Permit for Equivalent Level of Safety SH 6216 issued on December 16, 2002, grants a two-year extension, until January 1, 2005, for transport of diesel fuel⁽¹⁾ in non-specification slip tanks. This Permit applies to all users of slip tanks that have a capacity between 450L and 5000L. You can benefit from the Permit even if you have not specifically applied for it, by marking the Permit number “SH 6216” visibly and legibly on the tank, using characters at least 25 mm high. This is a condition of the Permit. Once the tank has been marked with the Permit number, it can continue in use for the transport of diesel fuel until January 1, 2005.

Non-specification tanks may continue in use for transportation of diesel fuel beyond January 1, 2005 and until 2010, if they are qualified to the requirements of Specific Requirement 5(b) of standard CAN/CSA-B621-98. To qualify under SR 5(b), the tank must be brought for inspection to a facility registered by Transport Canada for inspecting TC306 or TC406 tanks. The facility will perform a visual inspection as well as a leak and pressure test at 21 kPa (3psi).⁽²⁾ If the results are satisfactory, the facility will attach a “non-specification flammable liquids tank” nameplate for identification. Non-specification tanks under SR 5(b) must also be periodically inspected following application of the non-specification nameplate, as if they were TC306 tanks. The periodic inspection includes an annual visual inspection and leak test at a Transport Canada registered facility. Tanks that are beyond their due date for inspection may not be refilled.

Slip tanks complying with ULC/ORD C142.13, manufactured before 2003, may be used until 2010 and they do not need the Permit number or the non-specification nameplate described above. They are, however, required to undergo periodic inspection and tests for “mobile IBC’s” as prescribed under standard CAN/CGSB 43.146- 2002. This includes internal and external visual inspection every 60 months. The 60-month period is counted from the date of manufacture or subsequent inspection.

Any slip tank built after January 1, 2003 must be a UN Standard mobile IBC, as prescribed by the CAN/CGSB 43.146-2002 standard, if it is to be used for the transport of flammable liquids. Users should verify that the tank meets these requirements when selecting a tank.

The summary table shown in an article published in the Summer 2002 edition of this Newsletter entitled “The Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations and the Transportation of Gasoline and Diesel Fuel by Portable Tanks (Slip Tanks and Off-road Tanks)” is being reprinted here with modifications that result from Permit SH 6216. That article remains an excellent reference regarding the transportation of flammable liquids by road. The Permit SH 6216 may be viewed on the TDG Web site at: http://www.tc.gc.ca/tdg/permits/permits.htm

(1) The provisions applying to Diesel Fuel UN1202 also apply to home heating oil and other flammable liquids in Packing Group III with no subsidiary classification and having a flash point over 37.8^oC.

(2) The leak and pressure tests will be performed as if the tank is a TC306 under CAN/CSA B620-98, as authorized under Permit SH6216.

Summary Table