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Chapter 7: Inspection, Evaluation,and Testing_ 7.7.14 DOT 49 CFR part 180.605 -Requirements for Periodic Testing, Inspection, and Repair of Portable Tanks and Other Portable Containers Section 180.605171 applies to any portable tank constructed to a DOT(e.g., 51, 56, 57, 60, or intermodal [IM]) or United Nations(UN) specification.According to these requirements, a portable tank must be inspected prior to further use if it shows evidence of a condition that might render it unsafe for use, has been damaged in an accident, has been out of service for more than a year, has been modified, or is in an unsafe operating condition.All tanks must receive an initial inspection prior to being placed into service and a periodic inspection or intermediate periodic inspection every two to five years.The timeframe between inspections depends upon the tank's specification. Intermediate periodic inspections must include an internal and external examination of the tank and fittings, a leak test, and a test of the service equipment.The periodic inspection and test must include an external and internal inspection and a sustained air pressure leak test, unless exempted. For tanks that show evidence of damage or corrosion, an exceptional inspection and test is mandated.The extent of the inspection is dictated by the amount of damage or deterioration of the portable tank. Specification-60 tanks are further tested by filling them with water. Specification-IM or Specification-UN portable tanks must also be hydrostatically tested. Any tank that fails a test may not return to service until it is repaired and retested.An approval agency must witness the retest and certify the tank for return to service.The date of the last pressure test and visual inspection must be clearly marked on each portable tank.A written record of the dates and results of the tests, including the name and address of the person performing the test, is to be retained by the tank owner or authorized agent. Requirements for retest and inspection of Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) are specified in 49 CFR 180.352. Requirements depend on the IBC shell material. For metal, rigid plastic, and composite IBCs,they include a leakproof test and external visual inspection every 2.5 years from the date of manufacture or repair. They also require an internal inspection every 5 years to ensure that the IBC is free from damage and capable of withstanding the applicable conditions. Flexible, fiberboard, or wooden IBCs must be visually inspected prior to first use and permitted reuse. Records of each test must be kept until the next test, or for at least 2.5 years from the date of the last test. Design standards and specifications for initial qualification and reuse performance testing for portable tanks, drums, and IBCs are contained in 49 CFR part 178, Specifications for Packaging. See http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?c=ecfr&tpl=%2Findex.tpl. 171 49 CFR part 180.605,"Requirements for Periodic Testing,Inspection,and Repair of Portable Tanks,"Department of Transportation,64 FR 28052,May 24, 1999,as amended at 67 FR 15744,April 3,2002 and 68 FR 45042 revision. SPCC GUIDANCE FOR REGIONAL INSPECTORS 7-78 December 16, 2013