Assessing conformity with EC 1999/36/EC

TUV Rheinland is a notified body that is designated to undertake the carrying out of conformity assessment procedures under Transportable Pressure Equipment Directive EC 1999/36/EC.

The purpose of the Transportable Pressure Equipment Directive EC 1999/36/EC is to provide a legal framework that facilitates the manufacture and marketing of transportable pressure equipment throughout the European Union member states.

This is achieved by harmonising the standards of design, manufacture, testing and certification of certain transportable pressure equipment.

Responsibility for compliance is ultimately on the person placing the equipment on the market and the suppliers of the compressed gases who transport their goods in the cylinders.

The Directive applies to: * New transportable pressure equipment for purposes of placing on the market in the EU.

* Existing transportable pressure equipment for purposes of re-assessment to conformity.

* New and used transportable pressure equipment and gas cylinders for the purpose of repeated use and periodic inspections.

Exclusions: The Directive does not apply to: * Transportable pressure equipment, which was placed on the market before 1st July 2001.

* Transportable pressure equipment used exclusively for the transport of dangerous goods between community territory and third country territory.

* Aerosol dispensers, Gas cylinders for breathing apparatus, Vessels for non-hazardous gases under 2 bar, Fire Extinguishers, Vessels incorporated into vehicles for their operation, Equipment designed principally to withstand forces due to other functions than the containment of pressure.

Conformity assessment - ressure equipment falls into 3 categories depending on its potential energy while in service.

The potential energy is directly proportional to the product of pressure contained and the volume of the pressure equipment.

Assessment and conformity procedures differ for each category.

In general, the higher the potential energy of the vessel in service, the more stringent are assessment and conformity procedures.

This is achieved through use of conformity assessment modules.

Some conformity assessment modules require the manufacturer of transportable pressure equipment, or his authorised representative established within the Community to affix the P marking on to all transportable pressure equipment and draw up a written declaration of conformity.

The identification number of the notified body responsible for community surveillance must accompany the P marking.

Notified Bodies - notified body means an inspection body designated by a national competent authority of a Member state with the purpose of: carrying out conformity assessment procedures under the Directive.

A notified body can be designated to undertake some or all of the above activities.

TUV Rheinland is a notified body that is designated to undertake all the above activities.

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