Notification of standard updateSignificant changes from CSA B620-09, CSA B621-09 and CSA B622-09 to CSA B620-14, CSA B621-14 and CSA B622-14

On July 12, 2017, an amendment entitled Regulations Amending the Transportation of Dangerous Goods (International Harmonization Update, 2016) was published in Part II of the Canada Gazette. The amendment is accessible through the following URL: Amendment SOR/2017-137.

With this amendment, the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations (TDGR) now dynamically reference the CSA B620, B621 and B622 standards. This allows stakeholders to use the most recent versions of these safety standards. For the CSA B620, CSA B621 and CSA B622 safety standards, the latest edition is the 2014 edition. There is a 6-month transition period, beginning July 12, 2017, to comply with the most recent version of the CSA B620/B621/B622 standards. During this period, you may either comply with the 2009 or 2014 editions of these standards.

This document summarizes the most significant changes to the standards that are applicable to highway tank and TC portable tank manufacturers, and any facility wishing to repair, modify, assemble, test or inspect such tanks. Not all changes to the standards are covered here.

It is the responsibility of the manufacturer, test and inspection facility or user to read and understand the sections of the standards that are applicable to their respective activities, to ensure that they are aware of all the changes.

On this page

For CSA B620, B621 & B622

It is your responsibility as a manufacturer to read and understand the sections of the standard applicable to you to ensure you are aware of all the changes.

Removal of TC 51 specification

CSA B620-14 no longer allows the construction of TC 51 portable tanks.

TC 51 tanks

CSA B620-09 allowed for the manufacture of TC 51 tanks for dangerous goods use.  B622-09 allowed for the transport of various dangerous goods in TC 51 tanks. 

CSA B620-14 no longer contains a section for TC 51 tanks.  With the adoption of CSA B620-14 in the TDGR, this would normally mean that TC 51 tanks could no longer be manufactured for dangerous goods use.  Transport Canada has recognized the CSA B620 technical committee’s decision to reintroduce the TC 51 specification in the next edition of B620 (estimated publication date in early 2019) and has amended the TDGR to allow for the continued manufacture of TC 51 tanks per CSA B620-09 for dangerous goods use.  The amendments to the TDGR dealing with this change appear in 5.10(12) and 5.10(13) of the TDGR.

For CSA B620-14

Terminology and definitions (Clause 3)

Lining Definition

A definition for “lining” was added to the standard to clarify what constitutes a lining in the standard.

Specifications for highway tanks (Clause 5)

Rear-end protection (5.1.5.4.2)

Design verification for rear end protection devices is clarified and may now be determined using full scale testing, classical calculation methods or finite element analysis.

Vehicle Equipment (5.1.8)

Tanks for Class 2.1 or Class 3 dangerous goods must be designed and constructed to prevent hot exhaust system components or effluent from adversely affecting combustible, heat sensitive, or flammable components or products.

Manual Bleed Valve (5.2.2.1.4)

On new tanks, piping or hose used for loading or off loading liquefied gas or refrigerated liquefied gas must be provided with a means of relieving pressure before the loading or off loading hose is disconnected.

Excess-flow protection (5.2.2.10)

Clause 5.2.2.10 was revised to improve the excess flow protection requirements for highway tanks and identified the portable tank requirements found in CSA B620.  This change will harmonize portable and highway tank excess flow protection for these tanks.

The following revisions were made:

  • Tanks carrying nitrous oxide require a manual shut-off valve located in the line ahead of the hose connection and closed with a cap or plug during transit.
  • The flow rating of piping, fittings, valves and hose on each side of an excess flow valve will be such that the excess-flow valve will close if anything is sheared off before the first downstream valve, pump or fitting that restricts the flow.
  • If branching or other restriction is incorporated in the system so the flow rating is less than that of an excess-flow valve at the tank, additional excess-flow valves shall be located where flow rates are reduced.

Insulation (5.3.2.4)

New requirements for polyurethane foam used to insulate tanks in nitrous oxide service must be specially formulated for flame retardancy and conform to specific requirements.

Fine grain practice & welding changes for tanks used in anhydrous ammonia service (5.3.4.5 & 5.3.7.6)

When tanks are manufactured for use with anhydrous ammonia, all carbon steel plates used as pressure-retaining parts shall be constructed of materials made to fine grain practice in accordance with the requirements of Section II, Part A, of the ASME Code and shall be fusion welded.

Tanks to be used with anhydrous ammonia or any other material lading that can cause stress corrosion cracking manufactured in accordance with Part UHT in Section VIII, Division I of the ASME Code, shall only use type (1) joints of table UW-12 and shall be fusion welded.

Insulation of TC 423 (5.10.4)

Insulation on TC 423 tanks is now optional, but shall meet certain requirements when installed.

Inspection, testing, and maintenance of tanks (Clause7)

Decontamination requirements (7.6.4)

Precautions shall be taken to remove all hazards to the personnel performing modifications and to persons in the general vicinity of such operations.

Tanks containing Class I explosives shall be decontaminated by a manufacturer of explosives licensed by NRCan prior to performing modifications.

Pressure tests (7.2.7)

Requirements added that a tank shall have a satisfactory external visual inspection before conducting a pressure test. The tank should also have a satisfactory internal visual inspection before pressure testing if required by Tables 7.1 & 7.2

Test of off-truck emergency shutdown system (7.2.9)

Record keeping requirements for the monthly testing of the off-truck emergency shutdown system and the internal self-closing valve have been added. Following the monthly test specified in Clause 7.2.9.2, a report outlining the results of the test shall be prepared by the person performing the off-truck emergency shutdown system test, and shall be retained for at least one year by the operator or the tank owner.

Hose assembly testing changes (7.2.10)

Various changes have been made to hose assembly testing. Some of the highlights include:

  • Changed test pressures for CSA certified hose assemblies from 1552 kPa to 2400 kPa (225 psi to 350 psi) minimum
  • Added minimum test pressure for vapour recovery hose assemblies on TC 406 tanks (and equivalent and substitute tanks identified in CSA B621).
  • Added hose assembly exception to permit the use of test mediums other than water for hose assemblies used in refrigerated liquefied gas service that are manufactured and documented as conforming to CSA B51 or ASME B31.3 and marked as such.

Repairs to tanks (7.5)

Various changes have been made to the standard relating to the repairs to tanks. Some of the highlights include:

  • Added an exception to allow TC specification tanks to be repaired in the US by facilities registered pursuant 49 CFR as though it were the corresponding MC or DOT specification as long as repair reports and record retention/transfer are complied with as per CSA B620 Clauses 7.5.10 & 7.5.11
  • Clarifications were made on when field welding is permitted, and what certificate, registration and authorization are required.
  • Clause 7.5.10 outlines a new requirement for detailed repair reports. The reports will include information such as the date of repair, description of repair, weld procedures used, etc.

Modification plate information (7.6.9)

The metal identification plate marking requirements for modified tanks were moved from Clause 5.1.6.4 (CSA B620-09) to Clause 7.6.9 (CSA B620-14). Also, the information included on the modification plate has expanded.

Documentation & Certificate of Compliance (8.2)

The information required on the “Certificate of Compliance” has been expanded and clarified. Also, requirements for information captured on “Modification Certificates of Compliance” have been clarified.

For CSA B621-14

Tank protection (6.6)

Portable tanks that are slung under the body or deck of a vehicle are no longer permitted.  These tanks are vulnerable to damage from collisions with other vehicles, solid objects, and debris that may be picked up by the wheels.  A new clause stating “A tank shall not be mounted below the vehicle body or deck” has been added to the standard.

Use of means of containment (Clause 7)

Brake interlock and “chock blocks” (7.1 (h))

The use of either a brake interlock system or wheel blocks during loading and unloading of highway tanks is now required to prevent “drive away” while loading or unloading.  Systems connected to the PTO, the pumping equipment cabinet door, or to a gate across the loading and unloading fittings are commonly accepted methods to meet this requirement.

New requirements for fire extinguishers (7.1 (i))

A new clause has been added. Effective January 12, 2018, highway tanks and vehicles transporting portable tanks carrying Class 3 (primary or subsidiary) dangerous goods shall be equipped with one or more dry chemical fire extinguishers accessible from the ground with a combined total effective rating of no less than 40BC.

New requirement for automatic engine air intake shut-off devices on diesel engines (7.1 (j))

CSA B621-14 requires automatic engine air intake shut-off devices on diesel engines used during loading or off loading. These devices are important in preventing engine runaway in case of exposure to flammable vapours  that could lead to catastrophic engine failure which could provide the ignition source for a fire and/or explosion.

Despite the 1 Jan 2016 date identified in the clauses, the mandatory compliance date is January 12, 2018.  As of this date, automatic engine air intake shut-off devices will be mandatory for diesel engines that are used during loading or off loading, on all highway tanks and portable tanks containing either dangerous goods of primary Class 3, or subsidiary Class 3.

Solid dangerous goods (Table 5)

A new table for the selection and use of solid dangerous goods has been added as Table 5 of the standard.

For CSA B622-14

Nurse tanks

CSA B622-09 allowed for anhydrous ammonia to be transported in non-specification ASME tanks exclusively for agricultural use.

CSA B622-14 no longer permits the transport of dangerous goods in new non-specifications ASME tanks for agricultural use if they are manufactured after the adoption date of CSA B622-14.  This change takes effect 12 January 2018.  Non-specification ASME tanks manufactured before this date and operated exclusively for agricultural purposes may continue to be used for anhydrous ammonia transport per CSA B622-14.

The external inspection period for non-specification ASME nurse tanks is now one year. The pressure test period for non-specification ASME nurse tanks is now three years.

Loading and unloading requirements (Clause 5)

Brake interlock and “chock blocks” (5.1 (g))

The use of either a brake interlock system or wheel blocks during loading and unloading of highway tanks is now required to prevent “drive away” while loading or unloading.  Systems connected to the PTO, the pumping equipment cabinet door, or to a gate across the loading and unloading fittings are commonly accepted methods to meet this requirement.

New requirements for fire extinguishers (5.1 (h))

A new clause has been added. Effective January 12, 2018, highway tanks and vehicles transporting portable tanks carrying Class 2.1 dangerous goods shall be equipped with one or more dry chemical fire extinguishers accessible from the ground with a combined total effective rating of no less than 40BC.

New requirement for automatic engine air intake shut-off devices on diesel engines (5.1(i))

CSA B622-14 requires automatic engine air intake shut-off devices on diesel engines that are being used during loading and off loading. These devices are important in preventing engine runaway in case of exposure to flammable vapours that could lead to catastrophic engine failure which could provide the ignition source for a fire and/or explosion.

Despite the 1 Jan 2016 date identified in the clause, the mandatory compliance date is January 12, 2018.  As of this date, automatic engine air intake shut-off devices will be mandatory for diesel engines that are used during loading or off loading, on all highway tanks and portable tanks containing either dangerous goods of Class 2.1.

Hose assemblies used in refrigerated liquefied gas service (5.1 (j))

A new clause has been added that permits pneumatic testing for cryogenic hose assemblies used for loading or off loading. Hose assemblies used in refrigerated liquefied gas service shall be manufactured and documented as conforming to CSA B51 or ASME B31.3 and marked "CSA B51" or "ASME B31.3” by the hose assembly manufacturer.

Tank protection (5.2.5)

Portable tanks that are slung under the body or deck of a vehicle are extremely vulnerable to damage from collisions with other vehicles, solid objects, and debris that may be picked up by the wheels.  A new clause stating “A tank shall not be mounted below the vehicle body or deck” has been added to the standard.

Off truck Emergency Discharge Control (EDC) (5.2.6(b))

CSA B622-14 now requires EDC for all TC 331 and TC 51 manufactured after January 1, 2016

TC 331 tanks and their equivalent and substitute tanks, manufactured after 1 January 2016, must have an off-truck emergency discharge control system that will shut down the flow of product and all motive power from a distance of at least 46 m (150 ft.).  Tanks over 13250 L must also have a monitoring feature that will shut things down automatically unless the operator confirms every 5 minutes.  Tanks with larger hoses unloading at higher rates are required to have a passive system that will stop the flow within 20 seconds of a complete hose separation.  An off truck system with either a monitoring feature or a passive system is also currently permitted for tanks in non-metered service, as an alternative to the passive system.

TC 341 & TC 338 equipped with pressure building coils (5.4)

On TC 341 and TC 338 tanks equipped with pressure building coils, the pressure-building circuit shall be emptied of liquid prior to transport and for Class 2.1 gases the manual block valve referred to in Clause 5.2.2.8(g) of CSA B620-14 shall be closed and the circuit depressurized.

Daily test of off-truck emergency shutdown system (5.5.2)

A report shall now be prepared following the daily test of the off-truck emergency shutdown system test. The report shall be retained for at least one month.

Unloading requirements (5.6)

Wording has been added that if a vehicle is equipped with an off-truck emergency shutdown system as defined in Clause 3.2 of CSA B620-14, the operator shall be in possession of the control at all times the tank valve is open, within 150 ft of the tank and 25 ft of the hose.