Guidance

Methods for initial and periodic examination and testing of individual IBCs

Updated 6 April 2020

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Introduction

Intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) intended for the carriage of dangerous goods are required to undergo initial inspections and subsequent periodic inspections at 2½ and 5-year intervals. These tests and inspections will need to be repeated following any repair (but not following routine maintenance).

The requirements for IBCs are set out in parts 4 and 6 of RID/ADR.

The main requirements in relation to testing and periodic inspection of IBCs are set out below. Duty holders should refer to parts 4 and 6 of RID/ADR for a full explanation of all of the requirements.

The terms ‘intermediate bulk container (IBC)’; ‘repaired IBC’, ‘routine maintenance of rigid IBCs’, and ‘routine maintenance of flexible IBCs’ are defined in section 1.2.1 of RID/ADR.

Requirements of part 4 of RID/ADR

Sub-section 4.1.1.9 of RID/ADR requires that:

  • new, remanufactured, reused, repaired or routinely maintained IBCs must be capable of passing the tests prescribed in sections 6.1.5 and 6.5.4
  • before being filled and handed over for carriage, every IBC must be inspected to ensure it is free from corrosion, contamination or other damage, and that any service equipment functions properly

Any IBC which shows signs of reduced strength as compared with the tested design type must be repaired or routinely maintained before it is used again.

Requirements of part 6 of RID/ADR

Test requirements

Sub-section 6.5.4.2 of RID/ADR requires that IBCs shall be subject to design type tests and, if applicable, to initial and periodic tests in accordance with 6.5.4.14.

Inspection

Sub-section 6.5.4.4.1 RID/ADR requires that every metal, rigid plastics and composite IBC shall be inspected to the satisfaction of the competent authority:

a. before it is put into service, and at intervals not exceeding 5 years, with regard to:

(i) conformity to design type including marking;

(ii) internal and external condition;

(iii) proper functioning of service equipment.

Thermal insulation, if any, need be removed only to the extent necessary for a proper examination of the body of the IBC.

b. at intervals of not more than 2½, with regard to:

(i) external condition;

(ii) proper functioning of service equipment.

Thermal insulation, if any, need be removed only to the extent necessary for a proper examination of the body of the IBC.

A report of each inspection shall be kept by the owner of the IBC at least until the next inspection. The report shall include the results of the inspection and shall identify the party performing the inspection (see also the marking requirements in 6.5.2.2.1).

Repaired IBCs

Sub-section 6.5.4.5.2 of RID/ADR requires that in addition to any other testing and inspection requirements, an IBC shall be subjected to the full testing and inspection requirements set out in 6.5.4.4, and the required reports shall be prepared, whenever it is repaired.

These tests and inspections are considered to satisfy the requirements of the 2½ and 5-year periodic tests and inspections.

Sub-section 6.5.4.5.3 of RID/ADR requires the party performing the tests and inspections after the repair to durably mark the IBC near the manufacturer’s UN design type marking to show:

a. the state in which the tests and inspections were carried out;

b. the name or authorised symbol of the party performing the tests and inspections; and

c. the date (month, year) of the tests and inspections.

Leakproofness test

Sub-section 6.5.6.7 of RID/ADR requires a leakproofness test for those types of IBC used for liquids or for solids filled or discharged under pressure, as a design type test and periodic test.

Sub-section 6.5.6.7.3 of RID/ADR requires the test to be carried out for a period of at least 10 minutes using air at a gauge pressure of not less than 20 kPa (0.2 bar). The airtightness of the IBC shall be determined by a suitable method such as by the air-pressure differential test or by immersing the IBC in water or, for metal IBCs, by coating the seams and joints with a soap solution.

In the case of immersion, a correction factor shall be applied for the hydrostatic pressure. Other methods at least equally effective may be used.

Testing of individual metal, rigid plastics and composite IBCs

Sub-section 6.5.4.4.2 of RID/ADR requires metal, rigid plastics and composite IBC for liquids, or for solids which are filled or discharged under pressure, to be subjected to the leakproofness test, as an initial test (ie before the IBC is first used for carriage), after repair, and at intervals of not more than 2½ years. The results of tests and the identity of the party performing the tests shall be recorded in test reports to be kept by the owner of the IBC at least until the date of the next test. These tests shall be carried out as required by the competent authority.

Meeting the requirements

Any person undertaking the manufacture and testing of IBCs should have suitable training to ensure they are familiar with the type of IBC and the tests required. They should have access to the relevant test report data.

Subsection 6.5.4.4.4 allows the competent authority to require proof, at any time, to ensure IBCs meet the design type tests. Validation of the IBC to design type will be required at 5-year intervals (see guidance note 2).

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