(a) In addition to any INC issued for a seal violation, the AO or AR may place one or more Federal seals on any appropriate valve, sealing device, or oil-metering-system component that does not comply with the requirements in §§3173.2 and 3173.3 if the operator is not present, refuses to cooperate with the AO or AR, or is unable to correct the noncompliance.

(b) The placement of a Federal seal does not constitute compliance with the requirements of §§3173.2 and 3173.3.

(c) A Federal seal may not be removed without the approval of the AO or AR.