12.1 The Convention allows owners the option of
having containers examined at intervals specified in the Convention
in accordance with an examination scheme prescribed or approved by
the Administration concerned, as set out in regulation 2, paragraph
2, and hereinafter referred to as "PERIODIC EXAMINATION SCHEME", or
under a continuous examination programme approved by the Administration
concerned, as set out in regulation 2, paragraph 3, and hereinafter
referred to as "CONTINUOUS EXAMINATION PROGRAMME".footnote
12.2 Both procedures are intended to ensure that
the containers are maintained to the required level of safety and
both should be considered equal, provided the Administration is satisfied
with the examination scheme used by the owner.
12.3 The owner should be allowed the option of
having part of his fleet covered by one examination procedure and
the remaining part of his fleet covered by the other procedure, and
provision should be made to allow an owner to change the procedure
applicable to their containers.
12.4
Elements to be included
in the examination
12.4.1
For containers covered by periodic
examination schemes or continuous examination programmes
12.4.1.1 While Administrations may specify factors
to be taken into account in a container examination scheme, it should
not be necessary at this time to agree on a specific list of factors
or minimum listing of parts of a container which should be included
in an examination. However, each examination should include a detailed
visual inspection for defects or other safety-related deficiencies
or damage which will render the container unsafe and include examination
of all structurally significant components of the container, particularly
the corner fittings.
12.4.1.2 It is accepted that a visual examination
of the exterior of the container will normally be sufficient. However,
an examination of the interior should also be performed if reasonably
practicable (e.g. if the container is empty at the time). Furthermore,
the top and underside of the container, including the underside of
the lower corner fittings, should be examined. This may be done either
with the container supported on a skeletal chassis or, if the examiner
considers it necessary, after the container has been lifted on to
other supports.
12.4.1.3 The examination of a container should
be carried out by a person having such knowledge and experience of
containers as will enable him to determine whether it has any defect
that could place any person in danger.
12.4.1.4 The person performing the external examination
should have the authority to require a more detailed examination of
a container if the condition of the container appears to warrant such
examination. If there is a possibility of serious structural deficiency
in structurally sensitive components (see 10.4 above), measuring tools
to fully assess the defects that are noted should be used.
12.4.2
Additional requirements for
containers under a continuous examination programme
12.4.2.1 Under an approved continuous examination
programme a container is subject to examinations and inspections during
the course of normal operations. These are:
-
.1
thorough examinations, which are
examinations conducted in connection with a major repair, refurbishment,
or on-hire/off-hire or depot interchange; and
-
.2
routine operating inspections,
which are frequent inspections performed to detect any damage or deterioration
that might necessitate corrective action.
12.4.2.2 Thorough examinations should be carried
out in accordance with the requirements of the approved examination
programme and care should be taken to ensure that any damaged parts
or components have been adequately and safely repaired or replaced.
Although Administrations may specify factors to be taken into account
during routine operating inspections, normally a visual inspection
of the exterior and the underside should be sufficient.
12.4.3
Container markings for examinations
12.4.3.1
Containers under a periodic examination
scheme — next examination date (NED)
12.4.3.1.1 The use of decals should be allowed
to indicate the date of the first examination and subsequent re-examination
of a container examined at intervals specified in the Convention provided
that:
-
.1 the relevant date (month and year) is shown
in internationally recognizable words or figures on the decals or
on the plate itself;
-
.2 the date of the first examination for new containers
is shown by decals or otherwise on the plate itself as regulation
2.2 of annex I of the CSC requires; and
-
.3 the decals have a white background with lettering
that may be coloured in accordance with the year of next examination
as follows:
| BROWN
|
2004
|
2010
|
2016
|
| BLUE
|
2005
|
2011
|
2017
|
| YELLOW
|
2006
|
2012
|
2018
|
| RED
|
2007
|
2013
|
etc.
|
| BLACK
|
2008
|
2014
|
|
| GREEN
|
2009
|
2015
|
|
12.4.3.2
Containers under a continuous examination
programme
12.4.3.2.1 A container examined under an approved
continuous examination programme should bear a decal showing the letters
ACEP and the identification of the Administration which has granted
the approval, in a similar manner to that stated in annex I, appendix
1, paragraph 1. This decal should be placed on or as close as practicable
to the Safety Approval Plate.
12.4.4.3
Containers operated by a lessee
12.4.4.3.1 Containers marked with an NED but operated
by a lessee with an approved continuous examination programme should
be re-marked by the fitting of the lessee's ACEP reference decal and
removal or covering of the next examination date
12.4.4.3.2 Containers marked with an ACEP reference
but operated by a lessee with a Periodic Examination Scheme (PES)
should be re-marked by the removal or covering of the ACEP reference
and the fitting of an NED decal following the first examination under
the lessee's examination scheme.
12.4.4.4
For containers built with limited
stacking or racking capacity
Containers tested in accordance with annex II, chapter 2
(Stacking) with an allowable superimposed static stacking weight less
than 192,000 kg for their outer most corner posts, or tested in accordance
with annex II, chapter 4 (Transverse Racking) with forces less than
150 kN, should be conspicuously marked, as required under the relevant
ISO standardfootnote.
The use of decals for containers under a periodic examination
scheme should remain optional and in no way derogate from the relevant
provisions of the Convention to which reference is made above. The
responsibility for developing and introducing a decal system should
remain with the owners.