What does "non code" mean with respect to tanker trailer?

Not for 100% sure, but I think that it means the tests are out of date, and /or possibly some defect, and /or compliance issue prevents it from returning to that particular service. Many older trailers are "non code" simply because retrofitting them with the required newer stuff is not cost effective.
Looking at the front of the tank should show the tests, and when they were last performed.
Test Required
V= visual Annual
I= internal Annual
K= thickness Annual
P= pressure 3 years (?)
L= lining 3 years (?) For trailers in special acid and corrosive service

I THINK these tests are for trailers transporting DOT regulated products only, once again, not sure, but don't think required for non DOT and farm use. I would however check with an authority, especially if intending to transport possible corrosives, such as liquid fertilizer.
I would ask to look at the past tests, as thickness would be a area of concern if trailer was transporting acids/corrosives. If it is an aluminum trailer, look inside closely at the tank bottom and plumbing, for pits, and chalkyness, a sign that it could have been in corrosive service (not good for aluminum).
I would also contact the gas, light oil and crude oil transporters in my area, if I were looking, sometimes their trailers can be had pretty cheap, and weren't in corrosive service.

 

You're thinking about right . Trailers for certain chemicals have to meet . AMSE codes . You can have new noncode trailer . A word of caution about inspecting trailers . Tankers are considered confined spaces by OSHA and it is a violation to enter one without confined space training and appropriate safety gear (harness , winch , and attendent at opening at all times ) . Just sticking your head past the top of the opening rim is a violation .

 

Agreed, RickG, and thanks for putting out the heads up about the confined space stuff, something I should have done.

Although we did not do our own testing, and certainly didn't dive trailers, we had extensive training on the CSE. Breaking the plane of the trailer with ANY part of your body is considered an entry! Our trailers had to be almost food grade clean, not even waterspots, so to check, we used large hand lanterns, and mirrors mounted on 1" aluminum pipe in order to see inside the trailer.

 

It means ALL tankers . What droy said about breaking the plane with any part of your body includes dipping your arm in to take a sample . You should have a rod with a clamp to hold the sample jar . I worked at a trailer shop in GA once and one of the employees left to work for another shop . He died working in a tank . In violation of regulations he was working without the required attendant . That cost him his life . More recently one of our drivers was at a tank wash and a worker passed out in the tank . Another worker started to go in and assist him but the driver stopped him . 60% of confined space fatalities are would be rescuers . Most attendants aren't trained in rescue . Our driver called 911 after guiding a fresh air hose close to the victim . A rescue squad with breathing apparatus arrived and the victim survived . Stay out of tanks unless you know and follow OSHA confined space regulations .
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/86110v2.html

 

Just because the tank is free of any type of haz mat, DOES NOT make it safe for entry! It must also be tested to insure that there is a sufficient oxygen level inside to support life.
Many years ago, working for a smaller company that had good safety intentions, but little knowledge about the dangers of CSE, we had two fellows go down in two separate instances. No fatalitys thank GOD. One in a shore tank, approx. 24' in dia. with a large open hatch, the other in a baffled tank trailer. Luckily both had lines tied to them; the shore tank was an easy rescue, simply pulling the downed fellow to the hatch. The other was a living HELL! Breathing air was available, but was "too much trouble" donning the mask, and working with it. After the fight we had to get air to that fellow (a good friend), while pulling him through that small baffle hole toward the dome lid was some of the longest moments of my life. Please DO NOT dive a trailer unless you have full knowledge of whats involved.

I think that government agencies too often interfere with our lives. Concerning a CSE, I often wish OSHA reps would be there to observe.
Overreaction,.... yes, but it was that scary.

 

WRONG!
Lack of oxygen is probably responsible for more fatalitys than the presence of haz mat. Too often, people wrongly assume that if the haz mat is removed, it's safe to enter. In addition to sniffing for haz mat gases, a sniff must also be performed to check the oxygen level in ALL areas of the confined space!

jakescia, please don't think that I am trying to beat up on you, or be a smart #####; this is serious stuff! You mentioned that the trailer is to be for farm use. OSHA list farming industry as an occupation that produces more injuries that any other field of employment. I'm fairly sure it's due to a combination of being around so much heavy, moving equipment and lack of safety training, among other things, such as taking unsafe shortcuts. Certainly not trying to beat up on farmers either, I grew up in a small farming community, and as they say, "been there, have scars to prove it".

My last CSE training was back in 2000, and I forget yesterdays lessons, but if there is anything I can do to help, please holler!
GOOD LUCK!

 

You have to know what you're doing with sniffers . They have to be calibrated properly and have the right sensors for the appropriate gases . Once I was supervising a large crew working at a power plant known to have high levels of hydrogen sulfide and sulphur dioxide . We didn't have enough sniffers so we rented one . I watched them put the sensors in and calibrate it . It showed sage levels of sulphur dioxide at a hole that had a strong smell to it . I borrowed a sniffer from the power plant and it showed levels requiring supplied air .

 

Many different sniffers out there, yes most do have to be calibrated. When checking for a chemical presence, such as H2S, we mostly used the disposable type, small glass tubes with small beads in them, whenever you wanted to sniff, you crushed the tube (which was safely encased in a plastic sleeve). The beads changed color, and you did a comparison against a provided chart for the concentration.