The industrial sector contributed about 20.2% to the UK economy’s £1,904 billion GVA 2020. From food processing and FMCG manufacturing to construction, their successes are partly due to powder tank transportation.
While it’s a reliable transport mechanism, it demands a lot of caution and regulation to keep it safe. Powder tankers pose several hazards and risks if improperly handled. That’s why an efficient safety compliance system is necessary.
Understanding UK Transport Safety Regulations
The UK has one of the most robust regulations surrounding the safe transport of industrial materials. The Department for Transport is the primary regulatory body that sets and enforces these regulations. In addition, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) highlights the rules of the Carriage of Dangerous Goods.
As a stakeholder in powder tank transportation, you also need to comply with the requirements for the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH). If your company does cross-border transit, you must expand your international transport rules knowledge. These may include RID, ADR, and TPED regulations.
Staying Compliant with UK Safety Regulations on Powder Tankers
Powder tank transporters in the UK are bound by the requirements of the Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations (SI 2009, no. 1348). These guidelines follow the European agreements, RID, ADR, TPED, and other requirements.
Here are some of the critical regulations that you need to comply with for safe powder tank transportation activities:
Testing and inspection
Before you are authorised for business, your tankers and pressure receptacles must undergo testing, inspection, and certification. This isn’t a one-time affair but a requirement you must do periodically. The regulations are even more stringent for tankers older than five years. Only tankers that surpass the testing limits by competent authorities receive authorisation.
In the UK, the Secretary of State for Transportation is the competent body that performs this testing. After an appointment, the entity performs a conformity assessment and body inspection. The VCA Dangerous Goods Office is in charge of the appointment scheme and carries the checks for:
- UK tankers built before 10 May 2004. Click here to learn some of the procedures and tips for ensuring your tankers are ready for inspection.
- Powder and all other tanks are manufactured according to the ADR/RID standards.
- Pressure tankers built for transporting goods.
Post repair inspections
To keep your fleet functional and efficient, you need to perform regular maintenance and repairs. After every repair, it’s a requirement to book an appointment for another inspection. Remember, this is mandatory, even if your powder tanker underwent testing a few weeks earlier. Some of the checks that VCA DGO performs include:
- Verify that the tanks’ repairs or modification design conforms to the required regulations.
- Intermediate inspection. This is a requirement, even if you haven’t made any repairs recently. This check ascertains that your transportable pressure equipment and tank are in ideal condition for safe use and handling.
In any circumstances, the VCA DGO may appoint a third-party conformity assessment body. However, the decision to authorise your powder tanker for operations remains the sole responsibility of the VCA DGO. For detailed information about the roles of this conformity assessment body, check out the Gov.UK website.
Personnel training and internal safety regulations
Besides regulatory compliance, your business needs a structural framework to promote safe handling. One way to ensure this is to establish safety policies for your team to follow. In addition, you need to conduct internal training sessions to increase safety awareness.
To maintain material integrity, conduct regular training on the safe handling of powder tank components. This is particularly crucial for pharmaceutical and food-grade ingredients.
Adherence to Environmental Standards
Powder tank transportation must adhere to environmental regulations in addition to safety regulations. The Environment Agency regulates waste disposal and emissions to minimise the impact of transporters’ activities on the environment. The agency scrutinises waste management protocols, including vehicle fuel efficiency and waste disposal.
Summary
Powder tank transportation plays a crucial role in supporting the core functions of industrial manufacturers. However, due to the nature of goods transported, adhering to regulatory compliances is important. In addition, prioritising safety through personal training and establishing your company’s safety protocols better position you to run a safe powder tank transportation.
