Comptank Corp has issued a safety advisory calling for immediate action on Comptank fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) cargo tanks operated under DOT-SP 9166 and DOT-SP 11903. The advisory follows an incident that occurred in December 2009.
A Comptank FRP cargo tank operated under DOT-SP 11903 reportedly split open while en route resulting in the release of an entire shipment of a Department of Transportation (DOT) regulated Class 8 material. The incident is under investigation by DOT, Comptank, and other entities.
The initial investigation showed that the cargo was an extremely strong Class 8 waste liquid consisting of a mixture of several materials, according to Comptank officials. The cargo tank was an insulated vessel that was approximately 14 years old with the original inner barrier. Several other cargo tanks also used to transport this material also show severe damage to the inner barrier.
Compatank officials recommend that operators of Comptank trailers operated under DOT-SP 9166 and DOT-SP 11903 take the following action immediately and certainly not later than 30 days from the issue date of the advisory:
- Review the last internal inspection report on each tank for any signs of cracking or defect in the inner barrier. Another internal inspection should be performed immediately if a report suggests any problems.
- Perform a pressure test on any insulated vessel not pressure tested under 49 CFR 180.407 within the previous 12 months.
- Verify that product compatibility testing has been performed as required under Paragraph 7 of the applicable special permit.
Cargo tank operators can contact Comptank officials with questions about the Special Advisory or to report cargo tank defects. Tank operators also can request an inner barrier inspection form from Comptank. Tank operators can call 519-695-2915 or 609-426-0555.