Taps in or taps out when loading IBC’s or does it not matter?
Loaded 22 of the things today, one had the spout on and I couldnt get it off, it was also a bit mangled on the end so I had it loaded with the tap inwards so it didnt rip the curtain. Place I delivered to tried to refuse the load because of it, have done the ADr course twice now and don’t seem to remember being told either or.
vwgpmk2:
Taps in or taps out when loading IBC’s or does it not matter?
Loaded 22 of the things today, one had the spout on and I couldnt get it off, it was also a bit mangled on the end so I had it loaded with the tap inwards so it didnt rip the curtain. Place I delivered to tried to refuse the load because of it, have done the ADr course twice now and don’t seem to remember being told either or.
Hi vwgpmk2, you’re spot-on mate, there’s nothing written in ADR on the subject of whether IBCs have to be loaded with the taps facing in or out.
I’d like to know the consignee’s reason for potentially refusing the load, since it seems to me that you used common sense and a good safety reason in not allowing the spout of an IBC to be protruding over the side of your vehicle to the extent that it might have ripped the curtain. 
Thanks Dave, I think it was a matter of me being sat on the doorstep when they turned up for work (been there overnight) I don’t think they were expecting it either. So she tried to stamp her foot a bit she said taps out it is in the ADR regs I didnt think it was but bit my tongue until I had checked. Will make sure they all face in next time so i can have a go back!!!
Spoke to another driver about it and we both came up with valid reasons for taps in and taps out, Taps in, then no one can interfer with them and turn them on. Taps out if it leaks you may be able to turn it off a bit more or fire brigade are able to drain it easilr if needed.
Cheers
vwgpmk2:
… she said taps out it is in the ADR regs …
Hi mate, that comes as news to me.
I’d like to ask her for the legal reference for that. 
As you said, there are reasons for taps in and taps out, but there’s nothing in ADR either way. 
Just to try and back you up, I’d say that there was the potential for the IBC spout to become damaged and that you took steps to protect it, thereby saving a possible spillage incident.
There is something written in ADR that requires you to protect the load:
ADR 2009 7.5.7.3
During loading and unloading, packages containing dangerous goods shall be protected from
being damaged.
It seems to me that you did exactly that and were therefore compliant.