Review Questions - Click On The Picture To Begin...
- All of these inspections are true and correct
- Check pipes, connections and hoses for leaks
- Make sure intake, discharge, and cut-off valves are in the correct position before loading, unloading or moving the vehicle
- Make sure manhole covers and vents have gaskets and that they close correctly
Quote From The CDL Manual:
On all tank vehicles, the most important item to check for is leaks. Check under and around the vehicle for signs of any leaking. Do not carry liquids or gases in a leaking tank. In general, check the following:
- Tank body or shell for dents or leaks.
- Intake, discharge and cut-off valves. Make sure valves are in correct position before loading, unloading or moving the vehicle.
- Pipes, connections and hoses for leaks, especially around joints.
- Manhole covers and vents. Make sure covers have gaskets and that they close correctly. Keep vents clear so they work correctly.
- Special purpose equipment. If your vehicle has any of the following equipment, make sure it works:
- Vapor recovery kits.
- Grounding and bonding cables.
- Emergency shut-off systems.
- Built-in fire extinguisher.
Make sure you know how to operate your special equipment. Check the emergency equipment required for your vehicle. Find out what equipment you are required to carry and make sure you have it (and it works).
- All tankers have baffle devices to limit sloshing of liquids
- Liquid tankers are easier to roll over
- Tanker vehicles have a higher center of gravity
- Liquid tankers are harder to stop in an emergency than other types of vehicles
Quote From The CDL Manual:
Hauling liquids in tanks requires special skills because of the high center of gravity and liquid movement. A high center of gravity means that much of the load's weight is carried high up off the road. This makes the vehicle top-heavy and easy to roll over. Liquid tankers are especially easy to roll over. Tests how that tankers can turn over at the speed limits posted for curves. Take highway curves and on-ramp/off-ramp curves well below the posted speed limits.
- Tank that is permanently attached to the vehicle chassis
- Portable tanks with a rated capacity of less than 1,000 gallons
- Portable tank with a rated capacity of 10,000 gallons
- Large tanks of more than 1,000 gallons enclosed in a box trailer
Quote From The CDL Manual:
A "tank vehicle" is used to carry any liquid or gaseous material in a tank that is permanently or temporarily attached to the vehicle or chassis. However, this does not include portable tanks with a rated capacity of less than 1,000 gallons.
- Leaks from the tank
- Grounding and bonding cables are working properly
- Baffles are not damaged
- Placards (if required) are present and undamaged
Quote From The CDL Manual:
On all tank vehicles, the most important item to check for is leaks. Check under and around the vehicle for signs of any leaking. Do not carry liquids or gases in a leaking tank.
TruckingTruth's Advice:
While there are many other items which can be considered the "most important", most state manuals specifically state that checking for leaks is the most important inspection.
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