ATP periodic inspections

VAK Huoltopalvelut Oy is authorised by the Finnish Food Authority to carry out ATP periodic inspections in Lieto, Vantaa, Jyväskylä, Tampere, and Oulu.

PERIODIC INSPECTION TIMEFRAME

The periodic inspection of a vehicle should be completed before the ATP classification expires. The inspection can be carried out no earlier than six months before the classification expires, and in certain cases, also after it has expired. The initial ATP classification is valid for six years. Its validity can then be extended twice, each time by three years, through periodic inspections. The original ATP classification can be valid for up to 12 years. After this period, the FRC category may be renewed following a successful insulation performance test (which cannot be carried out at periodic inspection stations). Alternatively, the classification can be downgraded to the FNA category for chilled transport, where it can be maintained with periodic inspections every three years until the end of the body’s service life. The original FNA classification can only be renewed after 12 years if the insulation performance is reassessed.

GENERAL INFORMATION ON PERIODIC INSPECTIONS

The purpose of the periodic inspection is to assess whether the vehicle, despite its age, remains fit for its intended use and continues to meet the technical requirements for ATP transport equipment. The periodic inspection is conducted under the authority of the Finnish Food Authority in an official capacity. The outcome may be approval, suspension, or rejection. Only Luke (Natural Resources Institute Finland) is authorised to extend the ATP classification. Once Luke has approved the periodic inspection station’s report, it sends a new ATP certificate by post to the inspector, who is required to redeem it. Luke charges a fee for the certificate in accordance with its price list.

BRING THESE DOCUMENTS
Before the periodic inspection begins, the validity of the body’s ATP classification is checked using the most recent ATP certificate, which must therefore be brought on site. In addition, you must provide the original type test report for the body, or a copy of it, as well as the registration certificate for the vehicle. A periodic inspection cannot take place unless the periodic inspection station has access to all the required documents. The type test report and ATP certificate can be obtained from Luke for a fee, in which case charges are applied according to the VAK Maintenance Services price list.

BODY CLEANED AND EMPTIED
 The body must be thoroughly cleaned inside and out before arriving for the periodic inspection, as all wall surfaces will be checked and photographed from every angle. A dirty body may lead to the cancellation of the periodic inspection, in which case the standard inspection fee will still be charged to the customer. The body compartment must be completely empty.

FUEL TANK FULL
 The refrigeration unit may use 30–40 litres of fuel during the periodic inspection cooling test, so please ensure the tank is sufficiently filled.

BODY COMPARTMENT WARM The periodic inspection cannot begin until the body compartment and insulated walls have reached a temperature of at least +15°C (+59°F). To confirm this, the temperature inside the body compartment is monitored with the doors closed for 30 minutes before the actual cooling test begins. During this period, the temperature inside the body must not decrease. If the body compartment needs to be heated before the test, this may delay the periodic inspection to the point that the scheduled time is no longer sufficient, which could result in the inspection being cancelled. Heating the body compartment is subject to an additional charge.
If you are leaving the vehicle for a periodic inspection, for example the night before, please ensure there is enough fuel and leave the refrigeration unit running, set to +20°C (+68°F).

TEMPERATURE RECORDER
 All FRC-classified vehicles must be equipped with a working temperature recorder approved to EN12830.nter, it takes longer for the body to warm up, in which case the measurement may not be able to be completed during one working day.