The Road Vehicles (Authorisation of Special Types) (General) Order 2003

13.—(1) Where a trailer is used for the carriage of any part of the gas supply system—

(a) an articulating connector complying with sub-paragraphs (2) to (8) must be fitted between the part of the system on the vehicle and the part of the system on the trailer, and

(b) the articulating connector must not be subjected to more than medium pressure.

(2) Any articulating connector must—

(a) be of a type suitable for natural gas systems;

(b) be designed to accept a compatible nozzle without the use of adapter fittings; and

(c) not be interchangeable with connections for other services.

(3) The gas supply pipework at the terminal on each section of the articulated unit must be capable of withstanding a force of at least 200N in any direction before deformation or failure occurs.

(4) Any articulating connector must be designed so that separation can be achieved in a fail-safe manner, minimising the volume of gas released during the separation process and while the joint remains disconnected.

(5) Disconnection devices must be designed to prevent unauthorised interference.

(6) Dust caps must be fitted to exposed connections to keep out dirt and such dust caps must be attached to the system.

(7) The articulating connector must be properly supported and protected at all times.

(8) The articulating connector must incorporate a breakaway coupling which is designed to separate when a breakaway force of 200N (or greater) is applied in any direction and which has an automatic isolation system to minimise the release of gas in the event of the separation of the breakaway coupling.