Inspection and certification of self-contained motor vehicles

Objective

12Objective of this Part

The objective of this Part is to protect the natural environment from contamination and pollution from wastewater and solid waste by ensuring that all certified self-contained motor vehicles provide the prescribed minimum facilities needed to contain the waste that vehicle occupants produce and to be capable of providing the fresh water those occupants require.

Requirements for self-containment certification

13Requirements for self-containment

The requirements for self-containment for a self-contained motor vehicle as referred to in section 87U(4)(b) of the Act are as follows:

(a) a water supply system that stores and conveys water in a secure manner that prevents contamination of the water:

(b) a fixed toilet that collects human waste securely and hygienicall (c) a wastewater system that both stores and collects greywater and blackwater securely and hygienically:

(d) a sink that is installed safely and drains to the wastewater system’s tank:

(e) a means of loading water into the motor vehicle securely and in a way that does not contaminate that water:

(f) a means of disposing of wastewater hygienically to an appropriate outfall:

(g) secure rubbish storage:

(h) a ventilation system that removes odours from the motor vehicle and minimises the extent to which foul air and gases can enter the motor vehicle.

14Requirements for self-containment: further detail (1) In order for a self-containment certification authority to be satisfied that a motor vehicle meets the requirements for self-containment set out in regulation 13, the facilities described in the requirements must—

(a) be of sufficient size, volume, and durability to be able to operate for a minimum of 3 days for the maximum number of occupants for which the self-contained vehicle is certified; and

(b) be constructed from fittings or items of equipment that are—

(i) fit for purpose; and

(ii) made from suitable materials, including,—

(A) for pipes and fittings that reticulate water, such as taps and valves, materials that will not contaminate water; and

(B) for appliances, fixtures, fittings, tanks, pipes, pipe fittings, and valves used in the wastewater system, non-toxic, non-corrodible, and stable materials; and

(iii) installed in a sound and appropriate manner, including in particular that—

(A) water tanks are securely mounted and capped to avoid damage or leaks from water movement while the motor vehicle is moving; and

(B) water reticulation pipes are fitted in a way that ensures they do not fail or leak at the system’s design pressure; and

(C) appliances, fixtures, fittings, tanks, and pipes used in a wastewater system are securely fixed or fastened; and

(c) meet the specifications set out in regulations 16 to 20.

(2) In this regulation, fit for purpose, in relation to an element of a motor vehicle’s self-containment facilities, means the element has been designed for the purpose or function for which it has been used, and it has been installed and is being used in a way that ensures it remains functional for at least the period of the certification.

15Critical self-containment elements

The facilities set out in regulation 13 are the critical self-containment elements referred to in section 87X(3)(a) of the Act.

Specifications for facilities of self-contained motor vehicles

16Water supply system specifications

In order to meet the requirement for self-containment relating to a water supply system in regulation 13(a), a motor vehicle’s water supply system must—

(a) be capable of storing and reticulating water to the motor vehicle’s other facilities; and

(b) be protected from contamination from external sources; and

(c) be installed in a manner that—

(i) avoids the likelihood of contamination within the system; and

(ii) uses components that will not contaminate the water; and

(iii) pipes water to sanitary fixtures (such as toilets, showers, and sinks) and sanitary appliances (such as dishwashers) at flow rates that are adequate for the correct functioning of those fixtures and appliances under normal conditions; and

(d) be constructed in a way that allows air to enter the tank in order to displace the water leaving the tank; and

(e) include pipes and fittings that are made of an opaque material that is suitable for contact with potable water; and

(f) include 1 or more water storage tanks that are—

(i) protected from the risk of deterioration from sun exposure, either by being—

(A) made of a material that is resistant to ultraviolet light; or

(B) stored in a way that avoids exposure to sunlight; and

(ii) protected from the risk of the growth of legionella bacteria within the tanks, either by being—

(A) located away from heating sources; or

(B)sufficiently insulated to prevent bacteria growth; and

(iii) adequately supported and secured to avoid creating any hazard while the motor vehicle is in motion.

17Toilet specifications

(1) In order to meet the requirement for self-containment relating to toilets in regulation 13(b), a motor vehicle must have toilets that—

(a) are fit for purpose and installed in accordance with their design and specifications; and

(b) are fixed to the motor vehicle with the base of the toilet rigidly mounted in position and do not require removal in order to empty human waste; and

(c) drain or flush directly into—

(i) a suitably designed and fitted blackwater tank; or

(ii) a removable blackwater holding tank.

(2) In this regulation, a removable blackwater holding tank means,—

(a) if the toilet is a cassette-type toilet, a removable cassette:

(b) if the toilet is a waterless toilet, a removable chamber.

Regulation 17(1)(a): amended, on 29 August 2024, by regulation 4 of the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers (Self-Contained Vehicles) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/144).

18Wastewater system specifications

(1) In order to meet the requirement for self-containment relating to a wastewater system in regulation 13(c), a motor vehicle must have a wastewater system that—

(a) safely and reliably conveys wastewater from the motor vehicle’s facilities to storage tanks or vessels and stores this wastewater securely until the tanks or vessels are emptied; and

(b) either stores greywater and blackwater separately or, if greywater and blackwater are combined, stores them as blackwater; and

(c) has water drainage pipes that are a sufficient size, watertightness, and gradient to allow for the effective and convenient egress of wastewater from any sinks, basins, and showers into greywater storage.

(2) If a motor vehicle’s wastewater system stores greywater separately from blackwater, the storage of greywater referred to in subclause (1)(b) must be in—

(a) 1 or more fixed tanks that are connected to the motor vehicle; or

(b) 1 or more portable tanks that are connected to the motor vehicle.

(3) The storage of blackwater referred to in subclause (1)(b) (regardless of whether it is made up of blackwater alone or greywater and blackwater combined) must be in—

(a) removable cassettes that are compatible with the motor vehicle’s toilet; or

(b) 1 or more fixed tanks that have an isolating valve that allows the system to be emptied safely.

19Loading and offloading mechanism specifications

(1) In order to meet the requirement for self-containment relating to a loading and offloading mechanism in regulation 13(e), a motor vehicle must have a water tank inlet that is fitted with a seal capable of preventing the entry of foreign matter into the motor vehicle’s water tanks.

(2) In order to meet the requirement for self-containment relating to a wastewater system in regulation 13(f),—

(a) any pipes and hoses used for discharging wastewater from the motor vehicle must be of a sufficient size, strength, and durability for the clean, convenient, and safe discharge of wastewater; and

(b) the motor vehicle must have appropriate storage for the pipes and hoses used to discharge wastewater that minimises the health risks associated with residual contaminants on the pipes and hoses (if applicable); and

(c) the motor vehicle must have sufficient facilities for the safe and secure offloading of waste from a waterless toilet (if applicable).

20Ventilation system specifications

(1) In order to meet the requirement for self-containment relating to a ventilation system in regulation 13(h), a motor vehicle must have a ventilation system that—

(a) ensures unpleasant or unhealthy odours and foul air easily escape to the exterior of the motor vehicle; and

(b) ventilates wastewater storage tanks directly to the exterior of the motor vehicle to ensure that foul air and noxious gases do not accumulate inside the tanks; and

(c) includes vent outlets for wastewater storage tanks that—

(i) are installed at a height that safely prevents wastewater leakage; and

(ii) terminate outside the motor vehicle and away from doors, windows, or openings; and

(iii) are fitted with a means to prevent the entry of birds and vermin into the system; and

(d) includes pipes connecting sanitary appliances and sanitary fixtures to wastewater storage tanks that are fitted with a means of limiting the escape of foul air and noxious gases from the tanks to the interior of the motor vehicle, such as a water trap.

(2) The requirements in subclause (1)(b) and (c) do not apply to a wastewater storage tank that is a removable blackwater holding tank within the meaning of regulation 17(2).

Regulation 20(2): inserted, on 29 August 2024, by regulation 5 of the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers (Self-Contained Vehicles) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/144).

Part 3 Requirements for certificate of self-containment and warrant card

Certificate of self-containment

21Details to be set out in certificate of self-containment

A certificate of self-containment issued under section 87U(3)(d) of the Act must include the following information:

(a) the name of the owner of the motor vehicle:

(b) a statement that the motor vehicle holds a certificate of self-containment:

(c) details that identify the motor vehicle:

(d) a technical description of the motor vehicle’s self-containment facilities:

(e) the name of the self-containment certification authority that issued the certificate:

(f) the date on which the self-containment certification authority issued the certificate:

(g) the expiry date of the certificate:

(h) the maximum number of people for which the motor vehicle is certified for use as a self-contained motor vehicle:

(i) the unique number issued to the motor vehicle for the purpose of the certificate and warrant card.

Warrant card

22Form and content of warrant card

(1) A warrant card must set out the following information:

(a) the numbers, letters, and any other distinguishing mark shown on the registration plates of the motor vehicle or, if the motor vehicle does not have registration plates, details about the make and model of the motor vehicle:

(b) the date of issue of the warrant card:

(c) the expiry date of the warrant card:

(d) the name of the self-containment certification authority that issued the certificate of self-containment:

(e) the maximum number of people for which the motor vehicle is certified for use as a self-contained motor vehicle:

(f) the unique number issued to the motor vehicle for the purpose of the certificate and warrant card.

(2) A warrant card—

(a) must be coloured green; and

(b) may include a unique scannable code or symbol, such as a quick response (QR) code or barcode, which enables an enforcement officer to access information on the national register of self-contained motor vehicles about the motor vehicle.

23Display of warrant card

(1) This regulation applies to a person using a motor vehicle who is required to display a warrant card under section 87Y of the Act.

(2) The person must display the warrant card—

(a) so that all details of the licence are or, as the case requires, can be made easily visible from outside the motor vehicle; and

(b) in accordance with the relevant requirements of subclause (3) or (4).

(3) If the motor vehicle does not have a windscreen, the warrant card must be displayed in an upright position—

(a) as close as possible to the front left-hand side of the vehicle; or

(b) on the towing vehicle, in an upright position on the inside of the windscreen facing outwards on the opposite side to the steering wheel.

(4) For any other motor vehicle, the warrant card must be displayed in an upright position on the inside of the windscreen facing outwards on the opposite side to the steering wheel.