Significant changes from CSA B620-14, CSA B621-14 and CSA B622-14 to CSA B620:20, CSA B621:20 and CSA B622:20

From: Transport Canada

On November 19 2020, the 2020 editions of CSA B620, CSA B621 and CSA B622 safety standards were published.

On this page

Introduction

Since the July 2017 amendment to the Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Regulations, the CSA B620, CSA B621 and CSA B622 safety standards have been dynamically referenced. This allows stakeholders to use the most recent versions of these safety standards as soon as they are published and provides a transition period for mandatory compliance as specified in the TDG Regulations.

These standards are available for purchase at CSA Group’s website.

And, they’re freely available for viewing purposes with CSA Group’s Communities.

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, and ensure that they are aware of all the changes.

CSA B620:20 - Highway tanks and TC portable tanks for the transportation of dangerous goods

ASME referencing

  • The 2020 edition of CSA B620 is the first edition to reference the latest editions of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers’ (ASME) Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, including Section II, Section VIII, Division 1, and Section IX, among others
  • Reference: Clause 2, CSA B620

New definitions

  • The 2020 edition of CSA B620 brings with it new and revised terms and definitions
  • New definitions cover brazers, brazing operators, coatings, corroded or abraded, design review agency, nurse tank, training certificate, training organization, and welding operators
  • Definitions for the following were revised: baffle, CSA-certified hose assembly, design engineer, director, engineer, lining, multi-tank vehicle, off-truck emergency shutdown system, portable tank, repair, and welder
  • Reference: Clause 3.2, CSA B620

Tank tester and tank inspector qualifications

  • The Tank Inspector and Tank Tester qualification requirements have been revamped with the 2020 edition of CSA B620
  • New Tank Inspectors will need:
    • a training certificate
    • the knowledge and ability to determine if a tank conforms to a particular specification; and
    • experience performing a minimum number of inspections under the direct supervision of a qualified tank inspector, including specific inspections (e.g., external, internal) and tank types
  • New Tank Testers will need:
    • a training certificate
    • to be familiar with the specification tank on which the test is performed
    • to be familiar with the test procedure and pass/fail criteria; and
    • experience performing a minimum number of tests under the direct supervision of a qualified tank tester, including specific tests (e.g., pressure, leakage) and tank types
  • New Tank Inspectors and Tank Testers will also need to maintain their qualifications for specific types of tests/inspections and tank types per Clause 8.1.6.5, CSA B620
  • Existing Tank Inspectors and Tank Testers whose qualifications comply with Clauses 8.1.6 and 8.1.7 of CSA B620-14 do not need to comply with the new requirements until 3 years after the publication of CSA B620:20
  • Reference: Clauses 8.1.6, 8.1.7, CSA B620

Training certificates

  • New tank inspectors and tank testers will need to be trained for the different inspections, tests and tank specifications
  • Existing Tank Inspectors and Tank Testers whose qualifications comply with Clauses 8.1.6 and 8.1.7 of CSA B620-14 do not need to comply with the new requirements until 3 years after the publication of CSA B620:20
  • Reference: Clauses 8.1.6, 8.1.7, CSA B620

Training organizations

  • Training Organizations have been introduced as a Transport Canada registered entity with the 2020 edition of CSA B620
  • Training Organizations will provide training and be able to issue training certificates to CSA B620 Tank Inspectors and Tank Testers
  • Reference: Clauses 3.2, 8.1.4.2, 8.1.4.5, 8.1.7, Annex B, CSA B620

Tank Inspectors performing wet fluorescent magnetic particle inspections

  • Tank Inspectors that hold one of the following need not comply with Clauses 8.1.6.1 and 8.1.6.5 of CSA B620 (e.g., exempt from training certificates, maintaining qualification with periodic inspections):
    • a valid CAN/CGSB 48.9712 Level 2 or Level 3 certification
      a valid NDT Level II or Level III certification as per ANSI/ASNT CP-189 or
    • Recommended Practice No. SNT-TC-1A and ANSI/ASNT CP-105
  • Reference: Clause 8.1.6.6, CSA B620

Damage protection for new TC 331, TC 338 and TC 341 highway tanks

  • Damage protection requirements for TC 331, TC 338 and TC 341 highway tanks were revised with changes to the loadings and the allowed stresses in the tank wall
  • Reference: Clause 5.2.2.8, CSA B620

Highway tank securement

  • The loading requirements for all types of highway tank securement were revised. The requirements have been refined for the different directions of static loads (e.g., vertical, longitudinal and transverse).
  • Reference: Clause 5.1.3, CSA B620

TC 51 – reintroduction into CSA B620

  • TC 51 portable tanks were reintroduced into CSA B620 after their removal from the 2014 edition of the standard. However, the manufacture of TC 51 portable tanks continued through an allowance in the TDG Regulations.
  • With the reintroduction of TC 51 portable tanks, there were several other changes made to the specification, such as:
    • allowance for protected bottom openings; and
    • specific emergency discharge control requirements for TC 51 Nurse Tanks
  • Reference: Clause 6.2, CSA B620

10 Year Inspections for certain 331 highway tanks

  • Some 331 highway tanks may be permitted to adhere to a 10 year schedule for pressure tests and internal inspections, if the highway tank:
    • is used in dedicated propane service;
    • has a water capacity less than 13 250 L; and
    • is constructed of one or more of the following materials:
      1. non-quenched and tempered SA-612 steel; or
      2. non-quenched and tempered SA-202 or SA-455 steels that have a full-size equivalent (FSE) Charpe-vee notch (CVN) energy test data that demonstrate 75% shear-area ductility at 0°C (32°F) with an average of 3 or more samples > 20 joules FSE (15 ft-lb FSE), with no sample < 14 joules FSE (10 ft-lb FSE)
  • Reference: Note 12, Table 7.2, CSA B620

New pressure testing requirements

  • The criteria for a successful pressure test have been revised to now include guidance on the maximum test pressures permitted during a CSA B620 pressure test. Under certain circumstances, if the tank is overpressurized, the tank will need to be taken out of service and reviewed by a Transport Canada Design Engineer before being put back into service.
  • For pneumatic pressure tests:
    • a pressure relief device set to a value not exceeding 110% of the test pressure is required. The device shall have a minimum capacity equal to the capacity of the equipment used to pressurize the tank.
    • the pneumatic test pressure is to now be reached gradually through increments
  • Reference: Clauses 7.2.7.4, 7.2.7.8, CSA B620

Revised thickness testing requirements

  • Thickness testing requirements in CSA B620:20 have been clarified. When corroded or abraded areas of tanks are found during periodic inspections, it is only those areas of the tank that must be thickness tested. When required by Table 7.3, CSA B620, the thickness test shall be performed on at least all areas listed in Clause 7.2.6.2, CSA B620.
  • The rejection criteria for thickness has been updated in Clause 7.2.6.1.2, CSA B620. There are new requirements for tank shells constructed to the ASME Code, Section VIII, Division 1, and tanks certified to the ASME Code or the provincial pressure vessel legislation that do not have a minimum thickness specified on the metal identification plate.
  • Reference: Clause 7.2.6, CSA B620

Pressure gauge selection and calibration

  • The 2020 edition of CSA B620 has strengthened requirements for pressure gauge selection and calibration. Specific requirements are now listed for gauge ranges (i.e. not less than 1.5 times nor more than 4 times the test pressure), accuracy, and calibration have been addressed in the standard.
  • Reference: Clause 7.1.4, CSA B620

Test and inspection reporting requirements

  • The CSA B620 test and inspection reporting requirements have changed with the 2020 edition. The reports now require new information such as:
    • holding time of tests
    • TCRN/MDIN
    • tank manufacturer, assembler and certification date
    • MAWP or Design Pressure, as marked
    • minimum allowable thicknesses of shell / head
    • whether the tank is lined, insulated, or both
    • whether the tank is in special service (e.g., corrosive)
    • information on testing of pressure relief devices (e.g., pressure at which device opens and reseats); and
    • the complete metal identification plate data required by the specification, including data required by the ASME Code for TC 331, MC 330, MC 331, TC 51, CTC 51 and DOT 51 tanks
  • Reference: Clause 7.3.1, CSA B620

TC 423 Insulation Requirements

  • Insulation requirements for TC 423 highway tanks were revised in the 2020 edition. The insulation must now be inorganic and protected so that it will not absorb spilled explosives residue, and shall be non-combustible as determined in accordance with ASTM E136 or ULC CAN4-S114. Compatibility of insulation with the lading no longer needs to be demonstrated with test methods approved by the Chief Inspector of Explosives designated under the Government of Canada’s Explosives Act.
  • Reference: Clause 5.10.4.2, CSA B620

Quality Control Manual

  • The detailed requirements for the quality control manual are now found in Annex B.1 of CSA B620:20. Section 14 (Training) has been added to cover the new requirements for training of CSA B620 tank testers and tank inspectors.
  • Facilities must update their manuals to ensure compliance with the new edition
  • Reference: Annex B.1, CSA B620

CSA B621:20 - Selection and use of highway tanks, TC portable tanks, and other large containers for the transportation of dangerous goods, Classes 3, 4, 5, 6.1, 8, and 9

Non-Rectangular TC 44 portable tanks are no longer limited to diesel fuel

  • Non-rectangular TC 44 portable tanks are no longer limited to diesel fuel only. They are permitted for the transport of other dangerous goods, similarly to TC 406 and equivalent tanks.
  • Reference: Clause 6.1, CSA B621

Clarifying chock block requirement

  • The applicable requirements for the use of chock blocks during loading/unloading operations have been clarified. The Standard now specifies that a minimum of two chock blocks are required when they are used to prevent unintended vehicle movement during loading/unloading operations.
  • Reference: Clause 7.1 (h), CSA B621

Emergency shutoff marking

  • Manually activated remote shutoff devices now require an “Emergency Shutoff” marking
  • Reference: Clause 7.1 (k), CSA B621

Intermediate Bulkheads

  • New requirements for tanks manufactured with intermediate bulkheads have been added to CSA B621. These tanks are now required to have a liquid bypass or liquid level detection system as outlined in the Standard.
  • Reference: Clause 7.1 (l), CSA B621

Selection and use tables – new table sorted by UN number

  • The selection and use tables in CSA B621 have been updated with the 2020 edition. Additionally, new tables have been added with dangerous goods sorted by UN number. It is recommended that individuals review these tables to ensure requirements specific to the shipment of their dangerous goods have not changed.
  • Reference: Clause 8.3, CSA B621

CSA B622:20 - Selection and use of highway tanks, TC portable tanks, and ton containers for the transportation of dangerous goods, Class 2

Emergency discharge control

  • Revised emergency discharge control of tanks in compressed liquefied gas service – some tanks will need to be retrofitted within a 5 year phase-in period or by next pressure test, whichever is sooner. This does not apply to tanks designed to transport Class 2.2 dangerous goods with no subsidiary class, as well as portable tanks that are removed from the vehicle for loading and unloading.
  • Reference: Clauses 5.2.6, 5.5.1 (f) & (g), CSA B622

Revised / Updated Nurse Tank and Nurse Tank Piping Requirements

  • Nurse Tank requirements have been revised with the 2020 publication of CSA B622. Changes include:
    • clarification on loading/unloading requirement for fail-safe brake interlock systems or chock blocks for nurse tanks connected to applicators or field implements in a field location
    • tank protection requirements for TC 51 Nurse Tank portable tanks, including rear-end protection, were revised in Clause 5.2.5, CSA B622
    • TC 51 Nurse Tanks manufactured after January 12, 2018, must satisfy the emergency discharge control requirements of Clause 6.2.9.3, CSA B620:20
    • specific requirements for the design, installation, modification, and certification of piping systems for nurse tanks were added to Clause 5.2.7, CSA B622
    • significant changes were made to Specific Requirement 55, Clause 6.3, CSA B622, including:
      • clarification of requirements for nurse tanks manufactured before January 12, 2018
      • revised inspection/test frequency for nurse tanks meeting specific criteria (e.g., post weld heat treated); and
      • new emergency discharge control requirements for interconnected nurse tanks or nurse tanks with a capacity of 10,000 L or greater
    • Reference: Clauses 5.1 (g), 5.2.5, 5.2.6 (c), 5.2.7, 6.3, CSA B622

Clarifying chock block requirement

  • With the 2020 edition of CSA B622, the applicable requirements for the use of chock blocks during loading/unloading operations have been clarified. The Standard now specifies that a minimum of two chock blocks are required when using them to prevent unintended vehicle movement.
  • Reference: Clause 5.1 (g), CSA B622

Emergency shutoff marking

  • Manually activated remote shutoff devices now require an “Emergency Shutoff” marking
  • Reference: Clause 5.1 (k), CSA B622

Portable tank securement

  • Portable tanks that are loaded or unloaded while on the vehicle now require tank securement that has been designed by Professional Engineer
  • Reference: Clause 5.1 (l), CSA B622

Selection and use tables – updated

  • The selection and use tables in CSA B622 have been updated in the 2020 edition. Additionally, new tables have been added with dangerous goods sorted by UN number. It is recommended that individuals review these tables to ensure requirements specific to the shipment of their dangerous goods have not changed.
  • Reference: Clause 6, CSA B622

Removal of specific requirement 73, Clause 6, CSA B622

  • This specific requirement was removed from the 2020 edition of CSA B622. It covered requirements for tanks securely mounted on skid packages used for agricultural purposes.
  • Reference: Specific Requirement 73, Clause 6, CSA B622

Note that compliance with the TDG Regulations when transporting dangerous goods is mandatory and failure to comply may result in revocation of any associated Transport Canada registration, as well as fines or prosecution for those responsible. This applies to TC registered Means of Containment (MOC) facilities, individuals, and companies transporting dangerous goods in Canada.

Transport Canada registered MOC facilities that are determined to have not followed the TDG Regulations in their operations may be issued a direction to issue a recall – also known as a notice of defective construction or recall or, Notice of defective repair or defective testing – for any and all MOC that were not constructed or serviced per the requirements in the safety standards. Other enforcement actions may be applicable as well.

Public safety is a shared responsibility, therefore Transport Canada is always willing to work with you to maintain compliance with the TDG Regulations. We have regional offices across Canada, offices in Ottawa that can be reached by email or phone for dangerous goods related inquiries. Please consult the TDG website or the FAQ page for highway tanks and TC portable tanks. If ever in doubt regarding any dangerous goods related matter, please reach out to us. Our ultimate goal is to ensure the safe and secure transport of dangerous goods across Canada, for all Canadians.

Emails pertaining to registration can be sent to: MOCregister-Registrecontenant@tc.gc.ca

Technical inquires pertaining to all container types can be sent to: tdgcontainers-tmdcontenants@tc.gc.ca

Report a problem with this page

Date modified: