ATP renewal

1. Periodic inspection

A thorough technical inspection is advised at least once a year in order to get the longest possible service life out of your fleet of insulated containers.

This exhaustive inspection must allow you to:

• Check the container is working as it should;
• Correct any malfunctions;
• Carry out preventive maintenance operations such as adjustments and lubrication;
• Take the container out of service if it cannot be repaired.

After you have checked over your container, you must fill in the maintenance logbook, to record the different operations carried out. You may be asked for this document during an ATP renewal audit. 

Particular attention must be paid to the following areas:

• State of the container walls
• Closing system
• Door or lid hinges
• Seal
• Door hold-open system
• Casters, feet, pallets
• ATP plate and validity date

2. Documentation and training in routine maintenance

Olivo provides a variety of maintenance materials and items: guide, filmed tutorials, spare parts, tools. Training in maintenance operations can also be provided for users with an in-house maintenance department. Working on plastic containers, changing seals, inserts or rotomoulded handles, etc.: we offer training that meets users’ specific needs.

3. ATP validity

The container falls within the category of insulated equipment under 2 m3. It is generally mass produced and must undergo technical compliance tests.

ATP tests: the manufacturer submits a reference container for each model it produces for testing at an approved ATP test centre. For France, the ATP centre is Cémafroid. There are two types of ATP tests:

• Measurement of the K-factor to determine the insulation value of the container (K-value)
• The effectiveness of the refrigeration system

These technical tests, which are harmonised internationally, give rise to test reports valid for 6 years and the granting of an ATP compliance certificate. These tests are described in a French document entitled ‘Avis aux transporteurs‘ (Notice to transporters) published in the OJ on 19 August 1998. When it acquires an insulated container, the owner becomes responsible for ensuring its equipment is compliant. The ATP certification system requires the renewal 6 years and 9 years after the container goes into service of the certificate of technical compliance of equipment used for temperature controlled transport.