PGS 29 inspections for storage tanks
Bureau Veritas inspects your storage tanks under PGS 29
PGS 29 sets out measures for managing the risks associated with the above-ground storage of flammable liquids in vertical cylindrical tanks. Bureau Veritas supports tank owners and operators with independent inspections, assessments and supervision throughout the tank life cycle.
The latest published edition is PGS 29:2022 version 1.1 of April 2026. The version applicable to a specific installation may depend on the statutory context, the permit and the situation.
What does PGS 29 cover?
PGS 29 provides a reference framework for the design, construction, use, maintenance and inspection of installations with vertical storage tanks. It addresses risks to employees and the environment, as well as fire safety and emergency response, and links measures to defined scenarios and objectives.
Which storage tanks does PGS 29 apply to?
PGS 29 applies to above-ground vertical cylindrical tanks whose floor rests on a foundation and that store flammable liquids within the scope of the guideline. The guideline includes limits and exceptions. The applicable measures, permit requirements and additional standards should therefore be determined for each installation.
Inspections throughout the tank life cycle
Within the applicable scope, Bureau Veritas can provide services including:
- design assessment and inspection during the manufacture of new storage tanks;
- assessment and inspection of tank safeguarding systems;
- inspection before commissioning and entry inspection;
- periodic reinspection based on fixed intervals (TBI) or risk-based inspection (RBI);
- assessment of repairs, modifications and major reconstructions;
- validation of RBI methods;
- supervision of a User Inspection Department or User Inspection Service, where applicable.
We agree the scope, documentation and inspection dates with you in advance. You receive a clear report of the findings and the outcome of the assessment.
Independent inspection under RvA accreditation
Bureau Veritas Industrial Services is accredited by the Dutch Accreditation Council (RvA) under registration number I002, type A, for the PGS 29 inspection activities included in its accreditation scope. Registration C558 also applies to specific activities involving the certification and supervision of a User Inspection Department (IVG).
Additional standards for storage tanks
Storage tanks may have been designed, built, repaired, modified and maintained to different standards. Commonly used additional standards include API 650, API 653, EN 14015 and EEMUA 159. The standards that standards depend on the tank, its life-cycle phase, and the agreed design and inspection basis.
Why Bureau Veritas for PGS 29 inspections?
Bureau Veritas combines experience in design assessment, new-build inspections and inspections during operation. You have one point of contact for the scope, planning and reporting, enabling assessments in different life-cycle phases to be coordinated effectively.