Interpretation Response #00-0348 ([National Tank Truck Carriers, Inc.] [Mr. Clifford J. Harvison])
Below is the interpretation response detail and a list of regulations sections applicable to this response.
Interpretation Response Details
Response Publish Date:
Company Name: National Tank Truck Carriers, Inc.
Individual Name: Mr. Clifford J. Harvison
Location State: VA Country: US
View the Interpretation Document
Response text:
May 11, 2001
Mr. Clifford J. Harvison Ref. No. 00-0348
President
National Tank Truck Carriers, Inc.
2200 Mill Road
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
Dear Mr. Harvison:
This responds to your letter, dated November 27, 2000, concerning cargo tank inspections and tests required by the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 40 CFR Parts 171-180). Specifically, you ask about testing and marking requirements for insulated cargo tanks that are tested in accordance with § 180.407(d).
Section 180.407(c) establishes periodic inspection and test requirements for specification cargo tanks. Generally, an MC 330, MC 331, and MC 338 cargo tank must undergo a visual external inspection each year. Section 180.407(d) requires a visual internal inspection in place of the visual external inspection for an insulated cargo tank, except for an MC 330 or MC 331 cargo tank. However, for a cargo tank, including an MC 330 and MC 331 cargo tank, for which an internal visual inspection is precluded, either because the tank has an internal lining or coating or is not equipped with a manhole, § 180.407(d) requires the tank to be pressure tested in accordance with § 180.407(c) and (g). Consistent with § 180.407(d), the chart in § 180.407(c) indicates that, except for MC 338 cargo tanks, all cargo tank that are insulated with no manhole or are insulated and lined must be pressure tested annually. An MC 338 cargo tank need only be pressure tested every five years. A cargo tank that is successfully pressure tested in accordance with § 180.407(g) in lieu of a visual internal inspection must be marked with a “P” and the month and year of the test (see § 180.415).
Even where insulation precludes a visual external inspection of the tank shell, a visual external inspection of a cargo tank's piping, valves, gaskets, manholes, emergency devices, remote closures, and all major appurtenances and structural attachments must be conducted in accordance with § 180.407(d)(2). The cargo tank must be marked as specified in § 180.415 to indicate successful completion of the visual external inspection.
I hope this satisfies your request.
Sincerely
Transportation Regulations Specialist
Office of Hazardous Materials Standards
180.407