29 C.F.R. § 1910.110
(a) Definitions applicable to this section. As used in this section:
(b) Basic rules—(1) Odorizing gases.
(2) Approval of equipment and systems.
(3) Requirements for construction and original test of containers.
(4) Welding of containers.
(5) Markings on containers.
(i) Each container covered in paragraph (b)(3)(i) of this section, except as provided in paragraph (b)(3)(iv) of this section shall be marked as specified in the following:
(a) With a marking identifying compliance with, and other markings required by, the rules of the reference under which the container is constructed; or with the stamp and other markings required by the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors.
(b) With notation as to whether the container is designed for underground or aboveground installation or both. If intended for both and different style hoods are provided, the marking shall indicate the proper hood for each type of installation.
(c) With the name and address of the supplier of the container, or with the trade name of the container.
(d) With the water capacity of the container in pounds or gallons, U.S. Standard.
(e) With the pressure in p.s.i.g., for which the container is designed.
(f) With the wording “This container shall not contain a product having a vapor pressure in excess of __ p.s.i.g. at 100 °F.,” see subparagraph (14)(viii) of this paragraph.
(g) With the tare weight in pounds or other identified unit of weight for containers with a water capacity of 300 pounds or less.
(h) With marking indicating the maximum level to which the container may be filled with liquid at temperatures between 20 °F. and 130 °F., except on containers provided with fixed maximum level indicators or which are filled by weighing. Markings shall be increments of not more than 20 °F. This marking may be located on the liquid level gaging device.
(i) With the outside surface area in square feet.
(6) Location of containers and regulating equipment.
(i) Containers, and first stage regulating equipment if used, shall be located outside of buildings, except under one or more of the following:
(a) In buildings used exclusively for container charging, vaporization pressure reduction, gas mixing, gas manufacturing, or distribution.
(b) When portable use is necessary and in accordance with paragraph (c)(5) of this section.
(c) LP-Gas fueled stationary or portable engines in accordance with paragraph (e) (11) or (12) of this section.
(d) LP-Gas fueled industrial trucks used in accordance with paragraph (e)(13) of this section.
(e) LP-Gas fueled vehicles garaged in accordance with paragraph (e)(14) of this section.
(f) Containers awaiting use or resale when stored in accordance with paragraph (f) of this section.
(ii) Each individual container shall be located with respect to the nearest important building or group of buildings in accordance with Table H-23.
| Water capacity per container | Minimum distances | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Containers | Between aboveground containers | ||
| Underground | Aboveground | ||
| Less than 125 gals. 1 | 10 feet | None | None. |
| 125 to 250 gals | 10 feet | 10 feet | None. |
| 251 to 500 gals | 10 feet | 10 feet | 3 feet. |
| 501 to 2,000 gals | 25 feet 2 | 25 feet 2 | 3 feet. |
| 2,001 to 30,000 gals | 50 feet | 50 feet | 5 feet. |
| 30,001 to 70,000 gals | 50 feet | 75 feet. 3 | |
| 70,001 to 90,000 gals | 50 feet | 100 feet. 3 | |
| 1 If the aggregate water capacity of a multi-container installation at a consumer site is 501 gallons or greater, the minimum distance shall comply with the appropriate portion of this table, applying the aggregate capacity rather than the capacity per container. If more than one installation is made, each installation shall be separated from another installation by at least 25 feet. Do not apply the MINIMUM DISTANCES BETWEEN ABOVE-GROUND CONTAINERS to such installations. | |||
| 2 The above distance requirements may be reduced to not less than 10 feet for a single container of 1,200 gallons water capacity or less, providing such a container is at least 25 feet from any other LP-Gas container of more than 125 gallons water capacity. | |||
| 3 1⁄4 of sum of diameters of adjacent containers. |
(7) Container valves and container accessories.
(8) Piping—including pipe, tubing, and fittings.
(i) Pipe, except as provided in paragraphs (e)(6)(i) and (g)(10)(iii), of this section shall be wrought iron or steel (black or galvanized), brass, copper, or aluminum alloy. Aluminum alloy pipe shall be at least Schedule 40 in accordance with the specifications for Aluminum Alloy Pipe, American National Standards Institute (ANSI) H38.7-1969 (ASTM, B241-69), which is incorporated by reference as specified in § 1910.6, except that the use of alloy 5456 is prohibited and shall be suitably marked at each end of each length indicating compliance with American National Standard Institute Specifications. Aluminum Alloy pipe shall be protected against external corrosion when it is in contact with dissimilar metals other than galvanized steel, or its location is subject to repeated wetting by such liquids as water (except rain water), detergents, sewage, or leaking from other piping, or it passes through flooring, plaster, masonry, or insulation. Galvanized sheet steel or pipe, galvanized inside and out, may be considered suitable protection. The maximum nominal pipe size for aluminum pipe shall be three-fourths inch and shall not be used for pressures exceeding 20 p.s.i.g. Aluminum alloy pipe shall not be installed within 6 inches of the ground.
(a) Vapor piping with operating pressures not exceeding 125 p.s.i.g. shall be suitable for a working pressure of at least 125 p.s.i.g. Pipe shall be at least Schedule 40 (ASTM A-53-69, Grade B Electric Resistance Welded and Electric Flash Welded Pipe, which is incorporated by reference as specified in § 1910.6, or equal).
(b) Vapor piping with operating pressures over 125 p.s.i.g. and all liquid piping shall be suitable for a working pressure of at least 250 p.s.i.g. Pipe shall be at least Schedule 80 if joints are threaded or threaded and back welded. At least Schedule 40 (ASTM A-53-69 Grade B Electric Resistance Welded and Electric Flash Welded Pipe or equal) shall be used if joints are welded, or welded and flanged.
(ii) Tubing shall be seamless and of copper, brass, steel, or aluminum alloy. Copper tubing shall be of type K or L or equivalent as covered in the Specification for Seamless Copper Water Tube, ANSI H23.1-1970 (ASTM B88-69), which is incorporated by reference as specified in § 1910.6. Aluminum alloy tubing shall be of Type A or B or equivalent as covered in Specification ASTM B210-68 (which is incorporated by reference as specified in § 1910.6) and shall be suitably marked every 18 inches indicating compliance with ASTM Specifications. The minimum nominal wall thickness of copper tubing and aluminum alloy tubing shall be as specified in Table H-24 and Table H-25.
Aluminum alloy tubing shall be protected against external corrosion when it is in contact with dissimilar metals other than galvanized steel, or its location is subject to repeated wetting by liquids such as water (except rainwater), detergents, sewage, or leakage from other piping, or it passes through flooring, plaster, masonry, or insulation. Galvanized sheet steel or pipe, galvanized inside and out, may be considered suitable protection. The maximum outside diameter for aluminum alloy tubing shall be three-fourths inch and shall not be used for pressures exceeding 20 p.s.i.g. Aluminum alloy tubing shall not be installed within 6 inches of the ground.
| Standard size (inches) | Nominal outside diameter (inches) | Nominal wall thickness (inches) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type K | Type L | ||
| 1⁄4 | 0.375 | 0.035 | 0.030 |
| 3⁄8 | 0.500 | 0.049 | 0.035 |
| 1⁄2 | 0.625 | 0.049 | 0.040 |
| 5⁄8 | 0.750 | 0.049 | 0.042 |
| 3⁄4 | 0.875 | 0.065 | 0.045 |
| 1 | 1.125 | 0.065 | 0.050 |
| 11⁄4 | 1.375 | 0.065 | 0.055 |
| 11⁄2 | 1.625 | 0.072 | 0.060 |
| 2 | 2.125 | 0.083 | 0.070 |
| 1 Based on data in Specification for Seamless Copper Water Tube, ANSI H23.1-1970 (ASTM B-88-69). | |||
| Note: The standard size by which tube is designated is 1⁄8 inch smaller than its nominal outside diameter. |
| Outside diameter (inches) | Nominal wall thickness (inches) | |
|---|---|---|
| Type A | Type B | |
| 3⁄8 | 0.035 | 0.049 |
| 1⁄2 | 0.035 | 0.049 |
| 5⁄8 | 0.042 | 0.049 |
| 3⁄4 | 0.049 | 0.058 |
| 1 Based on data in Standard Specification for Aluminum-Alloy Drawn Seamless Coiled Tubes for Special Purpose Applications, ASTM B210-68. |
(9) Hose specifications.
(vii) Hose may be used on the low-pressure side of regulators to connect to other than domestic and commercial gas appliances under the following conditions:
(a) The appliances connected with hose shall be portable and need a flexible connection.
(b) For use inside buildings the hose shall be of minimum practical length, but shall not exceed 6 feet except as provided in paragraph (c)(5)(i)(g) of this section and shall not extend from one room to another, nor pass through any walls, partitions, ceilings, or floors. Such hose shall not be concealed from view or used in a concealed location. For use outside of buildings, the hose may exceed this length but shall be kept as short as practical.
(c) The hose shall be approved and shall not be used where it is likely to be subjected to temperatures above 125 °F. The hose shall be securely connected to the appliance and the use of rubber slip ends shall not be permitted.
(d) The shutoff valve for an appliance connected by hose shall be in the metal pipe or tubing and not at the appliance end of the hose. When shutoff valves are installed close to each other, precautions shall be taken to prevent operation of the wrong valve.
(e) Hose used for connecting to wall outlets shall be protected from physical damage.
(10) Safety devices.
(ii) Minimum required rate of discharge in cubic feet per minute of air at 120 percent of the maximum permitted start to discharge pressure for safety relief valves to be used on containers other than those constructed in accordance with DOT specification shall be as follows:
| Surface area (sq. ft.) | Flow rate CFM air |
|---|---|
| 20 or less | 626 |
| 25 | 751 |
| 30 | 872 |
| 35 | 990 |
| 40 | 1,100 |
| 45 | 1,220 |
| 50 | 1,330 |
| 55 | 1,430 |
| 60 | 1,540 |
| 65 | 1,640 |
| 70 | 1,750 |
| 75 | 1,850 |
| 80 | 1,950 |
| 85 | 2,050 |
| 90 | 2,150 |
| 95 | 2,240 |
| 100 | 2,340 |
| 105 | 2,440 |
| 110 | 2,530 |
| 115 | 2,630 |
| 120 | 2,720 |
| 125 | 2,810 |
| 130 | 2,900 |
| 135 | 2,990 |
| 140 | 3,080 |
| 145 | 3,170 |
| 150 | 3,260 |
| 155 | 3,350 |
| 160 | 3,440 |
| 165 | 3,530 |
| 170 | 3,620 |
| 175 | 3,700 |
| 180 | 3,790 |
| 185 | 3,880 |
| 190 | 3,960 |
| 195 | 4,050 |
| 200 | 4,130 |
| 210 | 4,300 |
| 220 | 4,470 |
| 230 | 4,630 |
| 240 | 4,800 |
| 250 | 4,960 |
| 260 | 5,130 |
| 270 | 5,290 |
| 280 | 5,450 |
| 290 | 5,610 |
| 300 | 5,760 |
| 310 | 5,920 |
| 320 | 6,080 |
| 330 | 6,230 |
| 340 | 6,390 |
| 350 | 6,540 |
| 360 | 6,690 |
| 370 | 6,840 |
| 380 | 7,000 |
| 390 | 7,150 |
| 400 | 7,300 |
| 450 | 8,040 |
| 500 | 8,760 |
| 550 | 9,470 |
| 600 | 10,170 |
| 650 | 10,860 |
| 700 | 11,550 |
| 750 | 12,220 |
| 800 | 12,880 |
| 850 | 13,540 |
| 900 | 14,190 |
| 950 | 14,830 |
| 1,000 | 15,470 |
| 1,050 | 16,100 |
| 1,100 | 16,720 |
| 1,150 | 17,350 |
| 1,200 | 17,960 |
| 1,250 | 18,570 |
| 1,300 | 19,180 |
| 1,350 | 19,780 |
| 1,400 | 20,380 |
| 1,450 | 20,980 |
| 1,500 | 21,570 |
| 1,550 | 22,160 |
| 1,600 | 22,740 |
| 1,650 | 23,320 |
| 1,700 | 23,900 |
| 1,750 | 24,470 |
| 1,800 | 25,050 |
| 1,850 | 25,620 |
| 1,900 | 26,180 |
| 1,950 | 26,750 |
| 2,000 | 27,310 |
Surface area = total outside surface area of container in square feet. When the surface area is not stamped on the nameplate or when the marking is not legible, the area can be calculated by using one of the following formulas: (1) Cylindrical container with hemispherical heads: Area = Overall length × outside diameter × 3.1416. (2) Cylindrical container with other than hemispherical heads: Area = (Overall length + 0.3 outside diameter) × outside diameter × 3.1416. Note: This formula is not exact, but will give results within the limits of practical accuracy for the sole purpose of sizing relief valves. (3) Spherical container: Area = Outside diameter squared × 3.1416. Flow Rate-CFM Air = Required flow capacity in cubic feet per minute of air at standard conditions, 60 F. and atmospheric pressure (14.7 p.s.i.a.). The rate of discharge may be interpolated for intermediate values of surface area. For containers with total outside surface area greater than 2,000 square feet, the required flow rate can be calculated using the formula, Flow Rate-CFM Air = 53.632 A0.82. A = total outside surface area of the container in square feet. Valves not marked “Air” have flow rate marking in cubic feet per minute of liquefied petroleum gas. These can be converted to ratings in cubic feet per minute of air by multiplying the liquefied petroleum gas ratings by factors listed below. Air flow ratings can be converted to ratings in cubic feet per minute of liquefied petroleum gas by dividing the air ratings by the factors listed below.
| Container type | 100 | 125 | 150 | 175 | 200 |
| Air conversion factor | 1.162 | 1.142 | 1.113 | 1.078 | 1.010 |
(iii) Minimum Required Rate of Discharge for Safety Relief Valves for Liquefied Petroleum Gas Vaporizers (Steam Heated, Water Heated, and Direct Fired).
The minimum required rate of discharge for safety relief valves shall be determined as follows:
(a) Obtain the total surface area by adding the surface area of vaporizer shell in square feet directly in contact with LP-Gas and the heat exchanged surface area in square feet directly in contact with LP-Gas.
(b) Obtain the minimum required rate of discharge in cubic feet of air per minute, at 60 °F. and 14.7 p.s.i.a. from paragraph (b)(10)(ii) of this section, for this total surface area.
(v) Safety relief devices used with systems employing containers other than those constructed according to DOT specifications shall be so constructed as to discharge at not less than the rates shown in paragraph (b)(10)(ii) of this section, before the pressure is in excess of 120 percent of the maximum (not including the 10 percent referred to in paragraph (b)(10)(iv) of this section) permitted start to discharge pressure setting of the device.
| Containers | Minimum (percent) | Maximum (percent) |
|---|---|---|
| ASME Code; Par. U-68, U-69—1949 and earlier editions | 110 | 1 25 |
| ASME Code; Par. U-200, U-201—1949 edition | 88 | 1 100 |
| ASME Code—1950, 1952, 1956, 1959, 1962, 1965 and 1968 (Division I) editions | 88 | 1 100 |
| API—ASME Code—all editions | 88 | 1 100 |
| DOT—As prescribed in 49 CFR Chapter I | ||
| 1 Manufacturers of safety relief valves are allowed a plus tolerance not exceeding 10 percent of the set pressure marked on the valve. |
(11) Vaporizer and housing.
(i) Indirect fired vaporizers utilizing steam, water, or other heating medium shall be constructed and installed as follows:
(a) Vaporizers shall be constructed in accordance with the requirements of paragraph (b)(3) (i)-(iii) of this section and shall be permanently marked as follows:
(1) With the code marking signifying the specifications to which the vaporizer is constructed.
(2) With the allowable working pressure and temperature for which the vaporizer is designed.
(3) With the sum of the outside surface area and the inside heat exchange surface area expressed in square feet.
(4) With the name or symbol of the manufacturer.
(b) Vaporizers having an inside diameter of 6 inches or less exempted by the ASME Unfired Pressure Vessel Code, Section VIII of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code—1968 shall have a design pressure not less than 250 p.s.i.g. and need not be permanently marked.
(c) Heating or cooling coils shall not be installed inside a storage container.
(d) Vaporizers may be installed in buildings, rooms, sheds, or lean-tos used exclusively for gas manufacturing or distribution, or in other structures of light, noncombustible construction or equivalent, well ventilated near the floor line and roof.
When vaporizing and/or mixing equipment is located in a structure or building not used exclusively for gas manufacturing or distribution, either attached to or within such a building, such structure or room shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a wall designed to withstand a static pressure of at least 100 pounds per square foot. This wall shall have no openings or pipe or conduit passing through it. Such structure or room shall be provided with adequate ventilation and shall have a roof or at least one exterior wall of lightweight construction.
(e) Vaporizers shall have, at or near the discharge, a safety relief valve providing an effective rate of discharge in accordance with paragraph (b)(10)(iii) of this section, except as provided in paragraph (d)(4)(v)(a), of this section.
(f) The heating medium lines into and leaving the vaporizer shall be provided with suitable means for preventing the flow of gas into the heat systems in the event of tube rupture in the vaporizer. Vaporizers shall be provided with suitable automatic means to prevent liquid passing through the vaporizers to the gas discharge piping.
(g) The device that supplies the necessary heat for producing steam, hot water, or other heating medium may be installed in a building, compartment, room, or lean-to which shall be ventilated near the floorline and roof to the outside. The device location shall be separated from all compartments or rooms containing liquefied petroleum gas vaporizers, pumps, and central gas mixing devices by a wall designed to withstand a static pressure of at least 100 pounds per square foot. This wall shall have no openings or pipes or conduit passing through it. This requirement does not apply to the domestic water heaters which may supply heat for a vaporizer in a domestic system.
(h) Gas-fired heating systems supplying heat exclusively for vaporization purposes shall be equipped with automatic safety devices to shut off the flow of gas to main burners, if the pilot light should fail.
(i) Vaporizers may be an integral part of a fuel storage container directly connected to the liquid section or gas section or both.
(j) Vaporizers shall not be equipped with fusible plugs.
(k) Vaporizer houses shall not have unprotected drains to sewers or sump pits.
(ii) Atmospheric vaporizers employing heat from the ground or surrounding air shall be installed as follows:
(a) Buried underground, or
(b) Located inside the building close to a point at which pipe enters the building provided the capacity of the unit does not exceed 1 quart.
(c) Vaporizers of less than 1 quart capacity heated by the ground or surrounding air, need not be equipped with safety relief valves provided that adequate tests demonstrate that the assembly is safe without safety relief valves.
(iii) Direct gas-fired vaporizers shall be constructed, marked, and installed as follows:
(a)(1) In accordance with the requirements of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code—1968 that are applicable to the maximum working conditions for which the vaporizer is designed.
(2) With the name of the manufacturer; rated BTU input to the burner; the area of the heat exchange surface in square feet; the outside surface of the vaporizer in square feet; and the maximum vaporizing capacity in gallons per hour.
(b)(1) Vaporizers may be connected to the liquid section or the gas section of the storage container, or both; but in any case there shall be at the container a manually operated valve in each connection to permit completely shutting off when desired, of all flow of gas or liquid from container to vaporizer.
(2) Vaporizers with capacity not exceeding 35 gallons per hour shall be located at least 5 feet from container shutoff valves. Vaporizers having capacity of more than 35 gallons but not exceeding 100 gallons per hour shall be located at least 10 feet from the container shutoff valves. Vaporizers having a capacity greater than 100 gallons per hour shall be located at least 15 feet from container shutoff valves.
(c) Vaporizers may be installed in buildings, rooms, housings, sheds, or lean-tos used exclusively for vaporizing or mixing of liquefied petroleum gas. Vaporizing housing structures shall be of noncombustible construction, well ventilated near the floorline and the highest point of the roof. When vaporizer and/or mixing equipment is located in a structure or room attached to or within a building, such structure or room shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a wall designed to withstand a static pressure of at least 100 pounds per square foot. This wall shall have no openings or pipes or conduit passing through it. Such structure or room shall be provided with adequate ventilation, and shall have a roof or at least one exterior wall of lightweight construction.
(d) Vaporizers shall have at or near the discharge, a safety relief valve providing an effective rate of discharge in accordance with paragraph (b)(10)(iii) of this section. The relief valve shall be so located as not to be subjected to temperatures in excess of 140 °F.
(e) Vaporizers shall be provided with suitable automatic means to prevent liquid passing from the vaporizer to the gas discharge piping of the vaporizer.
(f) Vaporizers shall be provided with means for manually turning off the gas to the main burner and pilot.
(g) Vaporizers shall be equipped with automatic safety devices to shut off the flow of gas to main burners if the pilot light should fail. When the flow through the pilot exceeds 2,000 B.t.u. per hour, the pilot also shall be equipped with an automatic safety device to shut off the flow of gas to the pilot should the pilot flame be extinguished.
(h) Pressure regulating and pressure reducing equipment if located within 10 feet of a direct fire vaporizer shall be separated from the open flame by a substantially airtight noncombustible partition or partitions.
(i) Except as provided in (c) of this subdivision, the following minimum distances shall be maintained between direct fired vaporizers and the nearest important building or group of buildings:
Ten feet for vaporizers having a capacity of 15 gallons per hour or less vaporizing capacity. Twenty-five feet for vaporizers having a vaporizing capacity of 16 to 100 gallons per hour. Fifty feet for vaporizers having a vaporizing capacity exceeding 100 gallons per hour.
(j) Direct fired vaporizers shall not raise the product pressure above the design pressure of the vaporizer equipment nor shall they raise the product pressure within the storage container above the pressure shown in the second column of Table H-31.
(k) Vaporizers shall not be provided with fusible plugs.
(l) Vaporizers shall not have unprotected drains to sewers or sump pits.
(iv) Direct gas-fired tank heaters shall be constructed and installed as follows:
(a) Direct gas-fired tank heaters, and tanks to which they are applied, shall only be installed above ground.
(b) Tank heaters shall be permanently marked with the name of the manufacturer, the rated B.t.u. input to the burner, and the maximum vaporizing capacity in gallons per hour.
(c) Tank heaters may be an integral part of a fuel storage container directly connected to the container liquid section, or vapor section, or both.
(d) Tank heaters shall be provided with a means for manually turning off the gas to the main burner and pilot.
(e) Tank heaters shall be equipped with an automatic safety device to shut off the flow of gas to main burners, if the pilot light should fail. When flow through pilot exceeds 2,000 B.t.u. per hour, the pilot also shall be equipped with an automatic safety device to shut off the flow of gas to the pilot should the pilot flame be extinguished.
(f) Pressure regulating and pressure reducing equipment if located within 10 feet of a direct fired tank heater shall be separated from the open flame by a substantially airtight noncombustible partition.
(g) The following minimum distances shall be maintained between a storage tank heated by a direct fired tank heater and the nearest important building or group of buildings:
Ten feet for storage containers of less than 500 gallons water capacity. Twenty-five feet for storage containers of 500 to 1,200 gallons water capacity. Fifty feet for storage containers of over 1,200 gallons water capacity.
(h) No direct fired tank heater shall raise the product pressure within the storage container over 75 percent of the pressure set out in the second column of Table H-31.
(v) The vaporizer section of vaporizer-burners used for dehydrators or dryers shall be located outside of buildings; they shall be constructed and installed as follows:
(a) Vaporizer-burners shall have a minimum design pressure of 250 p.s.i.g. with a factor of safety of five.
(b) Manually operated positive shut-off valves shall be located at the containers to shut off all flow to the vaporizer-burners.
(c) Minimum distances between storage containers and vaporizer-burners shall be as follows:
| Water capacity per container (gallons) | Minimum distances (feet) |
|---|---|
| Less than 501 | 10 |
| 501 to 2,000 | 25 |
| Over 2,000 | 50 |
(d) The vaporizer section of vaporizer-burners shall be protected by a hydrostatic relief valve. The relief valve shall be located so as not to be subjected to temperatures in excess of 140 °F. The start-to-discharge pressure setting shall be such as to protect the components involved, but not less than 250 p.s.i.g. The discharge shall be directed upward and away from component parts of the equipment and away from operating personnel.
(e) Vaporizer-burners shall be provided with means for manually turning off the gas to the main burner and pilot.
(f) Vaporizer-burners shall be equipped with automatic safety devices to shut off the flow of gas to the main burner and pilot in the event the pilot is extinguished.
(g) Pressure regulating and control equipment shall be located or protected so that the temperatures surrounding this equipment shall not exceed 140 °F. except that equipment components may be used at higher temperatures if designed to withstand such temperatures.
(h) Pressure regulating and control equipment when located downstream of the vaporizer shall be designed to withstand the maximum discharge temperature of the vapor.
(i) The vaporizer section of vaporizer-burners shall not be provided with fusible plugs.
(j) Vaporizer coils or jackets shall be made of ferrous metal or high temperature alloys.
(k) Equipment utilizing vaporizer-burners shall be equipped with automatic shutoff devices upstream and downstream of the vaporizer section connected so as to operate in the event of excessive temperature, flame failure, and, if applicable, insufficient airflow.
(12) Filling densities.
(i) The “filling density” is defined as the percent ratio of the weight of the gas in a container to the weight of water the container will hold at 60 °F. All containers shall be filled according to the filling densities shown in Table H-27.
| Specific gravity at 60 °F. (15.6 °C.) | Above ground containers | Under ground containers, all capacities | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 to 1,200 U.S. gals. (1,000 imp. gal., 4,550 liters) total water cap. | Over 1,200 U.S. gals. (1,000 imp. gal., 4,550 liters) total water cap. | ||
| Percent | Percent | Percent | |
| 0 .496-0 .503 | 41 | 44 | 45 |
| .504- .510 | 42 | 45 | 46 |
| .511- .519 | 43 | 46 | 47 |
| .520- .527 | 44 | 47 | 48 |
| .528- .536 | 45 | 48 | 49 |
| .537- .544 | 46 | 49 | 50 |
| .545- .552 | 47 | 50 | 51 |
| .553- .560 | 48 | 51 | 52 |
| .561- .568 | 49 | 52 | 53 |
| .569- .576 | 50 | 53 | 54 |
| .577- .584 | 51 | 54 | 55 |
| .585- .592 | 52 | 55 | 56 |
| .593- .600 | 53 | 56 | 57 |
(13) LP-Gas in buildings.
(ii) Liquid may be permitted in buildings as follows:
(a) Buildings, or separate areas of buildings, used exclusively to house equipment for vaporization, pressure reduction, gas mixing, gas manufacturing, or distribution, or to house internal combustion engines, industrial processes, research and experimental laboratories, or equipment and processes using such gas and having similar hazard; and when such buildings, or separate areas thereof are constructed in accordance with this section.
(b) Buildings, structures, or equipment under construction or undergoing major renovation provided the temporary piping meets the following conditions:
(1) Liquid piping inside the building shall conform to the requirements of paragraph (b)(8) of this section, and shall not exceed three-fourths iron pipe size. Copper tubing with an outside diameter of three-fourths inch or less may be used provided it conforms to Type K of Specifications for Seamless Water Tube, ANSI H23.1-1970 (ASTM B88-69) (see Table H-24). All such piping shall be protected against construction hazards. Liquid piping inside buildings shall be kept to a minimum. Such piping shall be securely fastened to walls or other surfaces so as to provide adequate protection from breakage and so located as to subject the liquid line to lowest ambient temperatures.
(2) A shutoff valve shall be installed in each intermediate branch line where it takes off the main line and shall be readily accessible. A shutoff valve shall also be placed at the appliance end of the intermediate branch line. Such shutoff valve shall be upstream of any flexible connector used with the appliance.
(3) Suitable excess flow valves shall be installed in the container outlet line supplying liquid LP-Gas to the building. A suitable excess flow valve shall be installed immediately downstream of each shutoff valve. Suitable excess flow valves shall be installed where piping size is reduced and shall be sized for the reduced size piping.
(4) Hydrostatic relief valves shall be installed in accordance with paragraph (b)(10)(xii) of this section.
(5) The use of hose to carry liquid between the container and the building or at any point in the liquid line, except at the appliance connector, shall be prohibited.
(6) Where flexible connectors are necessary for appliance installation, such connectors shall be as short as practicable and shall comply with paragraph (b)(8)(ii) or (9) of this section.
(7) Release of fuel when any section of piping or appliances is disconnected shall be minimized by either of the following methods:
(i) Using an approved automatic quick-closing coupling (a type closing in both directions when coupled in the fuel line), or
(ii) Closing the valve nearest to the appliance and allowing the appliance to operate until the fuel in the line is consumed.
(iii) Portable containers shall not be taken into buildings except as provided in paragraph (b)(6)(i) of this section.
(15) Tank car or transport truck loading or unloading points and operations.
(17) Electrical equipment and other sources of ignition.
(v) Open flames (except as provided for in paragraph (b)(11) of this section), cutting or welding, portable electric tools, and extension lights capable of igniting LP-Gas, shall not be permitted within classified areas specified in Table H-28 unless the LP-Gas facilities have been freed of all liquid and vapor, or special precautions observed under carefully controlled conditions.
| Part | Location | Extent of classified area 1 | Equipment shall be suitable for Class 1, Group D 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Storage containers other than DOT cylinders | Within 15 feet in all directions from connections, except connections otherwise covered in Table H-28 | Division 2. |
| B | Tank vehicle and tank car loading and unloading 3 | Within 5 feet in all directions from connections regularly made or disconnected for product transfer | Division 1. |
| Beyond 5 feet but within 15 feet in all directions from a point where connections are regularly made or disconnected and within the cylindrical volume between the horizontal equator of the sphere and grade. (See Figure H-1) | Division 2. | ||
| C | Gage vent openings other than those on DOT cylinders | Within 5 feet in all directions from point of dischargeBeyond 5 feet but within 15 feet in all directions from point of discharge | Division 1. |
| Division 2. | |||
| D | Relief valve discharge other than those on DOT cylinders | Within direct path of discharge | Division 1. |
| Within 5 feet in all directions from point of discharge | Division 1. | ||
| Beyond 5 feet but within 15 feet in all directions from point of discharge except within the direct path of discharge | Division 2. | ||
| E | Pumps, compressors, gas-air mixers and vaporizers other than direct fired | ||
| Indoors without ventilation | Entire room and any adjacent room not separated by a gastight partition | Division 1. | |
| Within 15 feet of the exterior side of any exterior wall or roof that is not vaportight or within 15 feet of any exterior opening | Division 2. | ||
| Indoors with adequate ventilation 4 | Entire room and any adjacent room not separated by a gastight partition | Division 2. | |
| Outdoors in open air at or abovegrade | Within 15 feet in all directions from this equipment and within the cylindrical volume between the horizontal equator of the sphere and grade. See Figure H-1 | Division 2. | |
| F | Service Station Dispensing Units | Entire space within dispenser enclosure, and 18 inches horizontally from enclosure exterior up to an elevation 4 ft. above dispenser base. Entire pit or open space beneath dispenser | Division 1. |
| Up to 18 inches abovegrade within 20 ft. horizontally from any edge of enclosure | Division 2. | ||
| Note: For pits within this area, see part F of this table. | |||
| G | Pits or trenches containing or located beneath LP-Gas valves, pumps, compressors, regulators, and similar equipment | ||
| Without mechanical ventilation | Entire pit or trench | Division 1. | |
| Entire room and any adjacent room not separated by a gastight partition | Division 1. | ||
| Within 15 feet in all directions from pit or trench when located outdoors | Division 2. | ||
| With adequate mechanical ventilation | Entire pit or trench | Division 2. | |
| Entire room and any adjacent room not separated by a gastight partition | Division 2. | ||
| Within 15 feet in all directions from pit or trench when located outdoors | Division 2. | ||
| H | Special buildings or rooms for storage of portable containers | Entire room | Division 2. |
| Pipelines and connections containing operational bleeds, drips, vents or drains | Within 5 ft. in all directions from point of dischargeBeyond 5 ft. from point of discharge, same as part E of this table | Division 1. | |
| J | Container filling: | ||
| Indoors without ventilation | Entire room | Division 1. | |
| Indoors with adequate ventilation 4 | Within 5 feet in all directions from connections regularly made or disconnected for product transfer | Division 1. | |
| Beyond 5 feet and entire room | Division 2. | ||
| Outdoors in open air | Within 5 feet in all directions from connections regularly made or disconnected for product transfer | Division 1. | |
| Beyond 5 feet but within 15 feet in all directions from a point where connections are regularly made or disconnected and within the cylindrical volume between the horizontal equator of the sphere and grade. (See Figure H-1) | Division 2. | ||
| 1 The classified area shall not extend beyond an unpierced wall, roof, or solid vaportight partition. | |||
| 2 See subpart S of this part. | |||
| 3 When classifying extent of hazardous area, consideration shall be given to possible variations in the spotting of tank cars and tank vehicles at the unloading points and the effect these variations of actual spotting point may have on the point of connection. | |||
| 4 Ventilation, either natural or mechanical, is considered adequate when the concentration of the gas in a gas-air mixture does not exceed 25 percent of the lower flammable limit under normal operating conditions. |

Figure H-1
(19) Liquid-level gaging device.
(v) Length of tube or position of fixed liquid-level gage shall be designed to indicate the maximum level to which the container may be filled for the product contained. This level shall be based on the volume of the product at 40 °F. at its maximum permitted filling density for aboveground containers and at 50 °F. for underground containers. The employer shall calculate the filling point for which the fixed liquid level gage shall be designed according to the method in this subdivision.
(a) It is impossible to set out in a table the length of a fixed dip tube for various capacity tanks because of the varying tank diameters and lengths and because the tank may be installed either in a vertical or horizontal position. Knowing the maximum permitted filling volume in gallons, however, the length of the fixed tube can be determined by the use of a strapping table obtained from the container manufacturer. The length of the fixed tube should be such that when its lower end touches the surface of the liquid in the container, the contents of the container will be the maximum permitted volume as determined by the following formula:
[(Water capacity (gals.) of container* × filling density**) ÷ (Specific gravity of LP-Gas* × volume correction factor × 100)] = Maximum volume of LP-Gas
*Measured at 60 °F. **From subparagraph (12) of this paragraph “Filling Densities.” For aboveground containers the liquid temperature is assumed to be 40 °F. and for underground containers the liquid temperature is assumed to be 50 °F. To correct the liquid volumes at these temperatures to 60 °F. the following factors shall be used.
(b) Formula for determining maximum volume of liquefied petroleum gas for which a fixed length of dip tube shall be set:
| Specific gravity | Aboveground | Underground |
|---|---|---|
| 0.500 | 1.033 | 1.017 |
| .510 | 1.031 | 1.016 |
| .520 | 1.029 | 1.015 |
| .530 | 1.028 | 1.014 |
| .540 | 1.026 | 1.013 |
| .550 | 1.025 | 1.013 |
| .560 | 1.024 | 1.012 |
| .570 | 1.023 | 1.011 |
| .580 | 1.021 | 1.011 |
| .590 | 1.020 | 1.010 |
(c) The maximum volume of LP-Gas which can be placed in a container when determining the length of the dip tube expressed as a percentage of total water content of the container is calculated by the following formula.
(d) The maximum weight of LP-Gas which may be placed in a container for determining the length of a fixed dip tube is determined by multiplying the maximum volume of liquefied petroleum gas obtained by the formula in paragraph (b)(19)(b) of this section by the pounds of liquefied petroleum gas in a gallon at 40 °F. for abovegound and at 50 °F. for underground containers. For example, typical pounds per gallon are specified below:
Example:Assume a 100-gallon total water capacity tank for aboveground storage of propane having a specific gravity of 0.510 of 60 °F. [(100 (gals.) × 42 (filling density from subparagraph (12) of this paragraph)) ÷ (0.510 × 1.031 (correction factor from Table H-29) × 100)] = (4200 ÷ 52.6) (4200 ÷ 52.6) = 79.8 gallons propane, the maximum amount permitted to be placed in a 100-gallon total water capacity aboveground container equipped with a fixed dip tube. [(Maximum volume of LP-Gas (from formula in subdivision (b) of this subdivision) × 100) ÷ Total water content of container in gallons] = Maximum percent of LP-Gas
| Aboveground, pounds per gallon | Underground, pounds per gallon | |
|---|---|---|
| Propane | 4.37 | 4.31 |
| N Butane | 4.97 | 4.92 |
(20) Requirements for appliances.
(iv) All commercial, industrial, and agricultural appliances or equipment shall be installed in accordance with the requirements of this section and in accordance with the following NFPA consensus standards, which are incorporated by reference as specified in § 1910.6:
(a) Domestic and commercial appliances—NFPA 54-1969, Standard for the Installation of Gas Appliances and Gas Piping.
(b) Industrial appliances—NFPA 54A-1969, Standard for the Installation of Gas Piping and Gas Equipment on Industrial Premises and Certain Other Premises.
(c) Standard for the Installation and Use of Stationary Combustion Engines and Gas Turbines—NFPA 37-1970.
(d) Standard for the Installation of Equipment for the Removal of Smoke and Grease-Laden Vapors from Commercial Cooking Equipment, NFPA 96-1970.
(4) Containers and regulating equipment installed outside of buildings or structures.
(i) Containers shall not be buried below ground. However, this shall not prohibit the installation in a compartment or recess below grade level such as a niche in a slope or terrace wall which is used for no other purpose, providing that the container and regulating equipment are not in contact with the ground and the compartment or recess is drained and ventilated horizontally to the outside air from its lowest level, with the outlet at least 3 feet away from any building opening which is below the level of such outlet.
Except as provided in paragraph (b)(10)(xiii) of this section, the discharge from safety relief devices shall be located not less than 3 feet horizontally away from any building opening which is below the level of such discharge and shall not terminate beneath any building unless such space is well ventilated to the outside and is not enclosed on more than two sides.
(5) Containers and equipment used inside of buildings or structures.
(i) When operational requirements make portable use of containers necessary and their location outside of buildings or structure is impracticable, containers and equipment are permitted to be used inside of buildings or structures in accordance with (a) through (l) of this subdivision, and, in addition, such other provisions of this subparagraph as are applicable to the particular use or occupancy.
(a) Containers in use shall mean connected for use.
(b) Systems utilizing containers having a water capacity greater than 2 1/2 pounds (nominal 1 pound LP-Gas capacity) shall be equipped with excess flow valves. Such excess flow valves shall be either integral with the container valves or in the connections to the container valve outlets. In either case, an excess flow valve shall be installed in such a manner that any undue strain beyond the excess flow valve will not cause breakage between the container and the excess flow valve. The installation of excess flow valves shall take into account the type of valve protection provided.
(c) Regulators, if used, shall be either directly connected to the container valves or to manifolds connected to the container values. The regulator shall be suitable for use with LP-Gas. Manifolds and fittings connecting containers to pressure regulator inlets shall be designed for at least 250 p.s.i.g. service pressure.
(d) Valves on containers having a water capacity greater than 50 pounds (nominal 20 pounds LP-Gas capacity) shall be protected while in use.
(e) Containers shall be marked in accordance with paragraph (b)(5)(iii) of this section and paragraph (c)(2) of this section.
(f) Pipe or tubing shall conform to paragraph (b)(8) of this section except that aluminum pipe or tubing shall not be used.
(g)(1) Hose shall be designed for a working pressure of at least 250 p.s.i.g. Hose and hose connections shall have their correctness as to design, construction and performance determined by listing by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. The hose length may exceed the length specified in paragraph (b)(9)(vii)(b) of this section, but shall be as short as practicable. Refer to § 1910.7 for definition of nationally recognized testing laboratory.
(2) Hose shall be long enough to permit compliance with spacing provisions of this subparagraph without kinking or straining or causing hose to be so close to a burner as to be damaged by heat.
(h) Portable heaters, including salamanders, shall be equipped with an approved automatic device to shut off the flow of gas to the main burner, and pilot if used, in the event of flame extinguishment. Such heaters having inputs above 50,000 B.t.u. manufactured on or after May 17, 1967, and such heaters having inputs above 100,000 B.t.u. manufactured before May 17, 1967, shall be equipped with either.
(1) A pilot which must be lighted and proved before the main burner can be turned on; or
(2) An electric ignition system.
The provisions of this paragraph (h) do not apply to tar kettle burners, torches, melting pots, nor do they apply to portable heaters under 7,500 B.t.u.h. input when used with containers having a maximum water capacity of 2 1/2 pounds. Container valves, connectors, regulators, manifolds, piping, and tubing shall not be used as structural supports for heaters.
(i) Containers, regulating equipment, manifolds, pipe, tubing, and hose shall be located so as to minimize exposure to abnormally high temperatures (such as may result from exposure to convection or radiation from heating equipment or installation in confined spaces), physical damage, or tampering by unauthorized persons.
(j) Heat producing equipment shall be located and used so as to minimize the possibility of ignition of combustibles.
(k) Containers having a water capacity greater than 2 1/2 pounds (nominal 1 pound LP-Gas capacity) connected for use, shall stand on a firm and substantially level surface and, when necessary, shall be secured in an upright position.
(l) Containers, including the valve protective devices, shall be installed so as to minimize the probability of impingement of discharge of safety relief devices upon containers.
(v) Containers are permitted to be used in buildings or structures under construction or undergoing major renovation when such buildings or structures are not occupied by the public, as follows:
(a) The maximum water capacity of individual containers shall be 245 pounds (nominal 100 pounds LP-Gas capacity).
(b) For temporary heating such as curing concrete, drying plaster and similar applications, heaters (other than integral heater-container units) shall be located at least 6 feet from any LP-Gas container. This shall not prohibit the use of heaters specifically designed for attachment to the container or to a supporting standard, provided they are designed and installed so as to prevent direct or radiant heat application from the heater onto the container. Blower and radiant type heaters shall not be directed toward any LP-Gas container within 20 feet.
(c) If two or more heater-container units, of either the integral or nonintegral type, are located in an unpartitioned area on the same floor, the container or containers of each unit shall be separated from the container or containers of any other unit by at least 20 feet.
(d) When heaters are connected to containers for use in an unpartitioned area on the same floor, the total water capacity of containers manifolded together for connection to a heater or heaters shall not be greater than 735 pounds (nominal 300 pounds LP-Gas capacity). Such manifolds shall be separated by at least 20 feet.
(e) On floors on which heaters are not connected for use, containers are permitted to be manifolded together for connection to a heater or heaters on another floor, Provided:
(1) The total water capacity of containers connected to any one manifold is not greater than 2,450 pounds (nominal 1,000 pounds LP-Gas capacity) and;
(2) Where more than one manifold having a total water capacity greater than 735 pounds (nominal 300 pounds LP-Gas capacity) are located in the same unpartitioned area, they shall be separated by at least 50 feet.
(f) Storage of containers awaiting use shall be in accordance with paragraph (f) of this section.
(vi) Containers are permitted to be used in industrial occupancies for processing, research, or experimental purposes as follows:
(a) The maximum water capacity of individual containers shall be 245 pounds (nominal 100 pounds LP-Gas capacity).
(b) Containers connected to a manifold shall have a total water capacity not greater than 735 pounds (nominal 300 pounds LP-Gas capacity) and not more than one such manifold may be located in the same room unless separated at least 20 feet from a similar unit.
(c) The amount of LP-Gas in containers for research and experimental use shall be limited to the smallest practical quantity.
(vii) (a) Containers are permitted to be used in industrial occupancies with essentially noncombustible contents where portable equipment for space heating is essential and where a permanent heating installation is not practical, as follows:
(b) Containers and heaters shall comply with and be used in accordance with paragraph (c)(5)(v) of this section.
(viii) Containers are permitted to be used in buildings for temporary emergency heating purposes, if necessary to prevent damage to the buildings or contents, when the permanent heating system is temporarily out of service, as follows:
(a) Containers and heaters shall comply with and be used in accordance with paragraph (c)(5)(v) of this section.
(b) The temporary heating equipment shall not be left unattended.
(ix) Containers are permitted to be used temporarily in buildings for training purposes related in installation and use of LP-Gas systems, as follows:
(a) The maximum water capacity of individual containers shall be 245 pounds (nominal 100 pounds LP-Gas capacity), but the maximum quantity of LP-Gas that may be placed in each container shall be 20 pounds.
(b) If more than one such container is located in the same room, the containers shall be separated by at least 20 feet.
(6) Container valves and accessories.
(iii) Valves and connections to the containers shall be protected while in transit, in storage, and while being moved into final utilization, as follows:
(a) By setting into the recess of the container to prevent the possibility of their being struck if the container is dropped upon a flat surface, or
(b) By ventilated cap or collar, fastened to the container capable of withstanding a blow from any direction equivalent to that of a 30-pound weight dropped 4 feet. Construction must be such that a blow will not be transmitted to the valve or other connection.
(7) Safety devices.
(ii) A final stage regulator of an LP-Gas system (excluding any appliance regulator) shall be equipped on the low-pressure side with a relief valve which is set to start to discharge within the limits specified in Table H-30.
| Regulator delivery pressure | Relief valve start-to-discharge pressure setting (percent of regulator delivery pressure) | |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum | Maximum | |
| 1 p.s.i.g. or less | 200 | 300 |
| Above 1 p.s.i.g. but not over 3 p.s.i.g | 140 | 200 |
| Above 3 p.s.i.g | 125 | 200 |
(2) Design pressure and classification of storage containers. Storage containers shall be designed and classified in accordance with Table H-31.
| Container type | For gases with vapor press. Not to exceed lb. per sq. in. gage at 100 °F. (37.8 °C.) | Minimum design pressure of container, lb. per sq. in. gage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1949 and earlier editions of ASME Code (Par. U-68, U-69) | 1949 edition of ASME Code (Par. U-200, U-201); 1950, 1952, 1956, 1959, 1962, 1965, and 1968 (Division 1) editions of ASME Code; All editions of API-ASME Code 3 | ||
| 1 80 | 1 80 | 1 80 | 1 100 |
| 100 | 100 | 100 | 125 |
| 125 | 125 | 125 | 156 |
| 150 | 150 | 150 | 187 |
| 175 | 175 | 175 | 219 |
| 2 200 | 215 | 200 | 250 |
| 1 New storage containers of the 80 type have not been authorized since Dec. 31, 1947. | |||
| 2 Container type may be increased by increments of 25. The minimum design pressure of containers shall be 100% of the container type designation when constructed under 1949 or earlier editions of the ASME Code (Par. U-68 and U-69). The minimum design pressure of containers shall be 125% of the container type designation when constructed under: (1) the 1949 ASME Code (Par. U-200 and U-201), (2) 1950, 1952, 1956, 1959, 1962, 1965, and 1968 (Division 1) editions of the ASME Code, and (3) all editions of the API-ASME Code. | |||
| 3 Construction of containers under the API-ASME Code is not authorized after July 1, 1961. |
(3) Container valves and accessories, filler pipes, and discharge pipes.
(ii) The filling connection shall be fitted with one of the following:
(a) Combination back-pressure check valve and excess flow valve.
(b) One double or two single back-pressure check valves.
(c) A positive shutoff valve, in conjunction with either:
(1) An internal back-pressure valve, or
(2) An internal excess flow valve.
(iv) An excess flow valve is not required in the withdrawal service line providing the following are complied with:
(a) Such systems' total water capacity does not exceed 2,000 U.S. gallons.
(b) The discharge from the service outlet is controlled by a suitable manually operated shutoff valve which is:
(1) Threaded directly into the service outlet of the container; or
(2) Is an integral part of a substantial fitting threaded into or on the service outlet of the container; or
(3) Threaded directly into a substantial fitting threaded into or on the service outlet of the container.
(c) The shutoff valve is equipped with an attached handwheel or the equivalent.
(d) The controlling orifice between the contents of the container and the outlet of the shutoff valve does not exceed five-sixteenths inch in diameter for vapor withdrawal systems and one-eighth inch in diameter for liquid withdrawal systems.
(e) An approved pressure-reducing regulator is directly attached to the outlet of the shutoff valve and is rigidly supported, or that an approved pressure-reducing regulator is attached to the outlet of the shutoff valve by means of a suitable flexible connection, provided the regulator is adequately supported and properly protected on or at the tank.
(4) Safety devices.
(i) All safety devices shall comply with the following:
(a) All container safety relief devices shall be located on the containers and shall have direct communication with the vapor of space of the container.
(b) In industrial and gas manufacturing plants, discharge pipe from safety relief valves on pipe lines within a building shall discharge vertically upward and shall be piped to a point outside a building.
(c) Safety relief device discharge terminals shall be so located as to provide protection against physical damage and such discharge pipes shall be fitted with loose raincaps. Return bends and restrictive pipefittings shall not be permitted.
(d) If desired, discharge lines from two or more safety relief devices located on the same unit, or similar lines from two or more different units, may be run into a common discharge header, provided that the cross-sectional area of such header be at least equal to the sum of the cross-sectional area of the individual discharge lines, and that the setting of safety relief valves are the same.
(e) Each storage container of over 2,000 gallons water capacity shall be provided with a suitable pressure gage.
(f) A final stage regulator of an LP-Gas system (excluding any appliance regulator) shall be equipped on the low-pressure side with a relief valve which is set to start to discharge within the limits specified in Table H-30.
(g) When a regulator or pressure relief valve is installed inside a building, the relief valve and the space above the regulator and relief valve diaphragms shall be vented to the outside air with the discharge outlet located not less than 3 feet horizontally away from any opening into the building which is below such discharge. (These provisions do not apply to individual appliance regulators when protection is otherwise provided. In buildings devoted exclusively to gas distribution purposes, the space above the diaphragm need not be vented to the outside.)
(ii) Safety devices for aboveground containers shall be provided as follows:
(a) Containers of 1,200 gallons water capacity or less which may contain liquid fuel when installed above ground shall have the rate of discharge required by paragraph (b)(10)(ii) of this section provided by a spring-loaded relief valve or valves. In addition to the required spring-loaded relief valve(s), suitable fuse plug(s) may be used provided the total discharge area of the fuse plug(s) for each container does not exceed 0.25 square inch.
(b) The fusible metal of the fuse plugs shall have a yield temperature of 208 °F. minimum and 220 °F. maximum. Relief valves and fuse plugs shall have direct communication with the vapor space of the container.
(c) On a container having a water capacity greater than 125 gallons, but not over 2,000 gallons, the discharge from the safety relief valves shall be vented away from the container vertically upwards and unobstructed to the open air in such a manner as to prevent any impingement of escaping gas upon the container; loose-fitting rain caps shall be used. Suitable provision shall be made for draining condensate which may accumulate in the relief valve or its discharge pipe.
(d) On containers of 125 gallons water capacity or less, the discharge from safety relief devices shall be located not less than 5 feet horizontally away from any opening into the building below the level of such discharge.
(e) On a container having a water capacity greater than 2,000 gallons, the discharge from the safety relief valves shall be vented away from the container vertically upwards to a point at least 7 feet above the container, and unobstructed to the open air in such a manner as to prevent any impingement of escaping gas upon the container; loose-fitting rain caps shall be used. Suitable provision shall be made so that any liquid or condensate that may accumulate inside of the safety relief valve or its discharge pipe will not render the valve inoperative. If a drain is used, a means shall be provided to protect the container, adjacent containers, piping, or equipment against impingement of flame resulting from ignition of product escaping from the drain.
(iv) On underground containers of more than 2,000 gallons water capacity, the discharge from safety relief devices shall be piped vertically and directly upward to a point at least 7 feet above the ground.
Where there is a probability of the manhole or housing becoming flooded, the discharge from regulator vent lines shall be above the highest probable water level. All manholes or housings shall be provided with ventilated louvers or their equivalent, the area of such openings equaling or exceeding the combined discharge areas of the safety relief valves and other vent lines which discharge their content into the manhole housing.
(v) Safety devices for vaporizers shall be provided as follows:
(a) Vaporizers of less than 1 quart total capacity, heated by the ground or the surrounding air, need not be equipped with safety relief valves provided that adequate tests certified by any of the authorities referred to in paragraph (b)(2) of this section, demonstrate that the assembly is safe without safety relief valves.
(b) No vaporizer shall be equipped with fusible plugs.
(c) In industrial and gas manufacturing plants, safety relief valves on vaporizers within a building shall be piped to a point outside the building and be discharged upward.
(7) Installation of storage containers.
(ii) Aboveground containers shall be supported as follows:
(a) Horizontal containers shall be mounted on saddles in such a manner as to permit expansion and contraction. Structural metal supports may be employed when they are protected against fire in an approved manner. Suitable means of preventing corrosion shall be provided on that portion of the container in contact with the foundations or saddles.
(b) Containers of 2,000 gallons water capacity or less may be installed with nonfireproofed ferrous metal supports if mounted on concrete pads or footings, and if the distance from the outside bottom of the container shell to the concrete pad, footing, or the ground does not exceed 24 inches.
(iv) Containers may be partially buried providing the following requirements are met:
(a) The portion of the container below the surface and for a vertical distance not less than 3 inches above the surface of the ground is protected to resist corrosion, and the container is protected against settling and corrosion as required for fully buried containers.
(b) Spacing requirements shall be as specified for underground tanks in paragraph (b)(6)(ii) of this section.
(c) Relief valve capacity shall be as required for aboveground containers.
(d) Container is located so as not to be subject to vehicular damage, or is adequately protected against such damage.
(e) Filling densities shall be as required for above-ground containers.
(v) Containers buried underground shall be placed so that the top of the container is not less than 6 inches below grade. Where an underground container might be subject to abrasive action or physical damage due to vehicular traffic or other causes, then it shall be:
(a) Placed not less than 2 feet below grade, or
(b) Otherwise protected against such physical damage.
It will not be necessary to cover the portion of the container to which manhole and other connections are affixed; however, where necessary, protection shall be provided against vehicular damage. When necessary to prevent floating, containers shall be securely anchored or weighted.
(vi) (a) Containers shall be given a protective coating before being placed under ground. This coating shall be equivalent to hot-dip galvanizing or to two coatings of red lead followed by a heavy coating of coal tar or asphalt. In lowering the container into place, care shall be exercised to prevent damage to the coating. Any damage to the coating shall be repaired before backfilling.
(b) Containers shall be set on a firm foundation (firm earth may be used) and surrounded with earth or sand firmly tamped in place.
(vii) Containers with foundations attached (portable or semiportable containers with suitable steel “runners” or “skids” and popularly known in the industry as “skid tanks”) shall be designed, installed, and used in accordance with these rules subject to the following provisions:
(a) If they are to be used at a given general location for a temporary period not to exceed 6 months they need not have fire-resisting foundations or saddles but shall have adequate ferrous metal supports.
(b) They shall not be located with the outside bottom of the container shell more than 5 feet above the surface of the ground unless fire-resisting supports are provided.
(c) The bottom of the skids shall not be less than 2 inches or more than 12 inches below the outside bottom of the container shell.
(d) Flanges, nozzles, valves, fittings, and the like, having communication with the interior of the container, shall be protected against physical damage.
(e) When not permanently located on fire-resisting foundations, piping connections shall be sufficiently flexible to minimize the possibility of breakage or leakage of connections if the container settles, moves, or is otherwise displaced.
(f) Skids, or lugs for attachment of skids, shall be secured to the container in accordance with the code or rules under which the container is designed and built (with a minimum factor of safety of four) to withstand loading in any direction equal to four times the weight of the container and attachments when filled to the maximum permissible loaded weight.
(8) Protection of container accessories.
(12) General provisions applicable to systems in industrial plants (of 2,000 gallons water capacity and more) and to bulk filling plants.
(13) Container-charging plants.
(i) The container-charging room shall be located not less than:
(a) Ten feet from bulk storage containers.
(b) [Reserved]
(ii) Tank truck filling station outlets shall be located not less than:
(a) [Reserved]
(b) Ten feet from pumps and compressors if housed in one or more separate buildings.
(iii) The pumps or compressors may be located in the container-charging room or building, in a separate building, or outside of buildings. When housed in a separate building, such building (a small noncombustible weather cover is not to be construed as a building) shall be located not less than:
(a) Ten feet from bulk storage tanks.
(b) [Reserved]
(c) Twenty-five feet from sources of ignition.
(14) Fire protection.
(e) Liquefied petroleum gas as a motor fuel—(1) Application.
(2) General.
(3) Design pressure and classification of fuel containers.
(ii) Fuel containers for use in industrial trucks (including lift trucks) shall be either DOT containers authorized for LP-Gas service having a minimum service pressure of 240 p.s.i.g. or minimum Container Type 250. Under 1950 and later ASME codes, this means a 312.5-p.s.i.g. design pressure container.
| Container type | For gases with vapor press. Not to exceed lb. per sq. in. gage at 100 °F. (37.8 °C.) | Minimum design pressure of container, lb. per sq. in. gage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1949 and earlier editions of ASME Code (Par. U-68, U-69) | 1949 edition of ASME Code (Par. U-200, U-201); 1950, 1952, 1956, 1959, 1962, 1965, and 1968 (Division 1) editions of ASME Code; All editions of API-ASME Code 2 | ||
| 1 200 | 215Z | 200 | 250 |
| 1 Container type may be increased by increments of 25. The minimum design pressure of containers shall be 100% of the container type designation when constructed under 1949 or earlier editions of the ASME Code (Par. U-68 and U-69). The minimum design pressure of containers shall be 125% of the container type designation when constructed under: (1) the 1949 ASME Code (Par. U-200 and U-201), (2) 1950, 1952, 1956, 1959, 1962, 1965, and 1968 (Division 1) editions of the ASME Code, and (3) all editions of the API-ASME Code. | |||
| 2 Construction of containers under the API-ASME Code is not authorized after July 1, 1961. |
(4) Installation of fuel containers.
(5) Valves and accessories.
(iv) Liquid-level gaging devices:
(a) Variable liquid-level gages which require the venting of fuel to the atmosphere shall not be used on fuel containers of industrial trucks (including lift trucks).
(b) On portable containers that may be filled in the vertical and/or horizontal position, the fixed liquid-level gage must indicate maximum permitted filling level for both vertical and horizontal filling with the container oriented to place the safety relief valve in communication with the vapor space.
(c) In the case of containers used solely in farm tractor service, and charged at a point at least 50 feet from any important building, the fixed liquid-level gaging device may be so constructed that the outward flow of container content exceeds that passed by a No. 54 drill size opening, but in no case shall the flow exceed that passed by a No. 31 drill-size opening. An excess flow valve is not required. Fittings equipped with such restricted drill size opening and container on which they are used shall be marked to indicate the size of the opening.
(d) All valves and connections on containers shall be adequately protected to prevent damage due to accidental contact with stationary objects or from loose objects thrown up from the road, and all valves shall be safeguarded against damage due to collision, overturning or other accident. For farm tractors where parts of the vehicle provide such protection to valves and fittings, the foregoing requirements shall be considered fulfilled. However, on removable type containers the protection for the fittings shall be permanently attached to the container.
(e) When removable fuel containers are used, means shall be provided in the fuel system to minimize the escape of fuel when the containers are exchanged. This may be accomplished by either of the following methods:
(1) Using an approved automatic quick-closing coupling (a type closing in both directions when uncoupled) in the fuel line, or
(2) Closing the valve at the fuel container and allowing the engine to run until the fuel in the line is consumed.
(6) Piping—including pipe, tubing, and fittings.
(7) Safety devices.
(8) Vaporizers.
(iv) Each vaporizer shall be permanently marked at a visible point as follows:
(a) With the design pressure of the fuel-containing portion in p.s.i.g.
(b) With the water capacity of the fuel-containing portion of the vaporizer in pounds.
(9) Gas regulating and mixing equipment.
(12) Portable engines in buildings.
(13) Industrial trucks inside buildings.
(14) Garaging LP-Gas-fueled vehicles.
(2) General.
(iii) Container valves shall be protected while in storage as follows:
(a) By setting into recess of container to prevent the possibility of their being struck if the container is dropped upon a flat surface, or
(b) By ventilated cap or collar, fastened to container capable of withstanding blow from any direction equivalent to that of a 30-pound weight dropped 4 feet. Construction must be such that a blow will not be transmitted to a valve or other connection.
(4) Storage within buildings not frequented by the public (such as industrial buildings).
(5) Storage within special buildings or rooms.
(6) Storage outside of buildings.
(i) Storage outside of buildings, for containers awaiting use or resale, shall be located in accordance with Table H-33 with respect to:
(a) The nearest important building or group of buildings;
(b) [Reserved]
(c) Busy thoroughfares;
| Quantity of LP-Gas Stored | Distance |
|---|---|
| 500 pounds or less | 0 |
| 501 to 2,500 pounds | 1 0 |
| 2,501 to 6,000 pounds | 10 feet |
| 6,001 to 10,000 pounds | 20 feet |
| Over 10,000 pounds | 25 feet |
| 1 Container or containers shall be at least 10 feet from any building on adjoining property, any sidewalk, or any of the exposures described in § 1910.110(f)(6)(i) (c) or (d) of this paragraph. |
(2) Design pressure and classification of storage containers. Storage containers shall be designed and classified in accordance with Table H-34.
| Container type | For gases with vapor press. Not to exceed lb. per sq. in. gage at 100 °F. (37.8 °C.) | Minimum design pressure of container, lb. per sq. in. gage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1949 and earlier editions of ASME Code (Par. U-68, U-69) | 1949 edition of ASME Code (Par. U-200, U-201); 1950, 1952, 1956, 1959, 1962, 1965, and 1968 (Division 1) editions of ASME Code; All editions of API-ASME Code 2 | ||
| 1 200 | 215 | 200 | 250 |
| 1 Container type may be increased by increments of 25. The minimum design pressure of containers shall be 100 percent of the container type designation when constructed under 1949 or earlier editions of the ASME Code (Par. U-68 and U-69). The minimum design pressure of containers shall be 125 percent of the container type designation when constructed under: (1) The 1949 ASME Code (Paragraphs U-200 and U-201), (2) 1950, 1952, 1956, 1959, 1962, 1965, and 1968 (Division 1) editions of the ASME Code, and (3) all editions of the API-ASME Code. | |||
| 2 Construction of containers under the API-ASME Code is not authorized after July 1, 1961. |
(3) Container valves and accessories.
(i) A filling connection on the container shall be fitted with one of the following:
(a) A combination back-pressure check and excess flow valve.
(b) One double or two single back-pressure valves.
(c) A positive shutoff valve, in conjunction with either,
(1) An internal back-pressure valve, or
(2) On internal excess flow valve.
In lieu of an excess flow valve, filling connections may be fitted with a quick-closing internal valve, which shall remain closed except during operating periods. The mechanism for such valves may be provided with a secondary control which will cause it to close automatically in case of fire. When a fusible plug is used its melting point shall not exceed 220 °F.
(ii) A filling pipe inlet terminal not on the container shall be fitted with a positive shutoff valve in conjunction with either;
(a) A black pressure check valve, or
(b) An excess flow check valve.
(iii) All openings in the container except those listed below shall be equipped with approved excess flow check valves:
(a) Filling connections as provided in subdivision (i) of this subparagraph.
(b) Safety relief connections as provided in paragraph (b)(7)(ii) of this section.
(c) Liquid-level gaging devices as provided in paragraphs (b)(7)(iv) and (19)(iv) of this section.
(d) Pressure gage connections as provided in paragraph (b)(7)(v) of this section.
(iv) All container inlets and outlets except those listed below shall be labeled to designate whether they connect with vapor or liquid (labels may be on valves):
(a) Safety relief valves.
(b) Liquid-level gaging devices.
(c) Pressure gages.
(4) Safety-relief valves.
(i) All safety-relief devices shall be installed as follows:
(a) On the container and directly connected with the vapor space.
(b) Safety-relief valves and discharge piping shall be protected against physical damage. The outlet shall be provided with loose-fitting rain caps. There shall be no return bends or restrictions in the discharge piping.
(c) The discharge from two or more safety relief valves having the same pressure settings may be run into a common discharge header. The cross-sectional area of such header shall be at least equal to the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the individual discharges.
(d) Discharge from any safety relief device shall not terminate in any building nor beneath any building.
(ii) Aboveground containers shall be provided with safety relief valves as follows:
(a) The rate of discharge, which may be provided by one or more valves, shall be not less than that specified in paragraph (b)(10)(ii) of this section.
(b) The discharge from safety relief valves shall be vented to the open air unobstructed and vertically upwards in such a manner as to prevent any impingement of escaping gas upon the container; loose-fitting rain caps shall be used. On a container having a water capacity greater than 2,000 gallons, the discharge from the safety relief valves shall be vented away from the container vertically upwards to a point at least 7 feet above the container. Suitable provisions shall be made so that any liquid or condensate that may accumulate inside of the relief valve or its discharge pipe will not render the valve inoperative. If a drain is used, a means shall be provided to protect the container, adjacent containers, piping, or equipment against impingement of flame resulting from ignition of the product escaping from the drain.
(iii) Underground containers shall be provided with safety relief valves as follows:
(a) The discharge from safety-relief valves shall be piped vertically upward to a point at least 10 feet above the ground. The discharge lines or pipes shall be adequately supported and protected against physical damage.
(b) [Reserved]
(c) If no liquid is put into a container until after it is buried and covered, the rate of discharge of the relief valves may be reduced to not less than 30 percent of the rate shown in paragraph (b)(10)(ii) of this section. If liquid fuel is present during installation of containers, the rate of discharge shall be the same as for aboveground containers. Such containers shall not be uncovered until emptied of liquid fuel.
(6) Installation of storage containers.
(i) (a) Each storage container used exclusively in service station operation shall comply with the following table which specifies minimum distances to a building and groups of buildings.
| Water capacity per container (gallons) | Minimum distances | |
|---|---|---|
| Aboveground and underground (feet) | Between aboveground containers (feet) | |
| Up to 2,000 | 25 | 3 |
| Over 2,000 | 50 | 5 |
| Note: The above distances may be reduced to not less than 10 feet for service station buildings of other than wood frame construction. |
(b) Readily ignitible material including weeds and long dry grass, shall be removed within 10 feet of containers.
(c) The minimum separation between LP-Gas containers and flammable liquid tanks shall be 20 feet and the minimum separation between a container and the centerline of the dike shall be 10 feet.
(d) LP-Gas containers located near flammable liquid containers shall be protected against the flow or accumulation of flammable liquids by diking, diversion curbs, or grading.
(e) LP-Gas containers shall not be located within diked areas for flammable liquid containers.
(f) Field welding is permitted only on saddle plates or brackets which were applied by the container manufacturer.
(g) When permanently installed containers are interconnected, provision shall be made to compensate for expansion, contraction, vibration, and settling of containers and interconnecting piping. Where flexible connections are used, they shall be of an approved type and shall be designed for a bursting pressure of not less than five times the vapor pressure of the product at 100 °F. The use of nonmetallic hose is prohibited for interconnecting such containers.
(h) Where high water table or flood conditions may be encountered protection against container flotation shall be provided.
(ii) Aboveground containers shall be installed in accordance with this subdivision.
(a) Containers may be installed horizontally or vertically.
(b) Containers shall be protected by crash rails or guards to prevent physical damage unless they are so protected by virtue of their location. Vehicles shall not be serviced within 10 feet of containers.
(c) Container foundations shall be of substantial masonry or other noncombustible material. Containers shall be mounted on saddles which shall permit expansion and contraction, and shall provide against the excessive concentration of stresses. Corrosion protection shall be provided for tank-mounting areas. Structural metal container supports shall be protected against fire. This protection is not required on prefabricated storage and pump assemblies, mounted on a common base, with container bottom not more than 24 inches above ground and whose water capacity is 2,000 gallons or less if the piping connected to the storage and pump assembly is sufficiently flexible to minimize the possibility of breakage or leakage in the event of failure of the container supports.
(iii) Underground containers shall be installed in accordance with this subdivision.
(a) Containers shall be given a protective coating before being placed under ground. This coating shall be equivalent to hot-dip galvanizing or to two coatings of red lead followed by a heavy coating of coal tar or asphalt. In lowering the container into place, care shall be exercised to minimize abrasion or other damage to the coating. Damage to the coating shall be repaired before back-filling.
(b) Containers shall be set on a firm foundation (firm earth may be used) and surrounded with earth or sand firmly tamped in place. Backfill should be free of rocks or other abrasive materials.
(c) A minimum of 2 feet of earth cover shall be provided. Where ground conditions make compliance with this requirement impractical, equivalent protection against physical damage shall be provided. The portion of the container to which manhole and other connections are attached need not be covered. If the location is subjected to vehicular traffic, containers shall be protected by a concrete slab or other cover adequate to prevent the weight of a loaded vehicle imposing concentrated direct loads on the container shell.
(8) Transport truck unloading point.
(9) Piping, valves, and fittings.
(11) Dispensing devices.
(v) (a) Dispensing hose shall be resistant to the action of LP-Gas in the liquid phase and designed for a minimum bursting pressure of 1,250 p.s.i.g.
(b) An excess flow check valve or automatic shutoff valve shall be installed at the terminus of the liquid line at the point of attachment of the dispensing hose.
(vi) (a) LP-Gas dispensing devices shall be located not less than 10 feet from aboveground storage containers greater than 2,000 gallons water capacity. The dispensing devices shall not be less than 20 feet from any building (not including canopies), basement, cellar, pit, or line of adjoining property which may be built upon and not less than 10 feet from sidewalks, streets, or thoroughfares. No drains or blowoff lines shall be directed into or in proximity to the sewer systems used for other purposes.
(b) LP-Gas dispensing devices shall be installed on a concrete foundation or as part of a complete storage and dispensing assembly mounted on a common base, and shall be adequately protected from physical damage.
(c) LP-Gas dispensing devices shall not be installed within a building except that they may be located under a weather shelter or canopy provided this area is not enclosed on more than two sides. If the enclosing sides are adjacent to each other, the area shall be properly ventilated.
(14) Fire protection. Each service station shall be provided with at least one approved portable fire extinguisher having at least an 8-B, C, rating.
(2) Inapplicability. This section does not apply to:
(3) Retroactivity. Unless otherwise stated, it is not intended that the provisions of this section be retroactive.
Note: This provision is not to be construed as requiring an automatic changeover device.
[39 FR 23502, June 27, 1974, as amended at 43 FR 49747, Oct. 24, 1978; 49 FR 5322, Feb. 10, 1984; 53 FR 12122, Apr. 12, 1988; 55 FR 25094, June 20, 1990; 55 FR 32015, Aug. 6, 1990; 58 FR 35309, June 30, 1993; 61 FR 9237, 9238, Mar. 7, 1996; 63 FR 33466, June 18, 1998; 72 FR 71069, Dec. 14, 2007]