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NFPA 385, Standard for Tank Vehicles for Flammable and Combustible Liquids

2022NFPA 385 Code - Current Edition
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  • Description

    Help improve fire safety for tank vehicles used to transport flammable and combustible liquids with NFPA 385, 2022 edition.

    It is essential that standard performance requirements are adhered to for minimizing the risks of fires, explosions, and hazards resulting from the transportation of liquids classified as flammable or combustible in tank vehicles. NFPA 385, Standard for Tank Vehicles for Flammable and Combustible Liquids, provides critical information and requirements for the design, construction, and safe operation of tank vehicles used in these potentially dangerous applications.

    NFPA 385 applies to tank trucks and trailers equivalent to US Department of Transportation (DOT) specifications as well as cargo tanks and their accessories.

    Content covers the following topics:

    • Flammable and combustible liquids scope and classifications
    • Design and construction of tank trucks and tank trailers used to transport stable flammable and combustible liquids
    • Criteria for tank vehicles used to transport asphalt
    • Specified provisions for delivery operators, including loading and unloading
    • Auxiliary equipment such as internal combustion engines, electric generators and motors, pumps, and hoses
    • Additional explanatory material, safety considerations, and references

    The 2022 edition of NFPA 385, Standard for Tank Vehicles for Flammable and Combustible Liquids, is your source for the most current industry knowledge and requirements.

    For nearly a century, this document has been a vital resource for tank vehicle fleet owners and operators and safety-enforcement officials. This latest edition brings the standard up to date with the latest criteria and features significant revisions that can affect your work.

    Changes include:

    • Revised definitions of flammable liquid and combustible liquid
    • Inclusion of flash point ranges with the liquid classes to be consistent with the 2021 edition of NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code.
    • Added setback distance of 25 feet for open flames and smoking to correspond to US DOT regulations.

    Access the information you and your team need to reduce risks and liabilities transporting flammable or combustible liquids in tank vehicles.

    Order your copy of NFPA 385, Standard for Tank Vehicles for Flammable and Combustible Liquids, 2022 edition, today. (Print, 28 pp., 2022)

  • Table of Contents (2022 Current Edition)

    NFPA® 385, Standard for Tank Vehicles for Flammable and Combustible Liquids, 2022 Edition

    Chapter 1 Administration
    1.1 Scope.
    1.2 Purpose.
    1.3 Application. (Reserved)
    1.4 Retroactivity.
    1.5 Equivalency.
    1.6 Units and Formulas.
    1.7 Enforcement. (Reserved)
    Chapter 2 Referenced Publications
    2.1 General.
    2.2 NFPA Publications.
    2.3 Other Publications.
    2.4 References for Extracts in Mandatory Sections.
    Chapter 3 Definitions
    3.1 General.
    3.2 NFPA Official Definitions.
    3.3 General Definitions.
    Chapter 4 Classification of Ignitible (Flammable and Combustible) Liquids
    4.1 Scope.
    4.2 Classification Scheme.
    4.3 Determination of Flash Point (FP).
    Chapter 5 Tank Vehicle Design
    5.1 Requirements Applicable to All Tank Vehicles — General.
    5.2 Cargo Tanks, Piping, and Connections Designed for Transporting Ignitible (Flammable or Combustible) Liquids at Temperatures at or Above Their Boiling Points.
    5.3 Cargo Tanks, Piping, and Connections Designed for Transfer of Ignitible (Flammable or Combustible) Liquids at Temperatures Below Their Boiling Points.
    5.4 Emergency-Discharge Control.
    5.5 Testing.
    5.6 Separation to Prevent Intermixing.
    5.7 Lighting.
    Chapter 6 Asphalt Tank Vehicles
    6.1 General.
    6.2 Vents for Cargo Tanks.
    6.3 Overflows and Drains.
    6.4 Burners and Burner Tubes.
    Chapter 7 Marking on Tank Vehicles
    7.1 General.
    Chapter 8 Auxiliary Equipment
    8.1 Auxiliary Internal Combustion Engines.
    8.2 Auxiliary Electric Generators and Motors.
    8.3 Pumps and Hose.
    Chapter 9 Operation of Tank Vehicles
    9.1 General Operating Conditions.
    9.2 Loading and Unloading of Tank Vehicles.
    9.3 Fire Extinguishers.
    Annex A Explanatory Material
    Annex B Precautions Against Ignition by Static Electricity
    Annex C Informational References
  • Prior Editions

    2017 Edition

     

    Use NFPA 385 to avoid fires and explosions when transporting flammable and combustible liquids in tank vehicles.

    An essential on-the-job resource for enforcing officials and tank vehicle fleet owners/operators, NFPA 385, Standard for Tank Vehicles for Flammable and Combustible Liquids provides design and construction requirements for tank vehicles that are equivalent to U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) specifications.

    Topics covered include:

    • Design and construction of tank trucks and tank trailers used to transport stable flammable and combustible liquids
    • Special requirements for tank vehicles used to transport asphalt
    • Specific requirements for delivery operator including loading and unloading

    Changes in the 2017 edition include:

    • Revised Section 9.3.4 on maintenance of fire extinguishers for consistency with NFPA 10, Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers
    • Updated references throughout Chapter 2 and Annex C to current editions

    Vital to transportation fire safety, NFPA 385 has the latest requirements needed to avoid fires and explosions when transporting flammable and combustible liquids in tank vehicles. (Print, 22 pp., 2017)

    2012 Edition

     

    Avoid fires and explosions when transporting flammable and combustible liquids in tank vehicles with the 2012 NFPA 385.

    NFPA 385: Standard for Tank Vehicles for Flammable and Combustible Liquids provides design and construction requirements for tank vehicles that are equivalent to U. S. Department of Transportation (DOT) specifications. Topics covered include:

    • Design and construction of tank trucks and tank trailers used to transport stable flammable and combustible liquids
    • Special requirements for tank vehicles used to transport asphalt
    • Specific requirements for delivery operator including loading and unloading

    Update to the 2012 edition to keep pace with important changes that impact safety:

    • Replaced definitions of ''flammable liquid'' and ''combustible liquid'' with those extracted from source document, NFPA 30: Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code
    • Clarified that the terms ''baffle'' and ''bulkhead'' are defined for purposes of NFPA 385 only
    • New prohibition on storing flammable/combustible materials and aerosol products in a generator enclosure or auxiliary motor enclosure
    • New requirement that operator be trained in appropriate emergency and safety procedures, including: bonding and grounding; use of portable fire extinguishers; contingency plans for handling leaks and spills; and notification of proper agencies in event of an emergency
    • New requirement that wheels be chocked during liquids transfer to or from tank vehicle
    • Clarified requirements for portable extinguishers, including rating of dry chemical extinguishers and proper accessibility and mounting on the vehicle

    An essential on-the-job resource for enforcing officials and tank vehicle fleet owners/operators. (Softbound, 28 pp., 2012)

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