Clarification - Hose Assembly Inspection and Testing

Recently, the CPA received questions from members regarding hose assembly inspection and testing requirements. To address these questions, the CPA gathered relevant information from standard CSA B620, a mandatory standard that is adopted into the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations.

CSA B620-14 - Highway tanks and TC portable tanks for the transportation of dangerous goods (edition currently in force)

• Clause 7.2.10.5 requires that each hose assembly shall be pressure tested annually. 
• Subclause (a) stipulates that a hose assembly having any damage (see below) shall be taken out of service and not be pressure tested until repaired. 
  • Damage to the hose cover that exposes the reinforcement.
  • Kinked, flattened, or permanently deformed wire braid.
  • Soft spots when not under pressure, bulging under pressure, or loose outer covering.
  • Damaged, slipping, or excessively worn hose couplings.
  • Loose or missing bolts or fastenings on bolted hose coupling assemblies.
  • Deteriorated legibility or absence of the serial or identification number and HAWP (Hose Assembly Working Pressure).
• Subclause (b) that the test pressure shall be, for CSA-certified hose assemblies, not less than 2400 kPa (350 psi). 
  Note: Subclause (b) in CSA B620-09 stipulated that the test pressure shall be the greater of 120% of the marked HAWP of the hose assembly and 518 kPa (75 psi) except that for CSA-certified hose assemblies, it shall be not less than 1552 kPa (225 psi).
  Note: Test pressures for other types of hose assemblies (e.g. not CSA-certified) can be found in Clause 7.2.10.5 of the CSA B620-14 standard.
• Subclause (c) prohibits the use of the following to pressurize non-CSA-certified hose assemblies:
  • Compressed gas,
  • Compressed air,
  • Flammable liquid or
  • Corrosive liquid.
    Note: Water is the recommended test fluid.
    Note: This subclause does not explicitly state that the above can be used for CSA-certified hose assemblies.                 
• Subclause (e) requires that provisions be made to protect personnel during testing should failure occur. 
• Subclause (f) stipulates that, to pass a pressure test, the hose assembly shall hold the pressure without bulging, distortion, or leaks for at least 5 min when isolated from the pressure supply.

Regulatory References:

• TDG Regulations can be viewed on the Transport Canada website.
• The CSA B620-14 standards can be accessed (view only) on CSA’s community portal or they may be purchased from the CSA store.