Beginning June 1, 2017, nurse tanks will require placards identifying that it is carrying ammonia (UN 1005) on all four sides in a way that complies with Part 4 (Dangerous Goods Safety Marks) of the Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) regulations. The two equivalency certificates that formerly allowed placards on the two long sides of a nurse tank (SH 6171 - Ren. 9, and SH 10006 - Ren. 5) will be discontinued on May 31, 2017.

CAAR and Fertilizer Canada have been working intensively with two working groups under the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) B620 Technical Committee, seeking resolution to changes in the 2014 B620 and B622 standards for construction of new anhydrous ammonia nurse tanks, and increased frequency of pressure testing and visual inspection for nurse tanks.

The two Equivalency Certificates SH 10006 - Ren 5 and SH6171 - Ren 9, which allow placards on only the two long sides of a nurse tank, will expire on May 31, 2017.

An alternate interpretation of Clause 4.7 (3) in the TDG regulations may lead Nurse Tank owners to be challenged by their inspector to demonstrate that a reduced size UN 1005 placard is required.

CAAR has responded with concern regarding the proposed amendments brought forward by Fertilizer Canada to the Anhydrous Ammonia Code of Practice. A summary of CAAR’s submission outlining its recommendations and provided to Fertilizer Canada on October 1, 2015, is available here.

Transport Canada (TC) requires that, per Standard CSA B620, every facility registered to conduct anhydrous ammonia highway tank and TC portable tank testing and inspection must renew their facility certification every five years. If your facility registration with TC is invalid, you are not legally authorized to inspect and test your NH3 tanks. Please note that Safety Officer certification through CAAR’s Nurse Tank Safety Program (NTSP) does not automatically register your facility. You must register your facility directly with Transport Canada. The database of registered facilities is available at www.apps.tc.gc.ca/saf-sec-sur/3/fdr-rici/highway/tanks, and a sample facility registration form is available on the CAAR website at caar.org/services/regulatory/.