This chapter shall govern the manufacture, storage, handling and use of LPG and the installation and operation of LPG equipment relating to such systems.
Exceptions:
- Use of LPG or LPG mixtures as a refrigerant in a refrigerating system regulated by the construction codes, including the Mechanical Code, and FC606.
- Storage and use of LPG in connection with special effects.
- Outdoor storage and use for private, noncommercial barbecues within the lot line of a Group R-3 occupancy, as set forth in FC307.
Distributors shall not deliver LPG containers to any location in quantities requiring a permit unless a permit for such installation, storage or use has been issued for that location.
Design and installation documents for LPG storage facilities and stationary installations shall be submitted to and approved by the department in accordance with FC105.4.
The storage, handling and use of LPG shall be supervised in accordance with FC 6101.5.1 through 6101.5.9.
The connecting and disconnecting of LPG containers with a capacity greater than 16.4 ounces (0.465 kg) shall be conducted by a person holding a certificate of fitness.
The storage, handling and use of a tar kettle that requires a permit shall be under the personal supervision of a person holding a certificate of fitness.
Torch operations using LPG containers with a capacity greater than 16.4 ounces (0.465 kg) LPG shall be performed by a person holding a certificate of fitness.
The use of LPG for curing concrete, drying plaster and similar applications shall be under the personal supervision of a person holding a certificate of fitness.
The storage, handling and use of LPG at manhole operations shall be under the personal supervision of aperson holding a certificate of fitness.
The storage, handling and use of LPG at street fairs and similar outdoor gatherings shall be under the personal supervision of a person holding a certificate of fitness.
The storage, handling and use of LPG for hot air balloon tethering operations shall be under the personal supervision of a person holding a certificate of fitness and a United States Federal Aviation Administration license, except as may otherwise be provided in the rules.
Except for automated container exchange systems subject to FC6109.15.1, outdoor storage of LPG for sale at mercantile establishments shall be under the personal supervision of a person holding a certificate of fitness.
Except as otherwise provided in FC 6101.5.1 through 6101.5.8, the storage and use of LPG in quantities requiring a permit shall be under the general supervision of a person holding a certificate of fitness.
The following terms shall, for the purposes of this chapter and as used elsewhere in this code, have the meanings set forth in FC202.
AUTOMATED CONTAINER EXCHANGE SYSTEM.
LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS (LPG).
AUTOMATED CONTAINER EXCHANGE SYSTEM.
LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS (LPG).
LPG equipment shall be installed in accordance with the construction codes, including the Fuel Gas Code, the rulesand NFPA 58, except as otherwise provided in this chapter.
The storage, handling and use of LPG containers indoors shall be in accordance with FC 6103.2.1 and 6103.2.2.
Portable LPG containers, as defined in NFPA 58, shall not be stored, handled or used indoors except as authorized by the commissioner, NFPA 58 and FC 6103.2.1.1 through 6103.2.1.8.
LPG containers shall not be used in a cellar, basement, pit or other area below grade where heavier-than-air gas might collect. LPG containers shall not be used in an above-grade underfloor space or basement unless such location is provided with an approved means of ventilation.
Exceptions:
- Use with self-contained torch assemblies in accordance with FC6103.2.1.6 and the rules.
- Manhole operations in accordance with the rules.
Portable containers may be used in buildings, or parts thereof, undergoing construction, in accordance with NFPA 58, FC 313.5 and 3303, and the rules.
Portable LPG containers shall not be stored, handled or used indoors in Group F occupancies, except as the commissioner may authorize by rule.
Portable LPG containers shall not be allowed in Group E and I occupancies, except as set forth in this section and the rules. In Group E and I occupancies, portable LPG containers are allowed to be used for research purposes. Such containers shall not be used in classrooms. Such containers shall not exceed 16.4 ounces (0.465 kg) of LPG. Where more than one such container is present in the same room, each container shall be separated from other containers by a distance of not less than 20 feet (6096 mm).
Portable LPG containers may be brought into a building on a temporary basis for use in conducting a demonstration, or in connection with a trade show or other public exhibition. Such use, and incidental storage and handling, shall be in accordance with the rules, and the containers shall be promptly removed from the premises upon completion of the demonstration or exhibition. Where more than one LPG container is in use in the same room, and are fueling different devices or equipment, the containers shall be separated from each other by a distance of not less than 20 feet (6096 mm).
Portable LPG containers are allowed to be used to supply approved self-contained torch assemblies. Such containers shall not exceed 16.4 ounces (0.465 kg) of LPG.
LPG container storage in Group R-2 and R-3 occupancies shall not exceed four containers per dwelling unit, each container having a capacity not exceeding 16.4 ounces (0.465 kg) of LPG. Storage of such LPG containers in a basement, cellar or other area below grade is prohibited.
Containers on industrial vehicles shall comply with the requirements of FC309, NFPA 58, and the rules.
Equipment and piping shall not be installed in locations where such equipment and piping is prohibited by the construction codes, including the Fuel Gas Code, or the rules.
LPG shall not be released to the atmosphere except as authorized by the commissioner.
It shall be unlawful to:
- store, handle or use LPG in any container with a capacity greater than 100 pounds (45.4kg) of LPG.
- store, handle or use LPG in a basement, cellar or other area below grade, except as authorized by the commissioner.
- store LPG in any outdoor or indoor storage facility, or store, handle or use LPG for a stationary LPG installation that has not been approved.
- store, handle or use LPG without a permit when such storage, handling or use exceeds the quantities set forth in FC105.6.
- store, handle or use in, or bring or allow into, any residential occupancy, or on any lot containing a building used for a residential occupancy, any LPG container with a capacity greater than 16.4 ounces (0.465 kg), except as authorized by the commissioner.
- store, handle or use in, or bring or allow into, any nonresidential building, any LPG container with a capacity greater than 16.4 ounces (0.465 kg) LPG, except as authorized by the commissioner.
- store LPG containers on the roof of any building.
- handle or use on the roof of any building LPG containers with a capacity greater than 16.4 ounces (0.465 kg), except as authorized by the commissioner.
- store, handle or use LPG in or on motor vehicles, except as temporary storage incidental to transportation, or as a fuel for generating motive power for a motor vehicle,or as otherwise authorized by the commissioner.
- store, handle or use LPG for a stationary LPG installation in any area where access to piped natural gas from a public utility is available, except as authorized by the commissioner.
- store, handle or use LPG in any equipment used or previously used for natural gas, except as may be authorized by the commissioner on an emergency basis.
- store, handle or use LPG for space heating or water heating, except as authorized by the commissioner.
- store, handle or use LPG in or for any appliance that withdraws or utilizes LPG in a liquid form except as authorized by the commissioner.
- use nonmetallic pipe, tubing and components for any installation, appliance or equipment using LPG, except as authorized by the commissioner.
- store LPG containers with a capacity greater than 16.4 ounces (0.465 kg) LPG indoors in any residential occupancy and in any building where an outdoor location for such LPG container storage is available.
- store or operate a floor maintenance machine utilizing LPG indoors.
- manufacture LPG.
- dispense LPG and fill LPG containers as set forth in FC6106.
Safety devices on LPG containers, equipment and systems shall not be tampered with or otherwise rendered inoperable and the service unsafe.
"No Smoking" signs complying with the requirements of FC310 shall be posted when required by the commissioner. Smoking is prohibited in accordance with FC Chapter 3. Control of other sources of ignition shall comply with the requirements of FC Chapter 3 and NFPA 58.
LPG containers shall be kept a minimum of 10 feet (3048 mm) from vegetation, rubbish and other combustible waste and combustible materials.
Where exposed to vehicular damage due to proximity to alleys, driveways or parking areas or when required by the commissioner, LPG containers, regulators and piping shall be protected in accordance with FC312.
Reserved.
Storage of portable LPG containers shall comply with the requirements of FC6109.2 through 6109.14, and shall be approved by the commissioner.
Exceptions:
- Containers that have not previously contained LPG.
- Containers stored for use at construction sites.
Containers in storage shall be stored in locations that minimize exposure to physical damage, tampering or excessive temperature rise.
Containers in storage having individual capacity greater than 1 pound (0.454 kg) of LPG shall be positioned with the pressure relief valve in direct communication with the vapor space of the container.
Containers shall not be stored or left unattended near exit access doors, exits, stairways, exit discharge areas, or other areas designed or used as a means of egress.
Empty containers that have been in LPG service shall be considered as full containers for the purpose of determining the maximum quantities of LPG allowed in FC 6109.9 and 6109.11.
Containers shall not be stored, or connected for use in a stationary LPG installation, on the roof of any building or structure.
LPG containers shall not be stored in a cellar, basement, pit or other area below grade.
Container valves shall be protected by screw-on-type caps or collars which shall be securely in place on all containers stored regardless of whether they are full, partially full or empty.Container outlet valves shall be closed.
LPG containers constructed in accordance with the United States Department of Transportation (DOTn) specifications with a maximum capacity of 16.4 ounces (0.465 kg) of LPG used in completely self-contained hand torches and similar devices are allowed to be stored for sale or displayed in a building accessible to the public. Buildings shall be protected by a sprinkler system in storage and display areas when quantities exceed permit amounts. The quantity of LPG shall not exceed 200 pounds (91 kg).
The quantity of LPG containers allowed in one storage location in a building not accessible to the public, such as an industrial building, shall not exceed a maximum capacity of 300 pounds (136 kg) of LPG. Where LPG containers are stored in more than one location on the same floor of a building, the storage areas shall be separated by a minimum of 300 feet (91 440 mm).
Reserved.
Outdoor storage, including storage of containers for sale and containers connected for use, shall be located not less than 20 feet (6096 mm) from building openings, 20 feet (6096 mm) from any motor vehicle fuel dispenser and 10 feet (3048 mm) from any combustible material and, as applicable, in accordance with FC Table 6109.12. Outdoor storage of LPG shall be limited to not more than 400 pounds (181.6 kg) of LPG and shall be located at or above grade level.
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 cubic foot = 0.02832 m3 , 1 gallon = 3.785 L.
a. The minimum required distances may be reduced to 5 feet when protective structures having a minimum fire-resistance rating of 2 hours interrupt the line of sight between the container and the exposure. The protective structure shall be at least 5 feet from the exposure. The configuration of the protective structure shall be designed to allow natural ventilation to prevent the accumulation of hazardous gas concentrations.
| TYPE OF OUTDOOR EXPOSURE | LPG STORAGE AREA MORE THAN 100 POUNDS LPG UP TO MAXIMUM 400 POUNDS LPG MINIMUM DISTANCE TO EXPOSURE (FEET) |
| Building or structure of combustible construction | 10 |
| Subway entrance, exit or other opening | 25 |
| Flammable and combustible liquids Aboveground — 1,000 gallons or less |
10a |
| Flammable and combustible liquids Aboveground — in excess of 1,000 gallons |
20a |
| Flammable and combustible liquids Below ground tank — 1,000 gallons or less |
10a |
| Flammable and combustible liquids Below ground tank — 1,000 gallons or less Vent or fill opening of tank |
15a |
| Flammable and combustible liquids Below ground tank — in excess of 1,000 gallons |
15a |
| Flammable and combustible liquids Below ground tank — in excess of 1,000 gallons Vent or fill opening of tank |
15a |
| Flammable gas storage area, 1,500 SCF or less | 10a |
| Flammable gas storage area, More than 1,500 SCF up to maximum 3,500 SCF |
20a |
| Oxygen storage — 20,000 SCF or less | In accordance with NFPA 51a |
| Oxygen storage — in excess of 20,000 SCF | In accordance with NFPA 55a |
| Fast-burning solids, such as ordinary lumber, excelsior or paper | 10a |
| Slow-burning solids, such as heavy timber or coal | 10a |
| Air compressor intakes or inlets to heating, ventilating or air-conditioning equipment | 5 |
| Group A occupancies and public gathering places | 25 |
| Public sidewalks and parked motor vehicles | 10 |
| Public streets, private roads and lot lines | 10a |
a. The minimum required distances may be reduced to 5 feet when protective structures having a minimum fire-resistance rating of 2 hours interrupt the line of sight between the container and the exposure. The protective structure shall be at least 5 feet from the exposure. The configuration of the protective structure shall be designed to allow natural ventilation to prevent the accumulation of hazardous gas concentrations.
Storage shall not be located where the stored LPG would be exposed to the following hazards in the event of the failure of their structure or containment systems:
- Electric power lines.
- Piping containing flammable or combustible liquids.
- Piping containing flammable gases.
- Piping containing oxidizing materials.
Containers shall be stored within a suitable enclosure or otherwise protected against tampering. Vehicular protection shall be provided as required by the commissioner.
Except as otherwise provided in NFPA 58, electrical equipment within 3 feet (914 mm) in any direction of an outdoor LPG facility shall comply with the Class I, Division 2 wiring requirements of the Electrical Code for hazardous locations, unless electrical equipment is separated from such area by a wall or other solid partition having no openings.
Outdoor storage of LPG for sale at mercantile establishments, including LPG container exchange stations, in areas accessible to the public, shall comply with the following requirements:
- Each storage facility shall store no more than 400 pounds (181.6 kg) of propane, with individual container capacity of no more than 20 pounds (9.1 kg).
- Containers shall be secured in a locked, fenced enclosure, ventilated listed cabinet or other approved location in accordance with the rules, or an automated container exchange system pursuant to FC6109.15.1.
- Containers shall be accessible only by certificate of fitness holders or by use of an automated exchange system in accordance with FC6109.15.1.
- A sign shall be posted at or near each entrance to the mercantile establishment stating "DO NOT BRING LPG CONTAINERS INTO THE BUILDING" or similar approved wording.
- A durable sign shall be conspicuously posted at or near the cylinder storage enclosure or cabinet identifying the vendor/supplier of the LPG containers and providing emergency contact information for the vendor/supplier.
An automated container exchange system shall comply with the following additional requirements:
- The system shall operate only during regular business hours under the general supervision of authorized personnel holding a certificate of fitness.
- The system shall be designed and located with a full, unobstructed view of the system from within the mercantile establishment, either directly or with the use of mirrors or an approved closed-circuit television installation. The owner of the mercantile establishment shall take reasonable steps to ensure that system is monitored to prevent tampering or misuse.
- The system shall only allow access to a single container per transaction.
- The systems shall be designed such that containers can be placed inside only when they are oriented in the upright position.
- The system's electrical components and all other electrical equipment within 3 feet (914 mm) of the system shall comply with the requirements for Class I, Division 2 equipment set forth in the Electrical Code.
- The system shall be equipped with a manual override control that enables authorized personnel to access the stored containers and/or disable the system from automated container exchange. The system shall not be capable of returning to automated operation after a manual override until the system has been inspected and reset by a trained and knowledgeable person employed by the company supplying and servicing the system.
- The system shall be inspected by a trained and knowledgeable person on a regular basis, but at least once a day, to confirm that there is no odor or other evidence of a gas leak, all compartments are closed and locked, and the system appears to be in good working order. If the system is not in good working order, the certificate of fitness holder and the company supplying and servicing the system shall be immediately notified and prompt corrective action shall be taken. Gas leaks shall be reported to the department by calling 911.