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Natural Gas Vehicle Cylinder Safety, Training and Inspection
Program
Have Your CNG Cylinders Been Properly Inspected?
Why do my CNG cylinders need to be
inspected?
Like a gasoline-or diesel fueled-vehicle, a Compressed
Natural Gas vehicle’s fuel system should be inspected
periodically. In fact, the US Department of Transportation
(FMVSS 304) requires this statement on the label of all
CNG cylinders used on motor vehicles:
What is a qualified CNG cylinder
inspection?
Inspections performed by service stations or state agencies
may not include a detailed CNG cylinder visual inspection,
as outlined in a standard
developed by natural gas vehicle industry engineers. Following
this standard, a qualified inspector will note cuts, cracks,
gouges, abrasions, discoloration, broken fibers, loose brackets,
damaged gaskets or isolators, heat damage or other problems
and recommend proper action to assure fuel system safety.
A qualified inspector must have:
- knowledge of the types of containers used in CNG vehicle
systems, and damage allowances for each type, and
- understanding of
inspection requirements, tests, procedures, and
- the container manufacturer’s current inspection
guidelines readily available.
A qualified CNG cylinder inspector also must:
- have a minimum of 2 years experience conducting container
inspections, or
- be supervised by someone with 2 years experience, or
- be approved by the container manufacturer, or
- be certified as an inspector by an organization with
NGV training centers, an “authority having jurisdiction”
or a nationally recognized certification testing organization.
Where can I find a qualified
CNG cylinder inspector?
If your fleet does not have a qualified inspector, some
CNG vehicle manufacturers, local gas utilities and cylinder
manufacturers offer cylinder inspection services by qualified
inspectors. If yours do not, a list of CSA-certified inspectors
is available by clicking
here. CSA is the only nationally recognized organization
certifying CNG cylinder inspectors in the US and Canada.
Key in your state or province name (spelled out, not abbreviated),
hit “Search” and a list will come up. Click
on a name for that person’s contact information.
How can I become a certified CNG
cylinder inspector?
If you would like to be trained CNG cylinder inspector, these organizations provide training for the CSA certification test:
To become CSA America Certified inspector, certification tests are offered as a Computer-based exam at facilities located throughout the U.S. These facilities will provide on-demand exam sessions allowing the flexibility to take the exam when and where you choose.
For more information, please contact CSA America’s Personnel Certification Coordinator at 216-524-4990 or email personnel-certification@csa-america.org
Is scholarship assistance available?
Questions? – Call or email John Lapetz, Director of Technology, Clean Vehicle Education
Foundation, 248-924-3120.
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