1. (a) The words "Storage containers" shall be construed to mean all vessels used for bulk storage and commercial storage of liquefied petroleum gases.

2. (b)

   1. (1) Containers used for bulk storage, and commercial storage vessels located at cotton gins, rice dryers, schools, hospitals, bottle filling plants, etc., having a capacity over two thousand (2,000) water gallons shall be located not less than fifty feet (50’) from the nearest important building or group of buildings or line of adjoining property which may be built on.
   2. (2) They shall not be less than fifty feet (50’) from main line or passing track of a railroad or public highway.
   3. (3) Waiver of this requirement may be made by the Director of the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Board providing no undue hazards exist, but in no case shall they be located closer than twenty-five feet (25’), regardless of size of the container.

   4. (4) Exception. Bulk storage containers used for the transferring of liquefied petroleum gases into delivery trucks shall be not less than four hundred feet (400’) from any:

      1. (A) School;
      2. (B) Hospital; or
      3. (C) Other place of public assembly.

3. (c)

   1. (1) Storage containers shall be:

      1. (A) Provided with substantial reinforced concrete footings and foundations; and
      2. (B) Mounted on saddles in such a manner as to permit expansion and contraction.
   2. (2) Every container shall be so supported as to prevent the concentration of excessive loads on the supporting portion of the shell.
   3. (3) Suitable means of preventing corrosion shall be provided on that portion of the container in contact with the foundation or saddles.

   4. (4) There shall be a resilient cushion of road expansion, or other suitable material placed between the saddle and tank, to:

      1. (A) Allow for minor imperfections in pier surface;
      2. (B) Protect the tank from corrosion; and
      3. (C) Act as a lubricant in tank expansion and contraction.
   5. (5) That portion of the tank surface that is to be in contact with the pier or saddle shall be painted with at least two (2) coats of red lead, or its equivalent, before installing on the supports.
   6. (6) Blueprints of approved-type footings and foundations may be obtained from the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Board upon request.
   7. (7) Exception. Containers used for storage of propane gas, not exceeding two thousand five hundred (2,500) water gallon capacity, and containers used for storage of butane gas, not exceeding three thousand (3,000) water gallon capacity, may be mounted on prefabricated concrete blocks, provided the design has been reviewed and approved by the director prior to installation.

4. (d)

   1. (1) Storage containers shall:

      1. (A) Be equipped with the necessary safety relief valves as outlined in the latest edition of National Fire Protection Association Pamphlet No. 58; and
      2. (B) Have direct communication with the vapor space of the container.
   2. (2) The discharge from the safety relief valve shall be upward and unobstructed to the open air.

5. (e)

   1. (1) Safety relief valves shall be so arranged that possibility of tampering will be minimized.
   2. (2) If pressure setting or adjustment is external, the relief valve shall be provided with approved means for sealing adjustment.
6. (f) No shutoff valve shall be installed between the safety relief valves and the container.
7. (g) Loose-fitting caps, or covers, shall be placed over the safety valves to prevent rain or other substance from entering the valves.

8. (h)

   1. (1) Storage containers of all types shall be equipped with:

      1. (A) Suitable ground wire;
      2. (B) Excess flow check valves in the liquid and vapor outlets;
      3. (C) Liquid level gauging device;
      4. (D) Safety relief valves; and
      5. (E) Vapor pressure gauge graduated to not less than one and one-half (1 1/2) times the designed working pressure of the container but need not exceed three hundred pounds per square inch (300 psi).
   2. (2) The coupling for the excess flow check valve and vapor return valve on containers of one thousand two hundred (1,200) gallon capacity, and over, shall be not less than one and one-fourth inches (1 1/4") standard pipe size.
   3. (3) All piping shall be wrought iron or steel and shall be at least extra heavy to the first hand shutoff valve.
   4. (4) All piping past the first hand shutoff valve shall be at least extra heavy, (Schedule 80) if joints are threaded, or threaded and back welded.

   5. (5) At least single strength (Schedule 40) shall be used if joints are:

      1. (A) Welded; or
      2. (B) Welded and flanged.
   6. (6) The use of cast iron plugs or fittings is prohibited.
   7. (7) Stop valves shall be placed as near the outlet as possible on all liquid and vapor lines.

   8. (8)

      1. (A) The piping leading to and from the excess flow check valves shall be sufficient in size to prevent pressure drops reaching the point where the excess flow check valve would not function, and in no case shall such piping be reduced in size between the check valve and the first hand shutoff valve, but must be equal to, or greater in size than that of the excess flow check valve outlet.
      2. (B)

9. (i) Each liquid petroleum gas stationary storage installation of six thousand (6,000) gallons or more, aggregate capacity, installed on or after July 1, 1993, shall incorporate in its design bulkheads and emergency shutoff valves (ESVs) for liquid and vapor transfer systems.

   1. (ii) Note. Subdivision (h)(8)(B)(i) of this section shall not apply where the liquid transfer hose is connected directly to a one and three-fourths inch (1 3/4") or less acme-threaded filler valve when such valve is installed directly into the container.

      1. (C)

         1. (i) Bulkheads shall be of concrete or steel and anchored sufficiently to prevent displacement of piping and fittings in the event of a truck pull-away while the transfer hose is connected.
         2. (ii)
10. (a) (a) Piping through a bulkhead shall be secured to the bulkhead to prevent shifting.

11. (b) (b) Piping shall terminate through the bulkhead with a Schedule 80 pipe collar and a twelve-inch length of Schedule 80 pipe and forged steel elbow between the bulkhead and hose coupling.

    1. (iii) Bulkheads shall not be less than ten feet (10’) from a container.

       1. (D)

          1. (i) Emergency shutoff valves (ESVs) shall be installed in fixed piping of the transfer system upstream of the bulkhead and within four feet (4’) of the bulkhead with a flexible wire braided hose not more than twenty-four inches (24”) installed between the ESVs and the bulkhead.
          2. (ii) ESVs shall be installed according to the manufacturer's instructions.
          3. (iii) ESVs shall incorporate all of the following means of closing:
12. (a) (a) Automatic shut off through thermal (fire) actuation using fusible elements with a melting point not to exceed two hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit (250° F);

13. (b) (b) Manual shutoff at the installed location; and

    1. (c)
    2. (1) (c)(1) Manual shutoff from a remote location.
    3. (2) (2) Remote controls shall be connected to each ESV.

    4. (3) (3) Emergency remote controls shall be conspicuously marked and shall be located and maintained to be readily accessible in emergencies;

       1. (E) Where the flow of liquefied petroleum gas is in one (1) direction only, a backflow check valve may be used in lieu of an ESV in the fixed piping, provided that the back-flow check valve has a metal-to-metal seat or a primary resilient seat with a secondary metal seat not hinged with combustible material.

       2. (F) ESVs or back-flow check valves shall be installed in the piping system in such a manner that:

          1. (i) Any break resulting from a pull-away will occur on the transfer hose side of the bulkhead; and
          2. (ii) The valves and piping on the container side of the bulkhead will remain intact

       3. (G)

          1. (i) The bulkheads and ESVs must be kept in proper working order at all times in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
          2. (ii) See Diagrams on page 96.
          3. (i)
    5. (1) A safety relief valve shall be installed between each pair of shutoff valves on all liquid lines to relieve into a safe atmosphere any excess pressure that may exist.

    6. (2) The start-to-discharge pressure shall not be:

       1. (A) Less than four hundred pounds per square inch gauge (400 psig); or
       2. (B) In excess of five hundred pounds per square inch gauge (500 psig).

14. (j)

    1. (1) All bulk storage containers, regardless of size, and containers used for fuel purposes such as mounted on automobiles, trucks, buses, tractors, or other mobile or portable equipment, regardless of size, and all commercial and industrial storage containers exceeding one thousand two hundred (1,200) water gallon capacity shall be equipped with individual fittings.
    2. (2) The use of domestic compact head and fittings is prohibited.

15. (k) Where two (2) or more containers are connected rigidly together in a battery, provisions shall be made in all liquid and vapor manifolds for the expansion or contraction of the vessels or piping.

    1. (l)
    2. (1) The operator shall be in attendance at all times while the container, regardless of type, is being loaded or unloaded.

    3. (2) The operator shall be stationed close to point of cutoff at all times during filling or unloading operation.

       1. (m) Each opening in a container exceeding a number 54 drill size, except safety relief valves and gauging devices of the float, or equivalent type which do not require flow for their operation, shall be equipped with an excess flow valve or its equivalent.
16. (n) The welding or brazing of any malleable fitting is prohibited.
17. (o) All pipes and fittings subjected to tank pressure where buried underground shall be at least extra heavy (Schedule 80).
18. (p) The installation of any storage container underground, or the covering of any storage container with a mound of earth, or other material, except containers designed to operate under refrigerated or cryogenic conditions, is prohibited.

19. (q)

    1. (1) Gauge glasses of the columnar type shall be restricted to filling plants where the fuel is withdrawn in the liquid phase only.
    2. (2) They shall be equipped with valves having metallic hand wheels, with excess flow valves and with extra-heavy glass adequately protected with a metal housing applied by the gauge manufacturer.
    3. (3) They shall be shielded against the direct rays of the sun.
    4. (4) Gauge glasses of the columnar type are prohibited on truck tanks, motor fuel tanks, and on containers used in domestic, commercial, and industrial installations.

20. (r)

    1. (1) Any container where transfer of liquids is made from such container into a portable container such as tractors, skid tanks, and motor fuel tanks, shall be located not less than thirty feet (30’) from any residence or publicly occupied building.
    2. (2) This does not include DOT cylinders, as they must be filled by weight at approved filling stations in compliance with 15 CAR § 270-111(c) and located in compliance with subsection (b) of this section of this section.

21. (s)

    1. (1) Storage containers shall be painted:

       1. (A) At the time of installation with white or aluminum paint, or any other light-colored paint with equivalent, heat-reflective characteristics; and
       2. (B) On both sides and both heads where readily visible the word "FLAMMABLE" in red letters at least six inches (6”) in height.
    2. (2) Warning signs with the following words, "No Smoking Or Open Flame Permitted Within Ten (10) Feet", shall be painted on the container or a sign adjacent to the container in letters of at least one and one-half inches (1 1/2") in height, in black or red, on a white or aluminum background.
    3. (3) Where considered necessary by a representative of the board, containers shall be adequately protected by a suitable guard rail to protect vessel from moving vehicles or objects, a fence, or provisions made for locking the service line valves to prevent pranksters or prowlers or unauthorized persons from opening the valves, allowing gas to escape.
    4. (4) The premises around the container shall be maintained in good order.
    5. (5) Combustible matter of any type shall not be allowed to accumulate near the container.
22. (t) Electric motors and switches or internal combustion engines used in connection with compressors or pumps for loading and unloading at bulk plants shall be explosion-proof type.

23. (u)

    1. (1) All containers used for domestic and commercial purposes and first stage regulating equipment shall be located outside of buildings, other than those especially provided for this purpose, except DOT cylinders which may be used indoors under the following conditions:

       1. (A) If temporarily used for demonstration purposes and the container has a maximum water capacity of twelve pounds (12 lbs.); or
       2. (B) If used with a completely self-contained gas hand torch or similar equipment, and the container has a maximum water capacity of two and one-half pounds (2 1/2 lbs.).

    2. (2)

       1. (A) Where portability of containers is necessary, making their location outside the building or structure impracticable, DOT cylinders having a capacity not in excess of thirty (30) water gallons may be located for use but not for storage inside the building or structure under the following conditions:

          1. (i) Where gas is used for industrial processing or repair work in an industrial building or structure being employed for industrial purposes;
          2. (ii) Where temporarily used in the construction, repair, or improvement of buildings or structures and their fixtures and equipment;
          3. (iii) Provided regulator is attached directly to the cylinder valve or to a manifold connected to the cylinder valve and that no more than three (3) cylinders are connected to any one (1) manifold, in any one (1) room unless separated by at least fifty feet (50’); and
          4. (iv) Cylinders shall:
24. (a) (a) Not be located or used where exposed to possible excessive temperature, physical damage, or tampering by unauthorized persons; and

25. (b) (b) Be removed to the outside when not in use.

    1. (B)

       1. (i) Language adopted by reference NFPA 58 6.4.4.1.

          1. (ii) Each individual container shall be located with respect to the nearest important building or group of buildings, or line of adjoining property which may be built on in accordance with, by reference, NFPA 58 Table 6.4.1.1.
          2. (iii) Table adopted by reference NFPA 58 6.4.1.1.
          3. (iv) Figure adopted by reference NFPA 58 A.6.4.1.1.
          4. (v) Figure adopted by reference NFPA 58 I.1 (a).
          5. (vi) Figure adopted by reference NFPA 58 I.1 (b).
          6. (vii) Figure adopted by reference NFPA 58 I.1 (c).
    2. (3) The distance between liquefied petroleum gas containers and any anhydrous ammonia container shall be not less than twenty-five feet (25’).
    3. (4) No liquefied petroleum gas container in excess of thirty thousand (30,000) water gallon capacity shall be installed prior to approval by the board.

    4. (5)

       1. (A) Containers that have been in use for the storage of anhydrous ammonia shall not be used for the storage of liquefied petroleum gases unless that container has been completely emptied and made free of all anhydrous ammonia.

       2. (B) The container shall be completely refitted in accordance with the rules of this State Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code.

          1. (v) Language adopted by reference NFPA 58 6.4.1.3.

26. (w) Language adopted by reference NFPA 58 6.4.4.3.

    1. (x) Language adopted by reference NFPA 58 6.4.4.4.

27. (y)

    1. (1) Language adopted by reference NFPA 58 6.4.3 (1), (2), (3), and (4).
    2. (2) Figure adopted by reference NFPA 58 A.6.4.3 (4)(a).
    3. (3) Figure adopted by reference NFPA 58 A.6.4.3 (4)(b).

28. (z)

    1. (1) Flexible hose for use with liquefied petroleum gases shall consist of a hose with a minimum bursting pressure of not less than one thousand two hundred fifty pounds per square inch (1,250 psi).

    2. (2) There shall be etched, cast, or impressed on the hose at five-foot intervals, or on a name plate permanently attached thereto, the following information (see also 15 CAR § 270-111(i), the “Fit for Service” subsection regarding replacement name plates):

       1. (A) L.P.G.;
       2. (B) Bursting Pressure;
       3. (C) Manufacturer's name or trademark; and
       4. (D) Year of manufacture.

29. (aa)

    1. (1) Each storage container used in connection with a service station operation not exceeding two thousand (2,000) water gallon capacity shall be located not less than twenty-five feet (25’) from any building, group of buildings, and adjoining property lines which may be built upon.
    2. (2) Storage containers in excess of two thousand (2,000) water gallon capacity shall not be located closer than fifty feet (50’) in relation to the above.

30. (bb)

    1. (1) Readily ignitable material including weeds, dry grass, etc., shall be removed within ten feet (10’) of the container.

    2. (2) Where quantity of combustible material is large, it may be necessary that the distance between the container and material exceed ten feet (10’).

       1. (cc) The minimum distance between liquid petroleum gas containers and flammable or combustible liquid tanks or containers shall be not less than twenty feet (20’).

          1. (dd) No bulk or commercial storage container shall be installed or moved and reinstalled at any location prior to approval by the director.

31. (ee) Railcar to cargo tank transfer (commonly called transloading) is allowable under the following conditions:

    1. (1) Installation must be done in accordance with NFPA 58 guidelines;
    2. (2) Installation is limited to twenty-four (24) months and must be approved by the board;
    3. (3) A Class 8 Permit must be obtained; and
    4. (4) Annual inspections must be conducted.
32. (ff) Language adopted by reference NFPA 58 6.4.4.2.

Codification Notes: “L.P.G.” means liquefied petroleum gas.