Tanks and Pressure Receptacles
This page was last updated on 7th December 2023DfT/VCA Guidance
VCA Guidance and Technical Bulletins
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Guidance on the Interpretation of ADR Chapter 6.10 for Vacuum Operated Waste Tanks
The Department for Transport Dangerous Goods Division (DfT DGD) and VCA DGO have provided their interpretation on a number of issues that have arisen concerning VOWTs. This document is published on 06 May 2020 and the requirements contained within become mandatory from 06 November 2020.
Guidance on the Interpretation of ADR Chapter 6.10 for Vacuum Operated Waste Tanks (VOWTs) (PDF)
DfT Remote Inspection Guidance
The following information provides guidance developed by the DfT in conjunction with DVSA, HSE, UKAS and VCA to set out a framework for AIBs that wish to perform remote inspections of dangerous goods tanks and/or their service equipment.
These are interim measures to be taken to maintain continuity of inspections during the COVID-19 pandemic and in other such situations when site access restrictions have been put in place.
Please see DfT Remote Inspection Guidance for further information
DfT Remote Visual Inspection Guidance
The DfT Remote Visual Inspection guidance outlines the requirements for AIBs wishing to perform remote visual inspections and apply to UKAS to obtain accreditation for such activities.
DfT Remote Visual Inspection Guidance (PDF)
Miscellaneous
Approved tank requirements concerning the provisions for vapour recovery systems of mobile containers carrying petrol
The CDG regulations also completes the implementation of Directive 94/63/EC, which require the control of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions (petrol vapours) resulting from the storage and distribution of petrol, as set out in approved tank requirements.
Approved Tank Requirements (PDF)
DfT Authorisation 839 – Tanks below ADR minimum thickness
DfT DGD have issued Authorisation 839 to permit the continued operation of tanks with shell thickness below the ADR minimum.
The main text of the authorisation can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/tanks-below-the-minimum-thickness
Approved tanks can be identified in the listings in the relevant schedules:
Schedule 1 – L4BN (General Purpose tanks)
Schedule 2 – LGBF (Fuel tankers)
Note: This authorisation is applicable to tanks constructed with reduced shell thickness only – i.e. not for tanks which have had reduction in shell thickness during operation.
To add a tank to one of the schedules, an application must be made to VCA DGO with a supporting safety case indicating that safety is not otherwise compromised, and that all other provisions of the ADR regulations have been met. Applications should include the following information relating to the tank (items in bold are mandatory):
- Tank serial number, exactly as displayed on the tank plate
- Date of manufacture
- ADR tank code
- Products approved for carriage (as per GN-2020-02)
- Any relevant special ADR provisions (e.g. TAx, TUx, TCx provisions)
- Length of time the tank has been in service
- Any relevant additional certifications e.g. IMO tank status
- A report describing any corrosion or localised thinning of the tank shell, surge plates, baffles etc.
- Construction code
- Type approval number
- Materials of construction
Applications are to be supported by the following documents where relevant (items in bold are mandatory):
- Safety case, including the following:
- Declaration by an AIB pursuant to the alternative carriage provisions in the authorisation
- Calculations showing the tank can withstand appropriate stresses
- Additional safety measures recommended by the inspector (e.g. removal of products, increased frequency of inspections)
- Image of tank plate
- Images of tank shell, baffles, surge plates
- Thickness measurements
- Drawings
