This publication provides guidance on assessing the competency of personnel who are required to undertake periodic inspection and testing of gas cylinders. It explains the regulatory background and then provides extensive information on conducting an appropriate assessment.
The UK Department for Transport (DfT), as the UK Competent Authority, has signed the following Multilateral Agreements:
For road: Multilateral Agreement M326. Under section 1.5.1 of ADR concerning the periodic inspection and test of pressure receptacles for the carriage of gases of Class 2
NOTE: MLA M326 was revoked by the UK on 31/07/2020.
UNECE Multilateral Agreements are available at: https://www.unece.org/trans/danger/multi/multi.html
For rail: Multilateral Special Agreement RID 3/2020 – under section 1.5.1 of RID concerning the periodic inspection and test of pressure receptacles for the carriage of gases of Class 2
RID Multilateral Agreements are available at: https://otif.org/en/?page_id=176
Note that all gas cylinders will still require inspection prior to a fill (refer to BCGA CP 43, The safe filling of gas cylinders). These MLA’s have been authorised to assist the gases industry to meet increased demand, especially for medical gases, as a consequence of the COVID-19 virus. They should only be used where demand becomes critical. The BCGA encourages its members and others to only use this extension where it is absolutely necessary.
For more information on the Department for Transport: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-transport
