(a) When an operator has access to a residential premises for the purpose of responding to a complaint of a gas leak or odor, all operating vent-connected gas utilization equipment that are in the on-cycle shall be checked for flue spillage or possible malfunction, even if the inquiry into the cause of the visit has been satisfied.
(b) This check shall be made in accordance with paragraph 8.6 of the National Fuel Gas Code NFPA 54 (as described in section 10.3 of this Title).
(c) The operator shall check draft hoods for indications of improper flue draft; and, if this check fails, the operator shall treat it as a Class A condition under section 261.57(b)(3) of this Part.
(d) The operator is also to conduct a visual inspection of the service regulator vent if working in the vicinity of the regulator and it is accessible.
(e) Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision (a) of this section, the operator need only attempt to check vent-connected appliances located in the basement or utility room in multi-family dwellings once in the 12 month period beginning October 1 each year.
(1) If the operator finds the basement or utility room locked, he must attempt to locate the superintendent in order to gain access.
(2) If access cannot be gained, the operator must document that no check was made for this reason.
(3) If another leak or odor complaint is investigated at the same location in the same 12 month period, the operator must again attempt to gain access.
(4) Notwithstanding paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subdivision, if there is reason to suspect that a gas leak or CO condition exists in an inaccessible area, the operator must call the police or fire department for assistance to gain access.
(f) Except as required under paragraph (e)(4) of this section, an operator need not comply with the preceding subdivisions of this section for residences covered by a municipal regulation requiring an annual inspection of heating equipment, including a check for flue spillage, so long as the Gas Division is provided with sufficient evidence that the municipality has an effective program to ensure compliance with its regulations.
(g) If the operator is satisfied that the cause of the customer's complaint is not a natural gas leak or a condition related to gas use, such as CO or flue spillage, he shall nevertheless attempt to identify the odor which prompted the customer complaint.
(h) When an operator lights or relights a vent-connected gas utilization appliance or responds to a complaint of a suspected CO condition, the appliance shall be checked for flue spillage or possible malfunction in accordance with paragraph 8.6 of the National Fuel Gas Code NFPA 54 (as described in section 10.3 of this Title).