Understanding Propane Container Placement Requirements
The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code 58 has set requirements for DOT cylinder and ASME tank placement. These requirements are critical to maintain safe use of propane for customers and to reduce risk for propane providers. Not meeting these crucial requirements could put your company and your customers at serious risk! Do you know if all of the containers you service are up to code?
Your Container Placement Checklist
Chapter 6 of NFPA 58 outlines all of the major requirements for propane cylinder and container placement. Here’s a shorthand list of the major placement requirements your company needs to stay on top of:
Container Foundation
Is the DOT cylinder or ASME tank set on the proper foundation? For example, cylinders must be installed aboveground and set on a firm foundation or be firmly secured, and aboveground horizontal ASME tanks must be placed on masonry or other noncombustible structural supports.
Container Location
Ensure that the container meets NFPA 58, state, and local codes. Depending on the gallon capacity, ASME tanks have varying requirements for the height of the container bottom. Containers must also be placed a minimum distance from property fresh air inlets.
Container Condition
Aboveground ASME tanks must be painted. It is important to track the overall condition of each container or cylinder that you service.
Relief Valve and Leak Test
Additionally, Annex E of NFPA 58 requires that relief devices for DOT cylinders and ASME tanks are routinely evaluated.
Make It Easy to Manage Container Placement
There is a simple way to document and track container placement requirements. The P3 Compliance System’s photo review process is the new industry standard that helps propane marketers meet container placement requirements. Your technicians take photos of customer containers and the photos are uploaded into the P3 Compliance System where in-office review can be completed and archived. Your team can check for container placement issues, flag required follow-ups in the system, and have documentation for every container.
If you have questions about propane container placement requirements or want to learn more about P3’s photo review process, request a FREE demo.