Are You Operating Illegally?
A revised inspection regime for tanks and
cylinders carrying dangerous goods has been introduced. Those
who inspect tanks and pressure receptacles carrying dangerous
goods now have to be appointed by the Department for Transport
(DfT) on the recommendation of the United Kingdom Accreditation
Service (UKAS).
UKAS accreditation manager for engineering inspection and development,
Lal Ilan, said: “These revisions bring the UK into line
with international practice. Organisations or persons that carry
out the inspection of tanks and pressure vessels whilst they
are in service may now unwittingly be operating illegally, simply
because they are unaware of the changes in the legislation.”
UKAS
engineering inspection accreditation is responsible for assessing
the competence of organisations that apply to the DfT
for these regulatory appointments. Specialist assessors and experts
from UKAS will carry out the assessments of competence based
upon criteria agreed between UKAS and DfT to internationally
recognised standards.
“
The transport of goods by road or rail has the potential for
accidents,” said Lal. “Where the goods being carried
are flammable, corrosive or under pressure, there are additional
risks from loss of containment and fire, spillage or explosion.
The proper inspection of containers carrying dangerous substances
is crucial to minimising the risks arising from any accident.”
UKAS’s
status as the sole national accreditation body recognised by
the UK government is formalised through a memorandum of understanding
between the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and UKAS.
UKAS accreditation involves assessment and verification against
international standards of certification, inspection, testing
and calibration activities.
Contact UKAS on 0208 917 8400
www.ukas.com
Return to February/March
2007 News
Subscribe to LP Gas Magazine here
|
