Federal hazmat regulators have approved a newer pressure-vessel engineering standard for building and maintaining certain tank trucks, super-cold portable tanks, and multi-unit rail tank cars. A companion national inspection standard was also approved to govern upkeep and repair of tanks made under the new rules, plus some existing tank trucks built to earlier ASME and federal requirements. The agency says the change lowers costs and gives industry more flexibility while keeping safety intact.
Key Points
- The 2015 edition of the ASME boiler and pressure vessel standard, Section XII, is now referenced in federal hazmat rules for transport tank construction and ongoing service.
- The approval covers select specification cargo tank motor vehicles, portable tanks for cryogenic liquids, and tank car tanks that combine multiple units.
- The 2015 National Board Inspection Code, Parts 2 and 3 including Supplement 6, is also approved for repair, alteration, and in-service work on tanks built to Section XII.
- That inspection code may also be applied to existing cargo tank trucks built to ASME and federal hazmat specifications.
- PHMSA projects savings and added flexibility for the industry without a reduction in safety.
Why It Matters
The action gives cargo tank manufacturers, owners, and repair shops an additional recognized engineering and inspection framework, which the agency says will cut costs while maintaining safety.