

7. Working premises:
7.1. tub length (mm)
7.2. tub width (mm)
7.3. floor area (m2)
7.4. tub depth (mm)
7.5. tub height (mm)
7.6. vault bypass (mm)
7.7. vault elevation height (mm)
7.8. vault radius (mm)
7.9. central angle (grades)
7.10. foot beam inclination angle (grades)
7.11. vertical channel width (mm)
7.12. vertical channel length (mm)
8. Slag chamber:
8.1. length (mm):
8.2. width (mm)
8.3. height to the vault (mm)
8.4. volume (m3)
9. Regenerators:
9.1. length (mm):
9.2. width (mm)
9.3. height to the vault (mm)
9.4. volume (m3)
10. Chimney
10.1. height (m)
10.2. top diameter (mm)
10.2. bottom diameter (mm)

(new page)

11. Information Regarding Safety Devices

No.	Name of the safety device	Manufacturing standard	Quantity	Characteristics	Location

(new page)

12. Information Regarding Gate Valves

No.	Name of the gate valve	Manufacturing standard	Quantity	Characteristics	Location

(new page)

13. Information Regarding Measuring, Control, Alarm, Regulating and Automatic Protection Equipment

No.	Name of equipment	Manufacturing standard	Quantity	Characteristics	Location

14. In the passport bound together are appended documents (for example, technical drawings, which characterise the furnace lining, reinforcement of workrooms, furnace head accessories, the slag chamber and carcass of the regenerators, the location of foot beams, the furnace vault, slag chamber and regenerator vault, gate lift mechanisms and the blocking of bolts, the heating and cooling of the furnace, smoke channels, the constructions of spouts and ladles, the control panel of the steel melting equipment):

Installer of the steel melting equipment
	(signature and full name)

Place for a seal

____ _______________, 20___

(new page)

15. Specialist responsible for the technical state of the steel melting equipment

Number and date of issue of the order	Position and surname	Signature of the responsible specialist

(new page)

16. Information Regarding the Repair, Reconstruction of the Steel Melting Equipment and the Replacement of Devices

Date	Information Regarding the Repair, Reconstruction of the Equipment and the Replacement of Devices	Signature of the responsible specialist

(new page)

17. Information regarding inspections performed

Date of inspection	Results of inspection	Date of next inspection

(new page)

18. Registration of the steel melting equipment

The steel melting equipment is registered with the State Labour Inspection with No. __________

The passport consists of ____________ numbered and sewn pages, _______ in total including the technical drawings on pages _________.

(position, signature and full name of official of the State Labour Inspection)

Place for a seal

______ ________________, 20___

Notes.

1. If necessary, the passport shall be supplemented with additional columns and particular information regarding the steel melting equipment.

2. Recommended passport format - 218 x 290 (210 x 297) mm.

3. Not less than 16 pages shall be provided for the completion of Paragraph 16 of the passport, and not less than 10 pages - for the completion of Paragraph 17.

[28 December 2004]

Minister for Welfare A. Požarnovs

 

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Translation © 2005 Tulkošanas un terminoloģijas centrs (Translation and Terminology Centre)