Extract of A.T.P. EUROPE REGULATIONS (March 1974)

APPROVAL OF VEHICLES DESTINED FOR THE CARRIAGE OF PERISHABLE GOODS

Before putting a refrigerated or holdover vehicle into use, it must be approved by the regional health authorities.

CHARACTERISTICS OF VEHICLES USED FOR CARRYING PERISHABLE GOODS

The refrigerated unit is an insulated unit with a cooling system which makes it pos-sible, at a mean outside temperature of +30°C, to lower the temperature inside the empty body and to maintain this low temperature as follows:
CLASS A:
Refrigerated unit equipped with a cooling system allowing the selection of temperatures between +12°C and 0°C inclusive. CLASS B:
Refrigerated unit equipped with a cooling system allowing the selection of temperatures between +12°C and -10°C inclusive.
CLASS C:
Refrigerated unit equipped with a cooling system allowing the selection of temperatures between +12°C and -20°C inclusive. Truck Units Regulations Recommendations 5 4 Vector Temperatures.

CERTIFICATION: Two types of test are used in France.

1. Measurement of efficiency according to ATP standards
Testing is carried out on the refrigerated vehicles (unit mounted on the body).
At an ambient temperature of +30°C, the unit must lower the inside temperature to a value below that of the required class and maintain this temperature for 12 hours with the addition of heat corresponding to 35% of the insulation : K x Ms x DT x 1.35.
K = insulating factor, Ms = mean surface area of the walls in m².
Ms = sqr(mean interior surface area x mean exterior surface area)
This test is certified by an official report covering both the unit and body.

2. Special testing of unit and body
(Valid only in France, Germany and Italy)
Based on the reports certifying the insulation of the body and the refrigeration capacity of the unit, the unit + body assembly may be approved using the following formula:

K x Ms x DT x 1.75
K = insulating factor, Ms = mean surface area of the walls in m².
Ms = Sqr(mean interior surface area x mean exterior surface area)
NOTE: The K factor of bodies intending to be classified as B or C must not exceed 0.4 W/m² °C.

SIGNS, IDENTIFICATION MARKS AND PLATES TO BE ATTACHED

REFRIGERATED UNIT
This reference must be followed by the appropriate identification marks from the following list:
Standard Class A refrigerated unit FNA
Reinforced Class A refrigerated unit FRA
Reinforced Class B refrigerated unit FRB
Reinforced Class C refrigerated unit FRC
In addition to the above identification marks, the date (month and year) of expiry of the approval certificate must be indicated.
Example: Model FRC 6-2000 (6 = June, 2000 = year)
IMPORTANT
Check the expiry date of the approval certificate regularly. This certificate, or equivalent temporary approval documents, must be supplied when requested by qualified persons.
In the case of transformation of an insulated vehicle for refrigerated operation, a request for modification of the approval certificate must be addressed to the regional health authorities.

NOTE: There are other rules and regulations applicable to the transport of temperature-sensitive cargo (ARI for the USA - JIS for Japan). For further information on these regulations, please contact our technical departments.