Are your Site Propane Vessels in

Compliance to the Code

Do the tanks have a Outer Protective Barrier Around them?

Container Distance Requirements • The distance requirements for propane tank locations are dependent upon the container size. Generally,

the majority of tanks fall under a ten foot rule with regard to buildings and houses. The standards and rules differ when locations such as playgrounds, parking lots, railroad tracks or other flammable materials are taken into consideration. Propane companies and professionals will ensure propane tank distance requirements are adhered to when installing a propane tank in any location.

Point of Transfer Distance Requirements • The point of transfer is defined as "the location where connections and disconnections are made or

where LP-Gas is vented to the atmosphere in the course of transfer operations". The transfer of propane during the filling process results in residual liquid release between the tank fill valve and the hose end connection upon completion of transfer. When the hose is unhooked from the tank, liquid is released into the atmosphere. For this reason, the point of transfer is subject to distance requirements.

Relief Valve Distances• Safety relief valves are subject to distance rules for the simple fact that if the relief valve opens allowing

propane to vent, the vicinity above and around the relief valve needs to be clear of obstructions and ignition sources. A safety relief valve on an ASME propane tank, if fully activated, will vent propane vertically up and for this reason, propane tanks have to be installed out from under an awning or part of a building overhang.

• Propane Tank Permits and Requirements - Another safety related perspective concerning propane permits is the actual location of the propane tank itself. Many fire departments will require permits for propane tanks that are installed in their jurisdiction. These permits are generally submitted with a drawing, description and any applicable fees. Like underground propane lines and trenching as described above, the location of the propane tank needs to be known by the fire department. Imagine an unfortunate event such as a fire breaking out at a home.

2014 NFPA 58: Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code

NFPA 58: Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code provides minimum safety requirements for all liquefied petroleum gas (propane) installations, from small cylinders installed at residences to large bulk storage facilities that can exceed 100,000 gallons. The code includes minimum requirements for safe handling during LP gas transfer, including operator qualifications, maximum filling quantity in containers, and pre-transfer inspections to ensure containers are fit for continued service. This edition of NFPA 58 features some important changes, including: Bulk plant and industrial plant definitions have been updated to clearly identify storage threshold at greater than 4,000 gallons water capacity. Container appurtenance requirements have been harmonized at 4,000 and less/greater than 4,000 gallons water capacity to better reflect container usage in the field. Container and valves often must be protected from vehicular impact. A new definition has been added along with extensive annex material to describe vehicular barrier protection. New requirements specify which personnel must be trained and in what topics. Requirements have been added for tank heaters and updated for vaporizers. Requirements have been added regarding corrosion protection for some underground piping systems. NFPA 58 also covers a number of safety requirements related to: Container construction Piping design Separation of containers from homes, stores, schools and other important buildings Safe handling of liquefied petroleum gas during transfer between containers

Fire Assessment Manual

NFPA, National Propane Gas Association (NPGA), and the Propane Education and Research Council (PERC) have issued a Fire Safety Analysis Manual, which provides forms and a step-by-step method for completing a written Fire Safety Analysis (FSA) as required in NFPA 58, Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code.2011 edition of NFPA 58• Download the manual (PDF, 2 MB)

Do NOT just plunk it down

In Canada

Barriers based upon the code

Other SiteStandards

Did you inspect the tank safety features properly

Did anyone DOCUMENT the INSPECTIONS