A revised inspection regime for tanks and cylinders carrying 'dangerous goods' has been introduced. Those who inspect tanks and pressure receptacles carrying dangerous goods (as defined by the amended Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2004) now have to be appointed by the Department for Transport (DfT) on the recommendation of the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS).
UKAS Accreditation Manager for Engineering Inspection and Development, Lal Ilan
says: "These revisions bring the UK into line with international practice. Organisations or persons that carry out the inspection of tanks and pressure vessels whilst they are in-service may now unwittingly be operating illegally, simply because they are unaware of the changes in the legislation."
UKAS Engineering Inspection accreditation is responsible for assessing the competence of organisations that apply to the DfT for these regulatory appointments. Specialist assessors and experts from UKAS will carry out the assessments of competence based upon criteria agreed between UKAS and DfT to internationally recognised standards.
The transport of goods by road or rail has the potential for accidents. Where the goods being carried are flammable, corrosive or under pressure, there are additional risks from loss of containment and fire, spillage or explosion. The proper inspection of containers carrying dangerous substances is crucial to minimising the risks arising from any accident.
More information concerning the Carriage of Dangerous Goods regulations is available on the Department for Transport and the Health & Safety Executive web sites at
http://www.dft.gov.uk/roads/dangerousgoods http://www.hse.gov.uk/cdg/pressure.htm
Information on the assessment and appointments process can be found at http://www.ukas.com