Intermediate inspections on tank wagons: No extension of the inspection period at present

ADR/RID 2007 established the system of indicating the next full inspection of tank wagons with the letter "P" after the check date on the tank plate, and the next intermediate inspections with an "L".

Under RID 2009 it is now permissible to carry out the "L" intermediate check up to three months after the stated date. In order to prevent unnecessary inconvenience, we ask you not to make use of the option to extend the inspection period at for the time being. 

Background: Currently, not all inspection dates for tank wagons are appended with an "L" or a "P". If such tank wagons are in use after the check date stated on the tank plate, technical inspectors will not be able to recognise whether a full check or an intermediate check (with the option of time extension) is required. Such tank wagons will be withdrawn from service for safety reasons until we have clarified the situation with our customers. The various international committees on dangerous goods are currently discussing this topic, with the goal of clarifying the situation in time for RID 2011.

If you have any questions, please contact our Dangerous Goods Officer, Klaus Hill, at klaus.hill@sbbcargo.ch.