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Inspection Procedure - Air Leaks

Entry DateApril 12, 2024
Issue Number24-024-VEH
NameBrad Gibson
AgencyTexas Department of Public Safety
Address6200 Guadalupe St.Building PAustin, Texas, 78752United StatesMap It (opens in a new tab)
Phone(512) 921-0970
Email[email protected]
CommitteeVehicle Committee
StatusClosed
Summary of Issue

Is it acceptable for an inspector to use a soap and water solution to look for gaseous leaks without first detecting or suspecting an air leak via audible, visible, or tactile means (e.g., no prior evidence)?

Justification or Need

A majority of inspectors do not use a soap and water solution to look for gaseous leaks unless evidence is present, or they detect or suspect one first via audible, visible, or tactile means. A minority of inspectors use a soap and water solution to blindly hunt for gaseous leaks with no evidence, or previous detection or suspicion.

Request for Action

For consistency, add guidance to Op Policy 15 that a soap and water or similar solution can be used to confirm a gaseous leak only when audible, visual, or tactile evidence that a gaseous leak is present beforehand, or something similar.