What agency is responsible for the construction, transport, and testing of compressed gas tanks?

The Department of Transportation (DOT) is the correct answer as it oversees the regulations related to the construction, transport, and testing of compressed gas tanks. The DOT establishes safety standards for various modes of transportation, including those that deal with hazardous materials like compressed gases. This agency ensures that gas cylinders are designed, constructed, and maintained according to specific guidelines that prioritize safety during transport and usage.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) primarily focuses on road vehicle safety and does not specifically regulate gas tanks themselves. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is concerned more with environmental protection issues rather than the transport and construction of gas tanks. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) deals with workplace safety regulations, which may include some aspects of using gas cylinders in the workplace but does not have jurisdiction over their construction and transport. By understanding the roles of these different agencies, the importance of the DOT’s responsibilities becomes clear in the context of compressed gas safety.