BS PAS 1008:2016

BS PAS 1008:2016 specifies requirements for a single-use flexitank used for the intermodal transport of a liquid commodity (that is not classified or regulated as dangerous goods) in a general purpose (GP) freight container. It is applicable to single-layer and multilayer flexitanks made from polyethylene 2), polyethylene blends and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It is applicable to flexitanks capable of carrying a commodity with a maximum mass of ≤ 24 000 kg and with a maximum volume of ≤ 24 000 L.

It specifies requirements for:

• the material properties of the flexitank film and, where fitted, the sleeve;
• the leak tightness of the loading/discharging valve(s);
• the flexitank system's resistance to a rail impact defined as a 2g (gravitational unit) retardation or acceleration force;
• the provision of flexitank information. It describes a method for testing the leak tightness of the loading/discharging valve(s).

It also describes a method of determining the flexitank's suitability for intermodal transport by means of a rail impact test of the flexitank when installed in a GP freight container together with its restraining system. This PAS does not cover requirements or test methods for multi-use flexitanks or flexitanks used for storage.

This PAS only covers flexitanks for use in GP freight containers and not those used in other types of freight containers, such as reefers.

This PAS does not cover compatibility testing of the commodity with the flexitank film.

NOTE 1 The flexitank manufacturer might need to carry out compatibility testing to determine whether a flexitank is suitable for carrying a specific commodity. The compatibility of the flexitank and commodity depends on the chemical and physical properties of both the flexitank film and the commodity.

This PAS does not provide guidance on the operation (i.e. the installation, loading, transport, discharge and disposal) of a flexitank.

NOTE 2 Recommendations on the operation of the flexitank system are given in COA's publication, Code of Practice for Flexitanks.


All current amendments available at time of purchase are included with the purchase of this document.