The Freight Transport Association Vehicle Inspection Service has received Department for Transport accreditation to carry out inspections of RID/ADR tanks carrying class 3 goods - petroleum spirit, diesel, gas oil and aviation fuel - manufactured on or after 10 May 2004. This new approval supplements FTA's existing appointment for the inspection and certification of tanks manufactured before 9 May 2004.
In order to achieve this appointment FTA had to demonstrate compliance with the requirements of UKAS Guidance document DR5 titled 'Inspection for the Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail'. This publication contains policy, requirements and guidance applicable to bodies seeking recommendation by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) to the Department for Transport (DfT) as organisations suitable for appointment as DfT 'appointed persons' for tanks under the Carriage of Dangerous Goods and use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations SI 2004, No 258 (The Carriage Regulations); RID - regulations concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Rail and; ADR - European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road.
FTA is one of a limited number of organisations approved to carry out these inspections and certifications.
Tanks are required to be inspected and certified when first put into service, following modification or major repair, and at regular intervals in their operational life.
FTA's Vehicle Inspection Service carries out over 100,000 inspections each year.