Safety Notice on Bench Testing of Pressure Relief Devices (PRDs)

Recent investigations conducted by FMCSA on USDOT specification cargo tank test and repair facilities have resulted in a consistent pattern of noncompliance regarding bench testing of Pressure Relief Devices (PRDs).  Specifically, cargo tank testing and repair facilities are either failing to bench test PRDs or failing to test them appropriately by not determining the proper start-to-discharge and closing pressures.