Tanker inspection and certification inspections
Comprehensive examinations of tankers and their associated equipment in accordance with the current road transport regulations for dangerous goods movement.
These inspections help support a robust tank maintenance system, checking components which are often overlooked during regular preventative maintenance such as tank openings and valves.
Your legal obligations
The schedules of the current road transport regulations for dangerous goods movement require that all dangerous substance tankers have a periodic or intermediate examination at specific intervals and tank documentation is retained for the whole life of the tank.
Additionally, tankers must undergo an extra annual test over and above the normal heavy goods vehicle roadworthiness test, an ADR test, to ensure they comply with part 9 of the European Agreement concerning the ADR.
If loading in a participant terminal, additionally tankers require a UK petroleum Industry Association (UKPIA) / Tank Storage Association (TSA) Safe Loading Pass Scheme inspection at six-monthly intervals and display a pass to gain access to the terminal.
Road Tanker Certification Service
FTA successfully holds UKAS accreditation and Department for Transport (DfT)/Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) approval for the certification of both ‘old’ UK (pre 9 May 2004) and ‘new’ (post 10 May 2004) ADR tanks meeting the requirements of the current road transport regulations for dangerous goods movement and the requirements of ADR.
The intermediate inspections incorporate:
- an examination of the tank documents and maintenance history
- inspection of the tank interior and exterior to identify any defects such as fatigue and corrosion
- a leakproofness test utilising low pressure nitrogen or compressed air, removing the risk of product contamination
- inspection of service equipment to ensure serviceability of valves, openings, pipework, seals, switches and wiring
- a vapour tightness test checking breather valves and vapour recovery systems
- check on ancillaries fitted such as hose reels, tank access equipment and safety devices
In addition to the above, periodic inspections include:
- a detailed non-destructive test (NDT) of the tank shell
- an examination of the tank interior employing remote inspection equipment
- a hydraulic test utilising nitrogen or compressed air to check the structural integrity of the tank
On completion of the inspection and tests the tank plate is stamped. An inspection report detailing any notable defects is provided, a leakproofness/vapour tightness report and the appropriate certificate through the DfT online system.
Regular Tank Inspections
A regular dangerous substance tank (DST) inspection helps ensure that tankers remain compliant with ADR requirements whilst in operation. It provides an assessment of maintenance standards and helps highlight any developing issues in between certifications, as these vital checks might be missed during a garage PMI check. The visual inspection includes:
- cab and personal protection equipment
- placarding, marking and firefighting equipment
- wiring, lighting and electrical continuity
- exhaust and fuel tanks
- tank mountings, supports and shell
- tank compartments, openings, valves, loading and discharge equipment
Safe Loading Pass Inspections
FTA is equipped to provide inspections meeting the Safe Loading pass Scheme (SLPS) requirements with a disc issued on successful completion. Inspections can be tailored to members’ requirements with discounts available when tank inspection products are combined. Inspections can be used as part of a robust maintenance system, providing detailed information on tank condition and compliance peace of mind.