NEW REGULATIONS FOR FUEL BOWSERS

A new regulation surrounding the 15-year exemption of transportation of fuel bowsers that don’t meet the ADR requirements ends the exemption

New Regulations for Fuel Bowsers

Fuel Bowsers Ft ImageFuel Bowsers Ft Image

A new regulation surrounding the 15-year exemption of transportation of fuel bowsers that don’t meet the ADR requirements ends the exemption. Read more to find out why the new rules are in place, and the implications it could have for you and your business.

What are the new regulation for bowsers?

In short, if you are transporting fuels in a bowser that is classed as a tank rather than an IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container), or it was manufactured before the 10th May 2004, you are no longer allowed to transport them on public roads

Why have the new rules been implemented?

Fuels such as diesel & gas oil have been categorised as flammable & combustible liquids. In turn, ADR regulated the new road transport requirements which would make sure that these fuels could be transported safely on public roads.

To allow for the new regulations, the DfT (Department for Transport) introduced a 15-year exemption period which allowed the use of bowsers if they met a certain criteria:

  • Have a maximum capacity of 3,000 litres or less
  • Are designed for mechanical handling
  • Are resistant to the stresses produced in handling and carriage
  • Are not be permanently fixed to a motor vehicle or trailer (may be temporarily fitted for safety during transport)
  • Are safe and suitable for the carriage of diesel
  • Are submitted for periodic re-inspection if requested

What does the new legislation mean for you?

You are still allowed to move fuel with bowsers that are classed as tanks on private locations, however, they cannot be transported on public roads without meeting the IBC Standards. Older tanks will have to be withdrawn or retired if you are transporting fuel further.

This means that any transportation of fuel by road must meet IBC regulations and be compliant with the current EU environmental legislation in order to minimise the potential spillage and accidental contamination.

Is my tank an IBC?

Bowsers sold from 2004 and onwards should meet the regulations and are compliant with IBC and ADR regulations. If your tank is old or you aren’t sure whether it’s an IBC, you’ll need to check it and replace it with a compliant spec.

Bowsers that are compliant should have approval and manufacturer plates, if not, it’s unlikely to be ab IBC. The will also be appropriately marked with UN packaging and codes which can identify the type of IBC.

Any bowser manufactured and sold from 2004 and onwards will be approved and compliant with the IBC regulations.

Your bowser should also be able to hold 110% of its contents. If your bowser is only single skinned, it is no longer allowed to transport fuels on public roads.

If you are able to locate your original documentation for the purchase or certification, it should state upon the paperwork whether it is a bowser or an IBC.

Lastly, IBCs require pressure testing and external inspections every two years and an internal inspection every five years in order to ensure that they are safe for transport on public roads. The records of these tests should be kept and available in the event of a request or inspection from the Department for Transport. If there is no record of the inspections, it is not likely to be compliant with ADR.

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