Dangerous Goods by Road
Records
Design type approval and certificate of compliance records shall be retained by the manufacturer and
the inspection body for not less than 20 years.
Approval system for periodic inspection and test of pressure receptacles
Definition
For the purposes of this section:
Approval system means a system for competent authority approval of a body performing periodic
inspection and test of pressure receptacles (hereinafter referred to as "periodic inspection and test
body"), including approval of that body’s quality system.
General requirements
Competent authority
The competent authority shall establish an approval system for the purpose of ensuring that the
periodic inspection and test of pressure receptacles conform to the requirements of ADR. In instances
where the competent authority that approves a body performing periodic inspection and test of a
pressure receptacle is not the competent authority of the country approving the manufacture of the
pressure receptacle, the marks of the approval country of periodic inspection and test shall be
indicated in the pressure receptacle marks (see 6.2.2.7).
The competent authority of the country of approval for the periodic inspection and test shall supply,
upon request, evidence demonstrating compliance to this approval system including the records of the
periodic inspection and test to its counterpart in a country of use.
The competent authority of the country of approval may terminate the approval certificate referred to
in 6.2.2.6.4.1, upon evidence demonstrating non-compliance with the approval system.
The competent authority may delegate its functions in this approval system, in whole or in part.
The competent authority shall ensure that a current list of approved periodic inspection and test bodies
and their identity marks is available.
Periodic inspection and test body
The periodic inspection and test body shall be approved by the competent authority and shall:
(a) Have a staff with an organizational structure, capable, trained, competent, and skilled, to
satisfactorily perform its technical functions;
(b) Have access to suitable and adequate facilities and equipment;
(c) Operate in an impartial manner and be free from any influence which could prevent it from
doing so;
(d) Ensure commercial confidentiality;
(e) Maintain clear demarcation between actual periodic inspection and test body functions and
unrelated functions;
(f) Operate a documented quality system accordance with 6.2.2.6.3;
(g) Apply for approval in accordance with 6.2.2.6.4;
(h) Ensure that the periodic inspections and tests are performed in accordance with
6.2.2.6.5; and
(i) Maintain an effective and appropriate report and record system in accordance with
6.2.2.6.6.
Quality system and audit of the periodic inspection and test body
Quality system
The quality system shall contain all the elements, requirements, and provisions adopted by the
periodic inspection and test body. It shall be documented in a systematic and orderly manner in the
form of written policies, procedures, and instructions.
The quality system shall include:
(a) A description of the organizational structure and responsibilities;
(b) The relevant inspection and test, quality control, quality assurance, and process operation
instructions that will be used;
(c) Quality records, such as inspection reports, test data, calibration data and certificates;
(d) Management reviews to ensure the effective operation of the quality system arising from the
audits performed in accordance with 6.2.2.6.3.2;
(e) A process for control of documents and their revision;
(f) A means for control of non-conforming pressure receptacles; and
(g) Training programmes and qualification procedures for relevant personnel.
Audit
The periodic inspection and test body and its quality system shall be audited in order to determine
whether it meets the requirements of ADR to the satisfaction of the competent authority.
An audit shall be conducted as part of the initial approval process (see 6.2.2.6.4.3). An audit may be
required as part of the process to modify an approval (see 6.2.2.6.4.6).
Periodic audits shall be conducted, to the satisfaction of the competent authority, to ensure that the
periodic inspection and test body continues to meet the requirements of ADR.
The periodic inspection and test body shall be notified of the results of any audit. The notification
shall contain the conclusions of the audit and any corrective actions required.
Maintenance of the quality system
The periodic inspection and test body shall maintain the quality system as approved in order that it
remains adequate and efficient.
The periodic inspection and test body shall notify the competent authority that approved the quality
system, of any intended changes, in accordance with the process for modification of an approval
in 6.2.2.6.4.6.
Approval process for periodic inspection and test bodies
Initial approval
A body desiring to perform periodic inspection and test of pressure receptacles in accordance with a
pressure receptacle standard and ADR shall apply for, obtain, and retain an approval certificate issued
by the competent authority.
This written approval shall, on request, be submitted to the competent authority of a country of use.
An application shall be made for each periodic inspection and test body and shall include:
(a) The name and address of the periodic inspection and test body and, if the application is
submitted by an authorised representative, its name and address;
(b) The address of each facility performing periodic inspection and test;
(c) The name and title of the person(s) responsible for the quality system;
(d) The designation of the pressure receptacles, the periodic inspection and test methods, and the
relevant pressure receptacle standards met by the quality system;
(e) Documentation on each facility, the equipment, and the quality system as specified
under 6.2.2.6.3.1;
(f) The qualifications and training records of the periodic inspection and test personnel; and
(g) Details of any refusal of approval of a similar application by any other competent authority.