(a) All flanged joints shall be fitted up so that the gasket contact faces bear uniformly on the gasket and then shall be made up with relatively uniform bolt stress. Bolt loading and gasket compression need only be verified by touch and visual observation.

(b) When bolting gasketed flanged joints, the gasket must be properly compressed in accordance with the design principles applicable to the type of gasket used.

(c) Steel to cast iron flanged joints shall be assembled with care to prevent damage to the cast iron flange in accordance with §56.25-10.

(d) All bolts must be engaged so that there is visible evidence of complete threading through the nut or threaded attachment.

[CGFR 68-82, 33 FR 18843, Dec. 18, 1968, as amended by USCG-2003-16630, 73 FR 65185, Oct. 31, 2008]