[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 49, Volume 2]
[Revised as of October 1, 2004]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 49CFR180.416]

[Page 1107-1108]
 
                        TITLE 49--TRANSPORTATION
 
 CHAPTER I--RESEARCH AND SPECIAL PROGRAMS ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF 
                             TRANSPORTATION
 
PART 180_CONTINUING QUALIFICATION AND MAINTENANCE OF PACKAGINGS--Table of 
Contents
 
         Subpart E_Qualification and Maintenance of Cargo Tanks
 
Sec. 180.416  Discharge system inspection and maintenance program for cargo 
tanks transporting liquefied compressed gases.

    (a) Applicability. This section is applicable to an operator using 
specification MC 330, MC 331, and nonspecification cargo tanks 
authorized under Sec. 173.315(k) of this subchapter for transportation 
of liquefied compressed gases other than carbon dioxide. Paragraphs (b), 
(c), (d)(1), (d)(5), (e), (f), and (g)(1) of this section, applicable to 
delivery hose assemblies, apply only to hose assemblies installed or 
carried on the cargo tank.
    (b) Hose identification. By July 1, 2000, the operator must assure 
that each delivery hose assembly is permanently marked with a unique 
identification number and maximum working pressure.
    (c) Post-delivery hose check. After each unloading, the operator 
must visually check that portion of the delivery hose assembly deployed 
during the unloading.
    (d) Monthly inspections and tests. (1) The operator must visually 
inspect each delivery hose assembly at least once each calendar month 
the delivery hose assembly is in service.
    (2) The operator must visually inspect the piping system at least 
once each calendar month the cargo tank is in service. The inspection 
must include fusible elements and all components of the piping system, 
including bolts, connections, and seals.
    (3) At least once each calendar month a cargo tank is in service, 
the operator must actuate all emergency discharge control devices 
designed to close the internal self-closing stop valve to assure that 
all linkages operate as designed. appendix A to this part outlines 
acceptable procedures that may be used for this test.
    (4) The operator of a cargo tank must check the internal self-
closing stop valve in the liquid discharge opening for leakage through 
the valve at least once each calendar month the cargo tank is in 
service. On cargo tanks equipped with a meter, the meter creep test as 
outlined in appendix B to this part or a test providing equivalent 
accuracy is acceptable. For cargo tanks that are not equipped with a 
meter, appendix B to this part outlines one acceptable method that may 
be used to check internal self-closing stop valves for closure.
    (5) After July 1, 2000, the operator must note each inspection in a 
record. That record must include the inspection date, the name of the 
person performing the inspection, the hose assembly identification 
number, the company name, the date the hose was assembled and tested, 
and an indication that the delivery hose assembly and piping system 
passed or failed the tests and inspections. A copy of each test and 
inspection record must be retained by the operator at its principal 
place of business or where the vehicle is housed or maintained until the 
next test of the same type is successfully completed.
    (e) Annual hose leakage test. The owner of a delivery hose assembly 
that is not permanently attached to a cargo tank motor vehicle must 
ensure that the hose assembly is annually tested in accordance with 
Sec. 180.407(h)(4).
    (f) New or repaired delivery hose assemblies. Each operator of a 
cargo tank

[[Page 1108]]

must ensure each new and repaired delivery hose assembly is tested at a 
minimum of 120 percent of the hose maximum working pressure.
    (1) The operator must visually examine the delivery hose assembly 
while it is under pressure.
    (2) Upon successful completion of the pressure test and inspection, 
the operator must assure that the delivery hose assembly is permanently 
marked with the month and year of the test.
    (3) After July 1, 2000, the operator must complete a record 
documenting the test and inspection, including the date, the signature 
of the inspector, the hose owner, the hose identification number, the 
date of original delivery hose assembly and test, notes of any defects 
observed and repairs made, and an indication that the delivery hose 
assembly passed or failed the tests and inspections. A copy of each test 
and inspection record must be retained by the operator at its principal 
place of business or where the vehicle is housed or maintained until the 
next test of the same type is successfully completed.
    (g) Rejection criteria. (1) No operator may use a delivery hose 
assembly determined to have any condition identified below for unloading 
liquefied compressed gases. An operator may remove and replace damaged 
sections or correct defects discovered. Repaired hose assemblies may be 
placed back in service if retested successfully in accordance with 
paragraph (f) of this section.
    (i) Damage to the hose cover that exposes the reinforcement.
    (ii) Wire braid reinforcement that has been kinked or flattened so 
as to permanently deform the wire braid.
    (iii) Soft spots when not under pressure, bulging under pressure, or 
loose outer covering.
    (iv) Damaged, slipping, or excessively worn hose couplings.
    (v) Loose or missing bolts or fastenings on bolted hose coupling 
assemblies.
    (2) No operator may use a cargo tank with a piping system found to 
have any condition identified in this paragraph (g)(2) for unloading 
liquefied compressed gases.
    (i) Any external leak identifiable without the use of instruments.
    (ii) Bolts that are loose, missing, or severely corroded.
    (iii) Manual stop valves that will not actuate.
    (iv) Rubber hose flexible connectors with any condition outlined in 
paragraph (g)(1) of this section.
    (v) Stainless steel flexible connectors with damaged reinforcement 
braid.
    (vi) Internal self-closing stop valves that fail to close or that 
permit leakage through the valve detectable without the use of 
instruments.
    (vii) Pipes or joints that are severely corroded.

[64 FR 28051, May 24, 1999]