Tank testing FTA at FPS 2007

The Freight Transport Association will once again be exhibiting at the April exhibition of the Federation of Petroleum Suppliers. FTA will be featuring its Vehicle Inspection Service and, in particular, its accredited tank certification service.

FTA's tank certification service helps ensure safety for drivers and the public. It significantly reduces downtime and guarantees the safety of the tank and associated equipment.

Since 1999, FTA has been undertaking operators' tank tests using the low-pressure method of testing in accordance with the Health & Safety Executive guidance. In 2004 FTA invested in new leakproofness testing equipment that was developed through its team of certification engineers and a specialist manufacturing company. FTA's Vehicle Inspection Service for leakproofness testing was UKAS accredited in April 2004. Fully trained, dedicated FTA engineers are currently inspecting and certifying operators' tanks to a national standard in accordance with Schedule 1 of the Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2004.

Tanks and fittings, where applicable, are examined in accordance with the Energy Institute's Written Scheme for the Examination, Testing and Certification of Petroleum Road Tankers. One of the conditions is the requirement for vapour tightness testing to be carried out at intervals not greater than two years.

The current competent person regime was phased out on 30 June 2006. Therefore testing can only be carried out by 'inspection bodies' appointed by the Secretary of State and accredited by UKAS. FTA has gained Department for Transport appointment to comply with the changes in legislation.

The Federation of Petroleum Suppliers' 2007 exhibition will be held at the International Centre in Telford on 18/19 April. FTA can be found at Stand 168.

More details on the FTA Vehicle Inspection Service are available at www.fta.co.uk