Section 320. Equipment and facility requirements

A. Emissions inspection stations shall have adequate facilities and equipment, including all current reference and application guides, as specified in subsection D of this section to perform all elements of the emissions inspection.

B. Emissions inspection stations shall be equipped in accordance with this chapter and applicable statutes.

C. Emissions inspection stations which no longer meet the requirements of this part shall cease inspection operations and may be subject to enforcement actions in accordance with Part IX (9VAC5-91-590 et seq.).

D. Emissions inspection stations shall be equipped with the following equipment, tools and reference materials at all times. Fleet and mobile fleet emissions inspection stations shall be so equipped during inspection periods reported to the department.

1. A certified analyzer system in accordance with Part X (9VAC5-91-640 et seq.) capable of conducting OBD testing as specified in 9VAC5-91-420 G 3.

2. Span gases approved by the department and equipment for performing gas span checks.

3. Hand tools and equipment for the proper performance of all inspections as approved by the department.

4. A current emissions control systems application guide which contains a quick reference for emissions control systems and their uses on specific make, model, and model year vehicles. This may be in an electronic form.

5. Analyzer manufacturer's maintenance and calibration manual.

6. Certified thermometer.

7. Suitable nonreactive exhaust hoses or a ventilation system that conforms to The BOCA National Mechanical Code/1993 (see 9VAC5-91-50) for automotive service stations and for facilities in which vehicle engines are operated in excess of 10 continuous seconds and which conforms to the applicable local building or safety code, zoning ordinance, or Occupational Safety and Health Administration requirement.

a. The ventilation system shall discharge the vehicle exhaust outside the building.

b. The flow of the exhaust collection system shall not cause dilution of the exhaust at the sample point in the probe.

8. A cooling fan, used to ventilate the engine compartment, which is capable of generating at least 3,000 standard cubic feet per minute of air flow directed at the vehicle's cooling system at a distance of 12 inches.

9. This regulation (9VAC5-91).

10. Telephone.

11. Dedicated phone line or web-based internet connection for use by the analyzer system in emissions inspection stations except fleet emissions inspection stations which have been authorized by the director to use a nondedicated phone line pursuant to an agreement between the director and the fleet emissions inspection station, based on vehicle maintenance or registration cycles.

12. Department approved paper for use in the analyzer system printer.

13. Reference material suitable for making a determination, as applicable, of the proper exhaust emissions test type to be administered. This may be in electronic form.

E. Emissions inspection stations shall maintain equipment, tools, and reference materials in proper working order and available at the emissions inspection station at all times.

F. It is the responsibility of the permit holder to maintain a safe and healthy working environment for the conduct of emissions inspections.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 13, Issue 05, eff. January 24, 1997; amended, Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 20, eff. October 1, 2002; Volume 29, Issue 09, eff. December 15, 2012.

Statutory Authority

§ 46.2-1180 of the Code of Virginia; § 182 of the federal Clean Air Act; 40 CFR Part 51, Subpart S.