Updated Flexitank Compliance list on COA website
The use of flexitank systems (flexitanks fitted within an ISO container) for the transport of non-hazardous bulk liquids has grown substantially in recent years. The increased use of flexitanks is enabled by the development of new technology materials and manufacturing processes that ensure that industry provides a reliable and economical global service. It is estimated that 700,000 flexitanks will be transported in 2015.
The COA is committed to the safe operation of flexitank systems and continues to work with container owners and the flexitank industry to develop existing quality management standards. The focus on “reliable quality” led the COA to develop a Code of Practice for Flexitanks, first published in 2009 to formalise guidance for the key functions of manufacture, testing and operation. This original Code of Practice was refined by updated versions, the latest of these, version 3 released in October 2011. In the last two years, COA has participated with BSI to publish a recognised international flexitank standard, “PAS 1008:2014 Specification for the performance and testing of a single-use flexitank”.
A further amendment to the Code of Practice is scheduled to be published in 2015. This amended version is required because PAS 1008:2014 supersedes section 2 of the current Code of Practice.
Companies that demonstrate that they achieve the required standard are included in COA Members’ Code of Practice Quality Management List.
The COA Code of Practice for Flexitanks includes requirements for:
· Container Selection for Transporting Flexitanks
· Container and Flexitank Marking
· Incident Management and Insurance
· Training
Note: Section 2 Test Criteria, FCC and Flexitank Materials is superseded by PAS 1008:2014
PAS 1008:2014 Specification for the performance and testing of a single-use flexitank includes requirements for:
· Materials
· Loading and Discharging Valves
· Flexitank System (including rail impact testing)
· Commodity loading Temperature Range
· Flexitank System Information
· Marking
· Documentation
· Incident Records
COA Code of Practice Flexitank Quality Management List
COA Members’ that hold a current COA Membership Certificate and have provided evidence of audits and certificates in compliance with the requirements of the Code of Practice and PAS 1008:2014 are entered onto the COA Code of Practice Flexitank Quality Management List.
Flexitank Technical Secretary:
The COA Flexitank Technical Secretary manages the work of the COA’s Flexitank Quality Management Programme. The Technical Secretary can be contacted at: flexitanks@containerownersassociation.org
1. COA Flexitank Code of Practice (Version 3: October 2011)
To view the current version of the COA Flexitank Code of Practice with updates and clarifications, click HERE
Note: Section 2 is superseded by PAS 1008:2014
2. PAS 1008:2014 Specification for the performance and testing of a single-use flexitank
PAS 1008:2014 is a publicly available ISO standard that may only be obtained from ISO authorised outlets. A web search will reveal many outlets.
3. COA Flexitank Rail Impact Test Centres:
PAS 1008:2014 requires the completion of Quality Management processes including the rail impact test detailed in clause 6, Flexitank System and Annex B Flexitank System Rail Impact test.
Annex B Flexitank System Rail Impact Test should be undertaken at a COA recommended test centre:
· TüV Süd Rail testing facility in Görlitz, Germany email: daniel.zingelmann@tuev-sued.de
· AAR testing facility in Pueblo, Colorado, USA email: Tom_Feltault@aar.com
For further information about the technical requirements, rates and arrangements for rail impact testing, COA members should contact the test centre directly
5. COA Flexitank Members’ Code of Practice Quality Management List
To view the current list, click HERE
Further information from: flexitanks@containerownersassociation.org