Streamlining of road tanker safety testing

New procedures to streamline the safety testing of road tankers which carry dangerous goods have been announced by Mines Minister Gordon Hill.

The procedures cover tankers carrying goods such as petrol or sulphuric acid.

Under the scheme, the Mines Department's explosives and dangerous goods inspectorate will accredit private companies to carry out the hydrostatic pressure testing, providing their procedures and equipment comply with stringent standards set by the department.

Under previous arrangements, mandatory pressure tests conducted by private firms were only valid if a Mines Department inspector was present.

"These changes mean the testing procedures will be more efficient and companies can arrange tests to fit in with their delivery and maintenance schedules," Mr Hill said.

"Companies wishing to carry out this sort of testing will have to be accredited to ensure strict compliance with all relevant safety standards and procedures.

"Random checks will also be carried out to ensure standards are maintained."

Mr Hill said that under the existing system, delays occurred when inspectors were not available and, on some occasions, tests were carried out twice - once by the testing company to insure the tanker complied, and again when an inspector visited the test site.

"Pressure tests on a road tanker's shell must be conducted every five years and on its vents and valves every two and a half years," he said.

Six companies had so far been accredited to perform hydrostatic testing and several more, from as far away as Port Hedland and Lake Grace, were being considered.