[Code of Federal Regulations]

[Title 49, Volume 2]

[Revised as of October 1, 2005]

From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access

[CITE: 49CFR180.416]



[Page 1121-1122]

 

                        TITLE 49--TRANSPORTATION

 

   CHAPTER I--PIPELINE AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SAFETY 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 1122]]



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]