CODE OF PRACTICE FOR SAFETY INSPECTION OF MOBILE PRESSURE VESSELS FOR LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS (LPG)
1. Introduction
This Code of Practice for Safety Inspection of Mobile Pressure Vessels for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is formulated in accordance with the requirements of the relevant codes of practice and standards, and in the light of the experience and practices of the petroleum industry.
2. Scope
This Code covers safety inspection of mobile pressure vessels for LPG and shall, inter alia, include static inspection, pressure test, free issue with, and leakage test.
3. Definitions
For the purpose of this Code:
a) Mobile pressure vessels for LPG shall mean containers for storing liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in a pressure vessel designed to be mounted on a vehicle;
b) Private Mobile Pressure Vessels for LPG (PMV) shall mean privately owned and operated mobile pressure vessels for LPG;
c) Designated Person shall mean a person in-charge of mobile pressure vessels for LPG and licensed by the Department of Industrial Relations in accordance with relevant requirements;
d) Inspector shall mean those persons responsible for inspecting or certifying mobile pressure vessels for LPG; and
e) Repairman shall mean those persons responsible for repairing or maintaining mobile pressure vessels for LPG.
4. General Requirement
a) Mobile pressure vessels shall be maintained in good condition and operated safely at all times;
b) A written record of inspection and maintenance, including any repairs carried out, shall be kept and made available upon request;
c) Mobile pressure vessels shall only be repaired by competent and authorized repairman who comply with relevant safety regulations;
d) Any repairs or alterations made to the mobile pressure vessel must be carried out in accordance with the requirements of the relevant codes of practice and standards, and any other relevant regulations; and
e) All maintenance and repair work shall be subject to inspection and approval by the designated person.
5. Safety Inspection
a) Pre-Operation Inspection
All mobile pressure vessels for LPG shall be subject to Pre-Operation Inspection before being used for transportation. The Pre-Operation Inspection shall include:
i) Static Inspection;
ii) Pressure test;
iii) Leakage test.
b) Visual Inspection
The external surfaces of the mobile pressure vessels for LPG shall be visually inspected for corrosion, leakage, distortion and other disfigurations.
c) Pressure Test
The pressure test shall be conducted in accordance with the requirements of the relevant codes of practice and standards and other requirements.
d) Leakage Test
The leakage test shall be conducted in accordance with the requirements of the relevant codes of practice and standards and other requirements.
6. Conclusions
This Code of Practice for Safety Inspection of Mobile Pressure Vessels for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is formulated with a view to ensure the safe operation of mobile pressure vessels for LPG. The Code states the requirements for inspection of such vessels, the need for operations and maintenance records, and the safety precautions to be taken when carrying out the inspection and maintenance of these vessels. Following the requirements of this Code will go a long way in ensuring the safety of personnel and the public using these vessels.
