CSA B149.2-15 - Propane storage and handling code 9781771397629

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B149.2-15

Propane storage and handling code

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Standards Update Service B149.2-15 August 2015 Title: Propane storage and handling code Pagination: 117 pages (xii preliminary and 105 text), each dated August 2015 To register for e-mail notification about any updates to this publication •

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B149.2-15 Propane storage and handling code

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ISBN 978-1-77139-762-9 © 2015 CSA Group All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form whatsoever without the prior permission of the publisher.

© 2015 CSA Group

Propane storage and handling code

Contents Technical Committee on Propane Storage & Handling vi Interprovincial Gas Advisory Council (IGAC) ix Preface xi 1 Scope 1 2 Reference publications 2 3 Definitions 4 4 General 11 4.1 Application 11 4.2 Approval of appliances, accessories, components, equipment, and material 11 4.3 Responsibilities of the installer 11 4.4 Training and quality of labour 12 4.5 Suitability of use 12 4.6 Electrical connections and components 12 4.7 Hazardous locations 13 4.8 Smoking 13 4.9 Isolation of safety devices 13 4.10 Leak detection 13 4.11 Appliance clearances to combustible material 13 4.12 Accessibility 13 4.13 Appliance ductwork connections 14 Combined heating systems 14 4.14 4.15 Appliances protected by automatic fire-extinguishing systems 14 4.16 Control of appliances with self-energized pilots 14 4.17 Defective heat exchangers 14 4.18 High-altitude installations 15 4.19 Protection of appliances from physical damage 15 5 General requirements for propane and propane equipment 15 5.1 Odorization 15 5.2 Container filling 15 Protection of containers and equipment 17 5.3 5.4 Pressure regulators 17 5.5 Line relief valves 17 5.6 Hydrostatic relief valves 18 5.7 Vent lines and discharge lines from regulators and line relief valves 18 5.8 Termination of vent and discharge lines from regulators, line relief valves, and hydrostatic relief valves 18 5.9 Piping, tubing, hose, and fittings 19 5.10 Propane containers restriction 19 5.11 Propane as an engine fuel in other than motor vehicles 19 5.12 Fuel systems other than fuel systems for motive power 20 6 Cylinder systems 21 6.1 Requirements for cylinders 21 6.2 Liquid level gauges on cylinders 23

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6.3 6.4 6.5 6.5.1 6.5.2 6.5.3 6.5.4 6.5.5

Automatic regulating equipment 23 Purging and filling of cylinders 23 Storage and use of cylinders at locations other than filling plants 24 General 24 Cylinders stored outdoors for commercial or industrial use or sale 26 Cylinders at construction sites 28 Cylinders supplying propane for welding, cutting, and preheating processes 30 Cylinders at commercial and industrial sites to supply propane for industrial trucks and ice maintenance equipment 31 6.5.6 Storage of non-refillable cylinders in retail outlets and their warehouses (mercantile occupancies) 31 6.5.7 Cylinders at sites where propane is supplied for cleaning and polishing equipment 33 6.5.8 Storage of cylinders located in special rooms or buildings 34 6.5.9 Cylinders supplying propane to portable food-serving carts located indoors 34 6.5.10 Construction of special cylinder storage rooms or buildings 34 6.6 Transportation of cylinders 35 6.7 Installation of cylinders 35 6.8 Rooftop installation of cylinder systems 36 Diking and grading 36 6.9 7 Tank systems, filling plants, and refill centres 37 7.1 General 37 7.2 Relief valves 38 7.3 Emergency shut-off valves 39 7.4 Excess-flow and back check valves 39 7.5 Pressure gauges on tanks 40 7.6 Liquid-level gauges on tanks 41 7.7 Filling of tanks 41 7.8 Installation of underground tanks 43 7.9 Discharge from tank relief valves 45 Location of consumer tanks 46 7.10 7.11 Tank supports 46 7.12 Filling plants and refill centres 48 7.13 Electrical equipment at filling plants 49 7.14 Storage of containers at filling plants 49 7.15 Fencing of filling plants 49 7.16 Location of tanks at filling plants and container refill centres 50 7.17 Container filling locations with provisions for container storage 50 7.18 Filling plants served by rail 52 7.19 Container refill centres 52 7.19.1 General 52 7.19.2 Fencing of container refill centres 53 7.19.3 Ventilated cabinets or enclosures 53 7.19.4 Protection against vehicular traffic 53 7.19.5 Electrical equipment 54 7.20 Dispensing system 54 7.21 Movement of tanks not designed for transportation or delivery of propane 58 7.22 Operations and maintenance procedures 58 7.22.1 General 58 7.22.2 Documentation of procedures 59 7.22.3 Review and maintenance of procedures 59 7.22.4 Operating procedures 59 7.22.5 Maintenance procedures 59

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8 Tank trucks, tank trailers, and cargo liners 60 8.1 General 60 8.2 Electrical equipment and lighting on tank trucks, tank trailers, and cargo liners 60 8.3 Engine fuel 60 8.4 Filling of tank trucks, tank trailers, and cargo liners 60 8.5 Operation of tank trucks, tank trailers, and cargo liners 61 8.6 Parking vehicles used to transport propane 61 8.7 Vehicles parked in public parking garages 62 8.8 Vehicles parked in private garages 62 8.9 Repair or servicing in private garages 62 8.10 Repair or servicing in repair garages 63 9 Vaporizers 63 9.1 General 63 9.2 Indirect vaporizers 64 Direct-fired vaporizers 65 9.3 9.4 Tank heaters 65 Annexes A (informative) B (informative) C (informative) D (informative) E (informative) F (informative) G (informative) H (informative) I (informative) J (informative) K (informative) L (informative) M(informative) N (informative) O (informative)

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

Purging procedures for propane containers 67 Guide for tank installations 72 Concrete trough 75 Barrier protection 76 Piping expansion and flexibility 77 Reference diagram for electrical classification 79 Sizing of dip tube length 80 Guide for underground tank installations 81 General information 82 Two-stage regulation 98 Hose connector lengths 100 Risk and safety management plans 101 Direct-fired vaporizer installation 103 Propane dispensing system 104 Propane industry application map 105

Tables 5.1 — Mechanical ventilation rate in buildings 19 6.1 — Maximum permitted filling density of a cylinder by weight 24 6.2 — Maximum permitted filling density of a cylinder by liquid volume 24 6.3 — Cylinder storage clearances 25 6.4 — Storage of non-refillable cylinders in mercantile occupancies 32 6.5 — Storage of non-refillable cylinders in the backstock (warehouse) area of mercantile occupancies 33 7.1 — Maximum permitted filling density of a tank by liquid volume (rotary or slip-tube gauge) 42 7.2 — Maximum permitted filling density of a tank by liquid volume (fixed-liquid-level gauge) 42 7.3 — Underground tanks 44 7.4 — Location of above-ground tanks for consumer applications limited to vapour withdrawal and/or liquid withdrawal to a vaporizer 47 7.5 — Location of tanks at filling plants and container refill centres 50 7.6 — Electrical classification 55

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Technical Committee on Propane Storage & Handling R. Charbonneau

Budget Propane (1998) Inc., Valleyfield, Québec

Chair

J. McCormack

Superior Propane Inc., Moncton, New Brunswick

Vice-Chair

J. Adams

Sleegers Engineered Products Inc., London, Ontario

R. Brousseau

Régie du bâtiment du Québec, Montréal, Québec

G. Buck

Pro-Par (1978) Inc., Sherbrooke, Québec

J. Bussieres

Technorm Inc., Montréal, Québec

B. Cavens

Cavens & Associates, Roberts Creek, British Columbia

G. Chevalier

Propane 2000 Inc., Varennes, Québec

P. Christensen

Yukon Government, Whitehorse, Yukon

B. Coomber

Sparling’s Propane Co. Ltd., Brechin, Ontario

M. Davidson

Province of New Brunswick Deptartment of Public Safety, Fredericton, New Brunswick

D. Eastman

Service NL Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador

R. Ervin

Algas-SDI International LLC, Seattle, Washington, USA

P. Fowler

Nova Scotia Department of Labour and Advanced Education, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Z. Fraczkowski

Technical Standards & Safety Authority (TSSA), Toronto, Ontario

Associate

S. Garneau

Transport Canada, TDG, Ottawa, Ontario

Associate

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Propane storage and handling code

B. Gilchrist

National Energy Equipment Inc., Mississauga, Ontario

K. Gillis

Superior Propane Inc., Belleville, Ontario

D. Hird

SaskPower, Regina, Saskatchewan

R. Hopkins

Infrastructure Health and Safety Association, Mississauga, Ontario

S. Katz

S. Katz and Associates Inc., North Vancouver, British Columbia

S. Ko

Technical Standards & Safety Authority (TSSA), Toronto, Ontario

R. Lalonde

Praxair Canada Inc., St-Laurent, Québec

C. Lashek

Province of Manitoba Office of the Fire Commissioner, Winnipeg, Manitoba

Associate

M. LeBlanc

Province of New Brunswick Deptartment of Public Safety, Grand Falls, New Brunswick

Associate

W. Lock

British Columbia Safety Authority (BCSA), New Westminster, British Columbia

Associate

S. Manning

Alberta Municipal Affairs Safety Services, Edmonton, Alberta

J. Marshall

Technical Standards & Safety Authority (TSSA), Toronto, Ontario

Associate

S. McCarthy

CSA Group, Independence, Ohio, USA

Associate

R. McRae

Government of the NWT Public Works & Services, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories

H. Nachaj

Le Groupe Charbonneau Inc., Montreal, Québec

B. Reid

PEI Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

T. Reilly

American Welding & Tank Corporation, Fremont, Ohio, USA

J. Renaud

Régie du bâtiment du Québec, Montréal, Québec

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Associate

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D. Stainrod

D.J. Stainrod & Associates Ltd., Bowmanville, Ontario

G. Tremblett

Service NL Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador

Associate

C. Valliere

Alberta Municipal Affairs Safety Services, Edmonton, Alberta

Associate

B. Zinn

British Columbia Safety Authority (BCSA), Coquitlam, British Columbia

K. Penn

CSA Group, Toronto, Mississauga, Ontario

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Interprovincial Gas Advisory Council (IGAC) J. Marshall

Technical Standards & Safety Authority (TSSA), Toronto, Ontario

Chair

M. Davidson

Province of New Brunswick, Fredericton, New Brunswick

Vice-Chair

J. Renaud

Régie du bâtiment du Québec, Montréal, Québec

Vice-Chair

A. Ali

SaskPower, Regina, Saskatchewan

R. Brousseau

Régie du Bâtiment du Québec, Montréal, Québec

P. Christensen

Yukon Government, Whitehorse, Yukon

P. Fowler

Nova Scotia Department of Labour Advanced Education, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Z. Fraczkowski

Technical Standards & Safety Authority (TSSA), Toronto, Ontario

Alternate

D. Hird

SaskPower Regina, Saskatchewan

Alternate

C. Lashek

Office of the Fire Commissioner, Province of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba

W. Lock

British Columbia Safety Authority (BCSA), Coquitlam, British Columbia

S. Manning

Alberta Municipal Affairs Safety Services, Edmonton, Alberta

R. McRae

Government of the NWT Public Works of Services, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories

B. Reid

Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

G. Slingerland

Standards Council of Canada (SCC), Ottawa, Ontario

G. Tremblett

Service NL, Newfoundland & Labrador, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador

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Alternate

Alternate

Associate

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C. Valliere

Alberta Municipal Affairs Safety Services, Edmonton, Alberta

M. Wani

Government of Nunavut Dept of Community & Government Services, Iqaluit, Nunavut

B. Zinn

British Columbia Safety Authority (BCSA), Coquitlam, British Columbia

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Preface This is the eleventh edition of CSA B149.2, Propane storage and handling code. It supersedes the previous editions, published in 2010, 2005 and 2000 by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) as CAN/CSA-B149.2, in 1995, 1991, 1986, 1980, 1978, and 1976 by the Canadian Gas Association (CGA), and in 1969 by the Canadian Standards Association. In 1958, the Canadian Standards Association published the first edition of CSA B149, Installation Code for Gas Burning Appliances and Equipment. It was superseded by later editions in 1962, 1966, and 1971. Following the publication of the 1966 edition, the decision was made to split the Code into two parts: the first part, B149.1, dealing with the installation requirements for appliances and equipment burning natural gas; the second part, B149.2, dealing with the installation of appliances and equipment burning propane. As a first step, B149.2 was prepared and first published in 1969. The Canadian Gas Association was accredited by the Standards Council of Canada as the standards development organization responsible for preparing standards for gas-burning appliances and equipment, and in this connection took over responsibility for the B149 Code in 1974. New editions of the Code were subsequently published in 1976, 1978, 1980, 1986, 1991, and 1995. On June 30, 1997, the Canadian Standards Association acquired International Approval Services (IAS), which was until then a joint venture of the American Gas Association (AGA) and the Canadian Gas Association. Under this agreement, CSA acquired the complete range of IAS standards administration, certification, and registration products and services for appliances and accessories fuelled by natural and liquefied petroleum gases. In 1998, the CSA B149 Installation Code Committee agreed to publish a Natural Gas and Propane Installation Code that would amalgamate the first seven sections of CAN/CGA-B149.1 and CAN/CGA-B149.2 to become CSA B149.1-00. This amalgamation was in response to the trend among the authorities having jurisdiction of combining licensing and training for natural gas and propane. The remaining sections 8 to 14 of CAN/CGA-B149.2 became CSA B149.2-00, Propane Storage and Handling Code. In this 2015 edition, where a major change or addition to the previous edition of the Code has been made, the clause, table, or figure affected is identified by the symbol delta (Δ) in the margin. Users of the Code are advised that the change markers in the text are not intended to be all-inclusive and are provided as a convenience only; such markers cannot constitute a comprehensive guide to the revisions made to the Code. Care must therefore be taken not to rely on the change markers to determine the current requirements of the Code. As always, users of the Code must consider the entire Code and any local amendments. The CSA B149.2 Code Committee, which is responsible for preparing this Code, consists of members of the provincial gas inspection authorities, natural gas utilities, propane distributors, appliance, equipment, and accessory manufacturers, certification organizations, and representatives from the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada, the Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada, and federal government departments. This Code has been formally approved by the CSA B149.2 Technical Committee for the Propane Storage and Handling Code and by the Interprovincial Gas Advisory Council. Notes: (1) Use of the singular does not exclude the plural (and vice versa) when the sense allows. (2) Although the intended primary application of this Standard is stated in its Scope, it is important to note that it remains the responsibility of the users of the Standard to judge its suitability for their particular purpose. (3) This Standard was developed by consensus, which is defined by CSA Policy governing standardization — Code of good practice for standardization as “substantial agreement. Consensus implies much more than a simple majority, but not necessarily unanimity”. It is consistent with this definition that a member may be included in the Technical Committee list and yet not be in full agreement with all clauses of this Standard. (4) To submit a request for interpretation of this Standard, please send the following information to [email protected] and include “Request for interpretation” in the subject line: (a) define the problem, making reference to the specific clause, and, where appropriate, include an illustrative sketch; (b) provide an explanation of circumstances surrounding the actual field condition; and

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(c) where possible, phrase the request in such a way that a specific “yes” or “no” answer will address the issue. Committee interpretations are processed in accordance with the CSA Directives and guidelines governing standardization and are available on the Current Standards Activities page at standardsactivities.csa.ca. (5) This Standard is subject to review five years from the date of publication. Suggestions for its improvement will be referred to the appropriate committee. To submit a proposal for change, please send the following information to [email protected] and include “Proposal for change” in the subject line: (a) Standard designation (number); (b) relevant clause, table, and/or figure number; (c) wording of the proposed change; and (d) rationale for the change.

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B149.2-15 Propane storage and handling code 1 Scope 

1.1 This Code applies to (a) the storage, handling, and transfer of propane; (b) propane used as an engine fuel in other than motor vehicles; and (c) the installation, operation, and maintenance of containers and equipment to be used for propane at customer locations, in distribution locations and filling plants.



1.2 This Code does not apply to (a) transportation of propane; (b) manufacture, selection, and use of standardized means of containment under the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act and Regulations; (c) marine or pipeline terminals; (d) gas where used as a feedstock in petroleum refineries or chemical plants; (e) utility pipeline distribution and transmission pipelines; (f) refrigerated storage or underground reservoirs for propane; (g) propane used on boats; (h) propane used as a propellant in aerosol containers; (i) butane fuel cylinders of 5.3 oz (150 g) capacity or less; (j) any equipment extending downstream from the inlet to any container pressure regulator (commonly referred to as first-stage regulator); and (k) the installation of propane fuel system components and tanks on vehicles covered by CSA B149.5.

1.3 Where the term “propane” is used, the requirements of this Code include, and apply equally to, any material that is composed predominantly of any of the following hydrocarbons or mixtures of them: propane, propylene, butanes (normal butane or isobutane), and butylenes.

1.4 The values given in yard/pound units are the standard. This Code contains SI (metric) equivalents to yard/pound units so that the Code can be used in SI (metric) units. SI (metric) equivalents may be approximate.

1.5 In this Code, unless approved otherwise by the authority having jurisdiction, “shall” indicates a mandatory requirement; “should” indicates a recommendation or that which is advised but not mandatory; and “may” indicates an advisory or optional statement. Notes to the text do not include mandatory or alternative requirements. The purpose of a note is to separate from the text explanatory or informative material that is not properly a part of this Code. Notes to figures and tables, however, are considered part of the figure or table and may be written as mandatory requirements. Annexes are designated normative (mandatory) or informative (non-mandatory) to define their application.

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1.6 This Code and any standards referenced in it do not make or imply any assurance or guarantee with respect to the life expectancy, durability, or operating performance of equipment and materials referenced in the Code.

2 Reference publications This Code refers to the following publications, and where such reference is made, it shall be to the edition listed below, including all amendments published thereto. Note: See Clause I.1 and Annex O.

CSA Group B51-14 Boiler, pressure vessel, and pressure piping code B149.1-15 Natural gas and propane installation code B149.3-15 Code for the field approval of fuel-related components on appliances and equipment B149.5-15 Installation code for propane fuel systems and containers on motor vehicles B339-14 Cylinders, spheres, and tubes for the transportation of dangerous goods B340-14 Selection and use of cylinders, spheres, tubes, and other containers for the transportation of dangerous goods, class 2 B620-14 Highway tanks and TC portable tanks for the transportation of dangerous goods B622-14 Selection and use of highway tanks, TC portable tanks, and ton containers for the transportation of dangerous goods, Class 2 C22.1-15 Canadian Electrical Code, Part I Z240 MH Series-09 (R2014), Manufactured homes: Z240.4.1-09 (R2014) Installation requirements for gas-burning appliances in manufactured homes CAN/CSA-Z240 RV Series-08 (R2013), Recreational vehicles: Z240.4.2-08 (R2013) Installation requirements for propane appliances and equipment in recreational vehicles CGA (Compressed Gas Association) S-1.1-2011 Pressure Relief Device Standards — Part 1 — Cylinders for Compressed Gases

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V-1-2013 Standard for Compressed Gas Cylinder Valve Outlet and Inlet Connections CGSB (Canadian General Standards Board) CAN/CGSB-1.184-98 (withdrawn) Coal Tar Epoxy Coating CAN/CGSB-3.13-M88 (withdrawn) Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Butanes) CAN/CGSB-3.14-2013 Propane for Fuel Purposes CGSB-43.123-2010 Aerosol Containers and Gas Cartridges for Transport of Dangerous Goods Government of Canada Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, S.C. 1992, c. 34, and the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations, as amended from time to time Government of the United States Code of Federal Regulations, Title 40, Part 68, as amended from time to time (referenced as 40 CFR 68) NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) NFPA 13-2013 Installation of Sprinkler Systems NFPA 30B-2011 Code for the Manufacture and Storage of Aerosol Products NPGA Safety Bulletin 122-1992 Recommendations for Prevention of Ammonia Contamination of LP-Gas NRC (National Research Council Canada) National Building Code of Canada, 2010 UL (Underwriters Laboratories Inc.) UL1275 Standard for Flammable Liquid Storage Cabinets UL 2227 Standard for Overfilling Prevention Devices ULC (Underwriters’ Laboratories of Canada) ULC/ORD-C1275-84 Guide for the Investigation of Storage Cabinets for Flammable Liquid CAN4-S104-2010 Standard Method for Fire Tests of Door Assemblies CAN/ULC-S114-05 Standard Method of Test for Determination of Non-Combustibility in Building Materials

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CAN/ULC-S603.1-11 External Corrosion Protection Systems for Steel Underground Tanks for Flammable and Combustible Liquids

3 Definitions Note: Throughout this Code, certain terms appear in bold italic type. These terms have been defined in this Clause to ensure understanding of their intended meaning in this Code. Defined terms have been highlighted in bold italic type only in certain key contexts. It is the responsibility of the user to ensure that the defined terms are understood in accordance with this Clause, whether or not they appear in bold italic type.

The following definitions shall apply in this Code: Accessory — a part capable of performing an independent function and contributing to the operation of the appliance that it serves. 

Aerosol container — a non-refillable container meeting the requirements for 2P, 2Q, or 2R aerosol containers for containment and transportation of propane under the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations of Transport Canada. Air supply (with respect to the installation of an appliance) — combustion air, flue gas dilution air, and ventilation air. Combustion air — the air required for satisfactory combustion of propane, including excess air. Flue gas dilution air — the ambient air that is admitted to a venting system at the draft hood, draft diverter, or draft regulator. Ventilation air — air that is admitted to a space containing an appliance to replace air exhausted through a ventilation opening or by means of exfiltration. Appliance — a device to convert propane into energy; the term includes any component, control, wiring, piping, or tubing required to be part of the device. Approved — acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction. Authority having jurisdiction — the governmental body responsible for the enforcement of any part of this Code, or the official or agency designated by that body to exercise such a function. Boiler — an appliance intended to supply hot liquid or vapour for space-heating, processing, or power purposes. Branch line — the part of a piping or tubing system that conveys propane from the main piping or tubing or header to an appliance(s). Building — a structure or part of a structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering persons, animals, or property and classified by its occupancy in accordance with the applicable building code of the authority having jurisdiction or, in the absence of such, in accordance with the National Building Code of Canada. Assembly building — any building or part of a building used by a gathering of persons for civic, political, travel, religious, social, educational, recreational, or like purpose, or for the consumption of food or drink. Care or detention occupancy building — any building or part of a building used or occupied by persons who require special care or treatment because of cognitive or physical limitations, or by persons who are incapable of self-preservation and who are restrained from self-destruction by security measures not under their control.

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Commercial building — any building used in connection with direct trade with, or service for, the public. Industrial building — any building used in connection with production or process work or with storage or warehousing. Residential building — any building or part of a building used by persons for whom sleeping accommodation is provided but who are not harboured or detained to receive medical care or treatment or are not involuntarily detained. Building opening — a planned aperture that is intended to permit air infiltration but does not include an exhaust vent or a non-openable window. Burner — a device or group of devices that forms an integral unit for the introduction of propane, with or without air or oxygen, into the combustion zone for ignition. Cargo liner — a vehicle that is used to transport propane in which the tank constitutes the main structural member and that is towed by a separate motor vehicle. Certified (with respect to any appliance, accessory, component, equipment, or manufacturer’s installation instructions) — investigated and identified by a designated testing organization as conforming to recognized standards, requirements, or accepted test reports. Combustible — material that fails to conform to CAN/ULC-S114 requirements for noncombustibility. Combustible liquid — a liquid that has a flashpoint at or above 100°F (38 °C) and below 200°F (93 °C). Combustion air — see Air supply. Commercial- and industrial-type appliance or equipment — an appliance or equipment other than a residential or recreational type. Commercial building — see Building. Component — an essential part of an appliance or equipment. 

Connected for use — a propane container that is properly connected to an appliance in accordance with the provisions of this Code. Connector — tubing or hose with a fitting at each end for connecting an appliance or equipment with piping or tubing. Hose connector — a flexible assembled conduit not exceeding 6 ft (1.8 m) in length. Metal connector — a corrugated or semi-rigid conduit made entirely of metal. Construction heater — a portable direct-fired unvented heater intended only for temporary use in heating buildings under construction, alteration, or repair.

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Construction site — a temporary worksite involving construction activities such as the erection, alteration, and dismantling or demolition of a building or equipment, re-roofing of a building, or digging.

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Container (with respect to propane storage) — either an aerosol container, a cylinder, or a tank. Container refill centre (propane service station) — an area, including a building, in which propane is dispensed into containers, and in which propane storage containers, piping, and pertinent equipment, including a dispensing system, can be located. Continuous pilot — see Pilot.

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Cylinder — a container designed and manufactured in accordance with a cylinder specification authorized for the containment and transportation of propane under the Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Regulations of Transport Canada. Cylinder system — an assembly that includes the cylinder base or bracket, cylinder, cylinder valve, connector, manifold valve assembly, regulator, and relief valve, or any combination of these. Direct-vent appliance — an appliance constructed so that all the combustion air is supplied directly from, and the products of combustion are vented directly to, the outdoors by independent enclosed passageways connected directly to the appliance. 

Dispensing system — a system, consisting of tank, pump and motor, propane dispenser, and associated piping and supports, for the storage, metering, and dispensing of liquid propane into containers. Dwelling unit — a housekeeping unit used or intended to be used as a domicile by one or more persons, and usually containing cooking, eating, living, sleeping, and sanitary facilities. Enclosure — a secondary structure (room) within or attached to a structure (building) in which an appliance is installed. Equipment — a device, other than an appliance, accessory, or component, that is connected to a piping or tubing system. Fast-closing valve — see Valve. Filling density — the percentage ratio of the weight of the propane in a container to the weight of water the container will hold at 59°F (15 °C). Filling plant (bulk plant) — a facility, the primary purpose of which is the distribution of propane. Such plants have bulk storage or container filling or vehicle transfer facilities on the premises. Bulk plants are considered part of this category. Fitting — an item in a piping or tubing system that is used as a means of connection, such as an elbow, return bend, tee, union, bushing, coupling, cross, or nipple; the term does not include such functioning items as a valve or pressure regulator. Flexible connector — see Connector. Flexible metallic hose — an all-metallic flexible propane conduit. Flue — an enclosed passageway for conveying flue gases. Flue collar — that portion of an appliance designed for the attachment of a draft hood, vent connector, or venting system. Flue gas dilution air — see Air supply. Flue gases — combustion products and excess air. Furnace — an indirect-fired, flue-connected, space-heating appliance that uses warm air as the heating medium and usually has provision for the attachment of ducts. Garage — Private garage — a building, designed for the parking, storage, or repair of vehicles used to transport propane, that is approved by the authority having jurisdiction for its purpose and is located on property owned or leased by the owner of the vehicles. Repair garage — a building or part of a building where facilities are provided for the repair or servicing of motor vehicles.

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Storage garage — a building or part thereof used or intended for either the storage or parking of motor vehicles and that contains no provision for either the repair or servicing of such vehicles. Gauge (when referring to the liquid level in containers) — Fixed-liquid-level gauge — a type of liquid-level gauge that uses a small bleed valve and is designed to indicate when the liquid level in a container being filled reaches the point at which the gauge or its connecting tube communicates with the interior of the container. Float gauge — a variable-liquid-level gauge constructed with a float inside the container resting on the liquid surface that transmits its position to a pointer and dial outside the container. Magnetic gauge — see Float gauge. Rotary gauge — a variable-liquid-level gauge in which the level of the liquid is indicated by a rotary pointer. Slip-tube gauge — a variable-liquid-level gauge in which the level of the liquid is indicated by the venting through a bleed valve. Variable-liquid-level gauge — a gauge, such as a float, rotary, or slip-tube type, that indicates the liquid level in a container. Hose — a flexible conduit. Hose connector — see Connector. Ignition — the establishment of a flame. Industrial building — see Building. Installer — any individual, firm, corporation, or company that either directly or through a representative is engaged in the installation, replacement, repair, or servicing of propane piping, venting systems, appliances, components, accessories, or equipment, and whose representative is either experienced or trained, or both, in such work and has complied with the requirements of the authority having jurisdiction. Kiosk — a structure that has an area of less than 100 ft2 (9.3 m2) located on a propane dispenser or vehicle fuel dispenser island that provides shelter and contains the necessary equipment to permit a person to perform his or her duties. A kiosk is not considered a building. Mechanical air intake — a means to mechanically provide ventilation and/or combustion air requirements to a building. Metal connector — see Connector. Mobile housing — a term that includes all of the following structures: Mobile home — a dwelling that consists of a vehicular portable structure built on a chassis and designed to be used with or without a permanent foundation and to be connected to indicated utilities. Mobile industrial or commercial structure — a structure that is not intended as a dwelling unit, is towable on its own chassis, and is designed for use without a permanent foundation. Such a structure is built specifically for commercial or industrial use, such as a construction office, bunkhouse, wash house, kitchen and dining unit, library, television unit, industrial display unit, laboratory unit, or medical clinic.

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Multiple-section mobile home — a single structure composed of separate mobile units, each towable on its own chassis; when the units are towed to the site, they are coupled together mechanically and electrically to form the single structure. These structures are sometimes referred to as double-wide mobile homes when only two units are joined together. Swing-out and expandable room-section mobile home — a mobile home that can be telescoped when towed and expanded later for additional capacity. Noncombustible — material that conforms to CAN/ULC-S114 requirements for noncombustibility. Overfill prevention device (OPD) — a safety device that is designed to provide an automatic means to prevent the filling of a container in excess of the maximum permitted filling limit. Pilot — a flame that is used to ignite a gas/air or propane/air mixture at the main burner(s). Continuous pilot — a pilot that burns without turndown throughout the entire time the burner is in service, whether the main burner is firing or not. Point of transfer — the dispensing hose inlet connection. POL — a commonly employed fitting used for propane and meeting the requirements for Connection No. 510 as specified in CGA V-1. 

Propane dispenser — an assembly intended to dispense liquid propane and controlled by a human operator. The assembly can include a pressure relief device, vapour separator, strainer, metering assembly, meter register (mechanical or electronic), control valves, hose, hose nozzle, controls (mechanical or electronic), interlocking mechanism, locking mechanism, weigh scale, and associated wiring, piping fittings, and housing. Purge — to replace the existing fluid (gaseous or liquid) in piping, tubing, equipment, a container, or an appliance with a desired fluid. Quick-disconnect device — a hand-operated device that is used for connecting and disconnecting either an appliance or an appliance connector to a propane supply and that is equipped with an automatic means to shut off the propane supply when the device is disconnected. Readily accessible — capable of being reached quickly for operation, renewal, servicing, or inspection, without requiring climbing over, or the removal of, an obstacle or the use of a portable ladder. Recreational vehicle — a portable structure intended as temporary accommodation for travel, vacation, or recreational use. Such structures include a chassis-mounted camper, motorized home, slide-in camper, tent trailer, or travel trailer. Chassis-mounted camper — an accommodation body that attaches onto a truck chassis and is not intended for removal. Motorized home — a vehicular portable structure of self-propelled design. Slide-in camper — an accommodation body that fits into a standard vehicle and is designed to be easily removable. Tent trailer — a vehicular portable structure built on its own chassis and having a rigid or canvas top and side walls that can be folded or otherwise condensed for transit. Travel trailer — a vehicular portable structure intended to be towed by a motor vehicle and that does not fold up or reduce in size for transit.

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Regulator — Pressure regulator — a device, either adjustable or nonadjustable, for controlling and maintaining, within acceptable limits, a uniform outlet pressure. Two-stage regulation — a pressure-reducing system that reduces container pressure to utilization pressure by the use of two separate regulators in series or a combination two-stage regulator. Relief device — a device designed to open to prevent a rise of propane pressure in excess of a specified value due to an emergency or abnormal conditions. Safety limit control — a safety control intended to prevent an unsafe condition of temperature, pressure, or liquid level. Safety shut-off valve — see Valve. Set pressure — the start-to-discharge pressure for which a relief valve is set and marked. Structure — the entire building in which an appliance is installed. 

Tank (with respect to propane storage) — the class of container for the storage of propane, designed and fabricated in accordance with CSA B51. Tank trailer — a unit on which a tank of not more than 2000 USWG (7500 L) capacity is permanently mounted on a chassis and is towed by another vehicle. Tank truck — a truck chassis and tank assembly as a complete unit for the bulk delivery of propane. TC — Transport Canada. Valve — a device by which the flow of a fluid can be started, stopped, or regulated by a movable part that opens or obstructs passage. Back check valve — a valve that is normally closed and allows flow in only one direction. Cylinder valve — a valve fitted to a cylinder. Emergency shut-off valve — a valve that is part of a system that is designed to limit and shut down the flow of propane in the event that a vehicle moves away from a transfer point with the transfer hose or swivel-type piping connected to it. Excess-flow valve — a valve designed to close when the liquid or vapour passing through it exceeds a prescribed flow rate as determined by a pressure drop across the valve. Fast-closing valve — an automatic valve that has a closing time of less than 5 s upon being de-energized. Hydrostatic relief valve — a pressure relief valve installed in a liquid propane line. Internal excess-flow valve — an excess-flow valve that remains functional within the tank when any portion of the valve external to the tank’s perimeter is sheared off or otherwise damaged. An internal excess-flow valve can be integral to another valve. Note: The perimeter of the tank is taken to mean not only the surface of the tank’s shell and ends but also the outline of any boss, spigot, or nozzle welded to the tank so as to project outwards from it. The outline of welded brackets, mountings, guards, subcompartments, and the like are not considered part of the perimeter for the purpose of this definition.

Internal relief valve — a pressure relief valve that is built into the body of the diaphragm assembly of a pressure regulator.

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Internal valve — a valve designed and installed so that its seat is within a tank and the arrangement of the parts of the valve is such that damage to the parts outside the tank will not prevent effective seating of the valve. Line relief valve — a relief valve installed in the piping or tubing system downstream of a final-stage pressure regulator that is not equipped with an internal relief valve. Safety shut-off valve — a valve that automatically shuts off the supply of propane when de-energized by a combustion safety control, safety limit control, or loss of actuating medium. Stop-fill valve — a device in a container that is intended to automatically shut off the flow of liquid into the container when a predetermined fixed level is achieved. 

Vaporizer — a device for converting liquid propane to vapour by means other than atmospheric heat transfer through the surface of the container. Direct-fired vaporizer — a vaporizer in which heat furnished by a flame is directly applied to a heat exchange surface in contact with the liquid propane, other than that of a storage tank or container, for the purpose of vaporization. Considered to be an appliance, and a source of ignition unless otherwise certified. Direct immersion electric vaporizer — a vaporizer in which an electric element is immersed directly in the propane liquid to be vaporized. Indirect electric vaporizer — a vaporizer in which an electric element heats an interface into which the propane heat exchanger is situated. Indirect vaporizer — a vaporizer in which heat furnished by steam, hot water, or another heating medium is applied to a vaporizing chamber’s tubing, pipe coils, or other heat exchange surface containing the liquid propane to be vaporized. The heating of the medium being used occurs at a point remote from the vaporizer. Tank heater (direct type or indirect type) — a form of vaporizer used to apply heat either directly to a portion of the container surface in contact with propane liquid or indirectly by circulating propane liquid from the container to the device and then back to the container. Direct fired tank heater — an open-flame device that applies hot gas from the combustion chamber directly to a portion of the container surface in contact with propane liquid. Considered to be a source of ignition. Does not include devices certified for use in hazardous locations. Waterbath vaporizer — a vaporizer in which a vaporizing chamber’s tubing, pipe coils, or other heat exchange surface containing the liquid propane to be vaporized is immersed in a temperature-controlled bath of water, water-glycol combination, or another noncombustible heat transfer medium that is heated by an immersion heater not in contact with the propane heat exchange surface. When gas fired, such devices are considered to be an appliance, and are a source of ignition unless otherwise certified.

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Vehicle fuel dispenser — a propane dispenser, specifically for dispensing liquid propane by volume into containers. Vent — that portion of a venting system designed to convey flue gases directly to the outdoors from either a vent connector or an appliance when a vent connector is not used. Ventilation (with respect to the space in which an appliance is installed) — the removal of inside air, leaked or spilled products of combustion, or flue gases from the space in which an appliance is installed to outside the space, and the replacement of same by air from outside the space.

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Ventilation air — see Air supply. Zero governor — a regulating device that is adjusted to deliver propane at atmospheric pressure within its flow rating.

4 General 4.1 Application 4.1.1 For the purposes of this Code, the requirements contained in CAN/CGSB-3.14 for propane or CAN/CGSB-3.13 for butane shall apply. 

4.1.2 When a specification or document referenced in Clause 2 contains a requirement that conflicts with a requirement in this Code, the requirement in this Code shall govern, except in the case of Canadian (federal), provincial, or territorial regulations.

4.1.3 An appliance, an accessory, a component, equipment, or any other item shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s certified installation instructions and with this Code.

4.1.4 Where a conflict exists between the manufacturer’s certified installation instructions and this Code, the requirements of this Code shall prevail unless otherwise approved.

4.2 Approval of appliances, accessories, components, equipment, and material 4.2.1 An appliance, an accessory, a component, equipment, or material used in an installation shall be of a type and rating approved for the specific purpose for which it is employed.

4.2.2 When deviation from or postponement of these requirements is necessary, permission in writing shall be obtained from the authority having jurisdiction before the work proceeds, and this permission shall apply only to the particular installation for which it is given.

4.2.3 The approval of the assembly or construction of an appliance is subject to the authority having jurisdiction. (CSA B149.3 contains provisions for assembly and construction of appliances.)

4.3 Responsibilities of the installer 4.3.1 Before leaving installations, installers shall ensure that the appliance, accessory, component, or equipment they installed complies with the Code requirements, and the person initially activating the appliance shall ensure that the appliance is in safe working order.

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4.3.2 Installers shall instruct the user in the safe and correct operation of all appliances or equipment that they install.

4.3.3 The installer shall ensure that the manufacturer’s instructions supplied with the appliance are left with the user.

4.3.4 Before installing any replacement part of an appliance, the installer shall ensure that the replacement part provides operational characteristics at least equivalent to those of the original part.

4.3.5 It shall be the responsibility of the installer of a piping or tubing system to perform pressure tests in accordance with Clause 6.22.2 of CSA B149.1 and to ensure that the piping or tubing system is gas-tight at the completion of the tests.

4.3.6 It shall be the responsibility of the installer of an appliance to perform tests in accordance with Clause 6.22.3 of CSA B149.1 and to ensure that the system is gas-tight at the completion of the tests.

4.4 Training and quality of labour 4.4.1 All work shall be done in a skillful, thorough manner. Careful attention shall be paid not only to the mechanical execution of the work but also to the arrangement of the installation.

4.4.2 Personnel performing installation, operation, and maintenance work shall be properly trained in such functions.

4.5 Suitability of use 4.5.1 An appliance shall not be installed unless it is designed for use with the type of gas to which it is to be connected and is suitable for the pressure supplied.

4.5.2 The use of an appliance, an accessory, a component, equipment, or material shall be prohibited where a hazard is created.

4.5.3 An appliance that has been exposed to fire, explosion, flood, or other damage shall not be offered for sale, installed, reactivated, or reconnected to the supply until the appliance has been inspected by a person acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.

4.5.4 Before reconnection to supply piping or tubing, a used appliance shall be inspected and determined by the installer to be safe for continued use.

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4.6 Electrical connections and components 4.6.1 Electrical connections between an appliance and building wiring shall comply with the local electrical code or, in the absence of such, with the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I.

4.6.2 An electrical circuit employed for operating an automatic main control valve, automatic pilot, room-temperature thermostat, safety limit control, or another electrical device used with an appliance shall be in accordance with the appliance wiring diagram.

4.7 Hazardous locations 4.7.1 An appliance shall not be installed in a room that has an atmosphere containing vapours corrosive to an appliance or venting system.

4.7.2 An appliance, unless certified or approved for installation in a hazardous location, shall not be installed in any location where a flammable vapour, combustible dust or fibres, or an explosive mixture is present.

4.8 Smoking Smoking or providing any other source of ignition shall not be permitted in the area where work is being done on piping, tubing, or equipment that either contains or has contained propane, unless the piping, tubing, or equipment has been purged of all propane as outlined in Clause 6.23 of CSA B149.1.

4.9 Isolation of safety devices Isolating or rendering inoperative a safety shut-off valve, safety limit control, or relief valve shall be prohibited.

4.10 Leak detection 4.10.1 A match, candle, flame, or other source of ignition shall not be used to check for a propane leak.

4.10.2 A light, including a flashlight, used in connection with a search for propane leakage shall be of a Class I, Group 11A type.

4.10.3 An electric switch either in or adjacent to an area of propane leakage shall not be operated unless it is of a Class I, Group 11A type.

4.11 Appliance clearances to combustible material Appliance clearances to combustible material shall be in accordance with Clause 4.13 of CSA B149.1.

4.12 Accessibility 4.12.1 An appliance shall be installed so that it is accessible for servicing.

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4.12.2 An appliance shall be installed with a minimum service clearance of 24 in (61 cm) from any side, top, or bottom where service could be necessary, except where (i) a greater distance is indicated on the appliance rating plate; or (ii) the distance is not sufficient for the removal, replacement, or repair of a component, an accessory, or any equipment forming either an integral part of the appliance or connected to the appliance, in which case minimum service clearance shall be provided that is adequate to effect such removal, replacement, or repair. All measurements shall be taken between the outermost projection of the appliance and the surrounding structure or property line after the appliance has been installed.

4.12.3 An access opening with minimum dimensions of 24 × 30 in (61 cm × 76 cm) shall be provided to the space in which an appliance is located.

4.12.4 A clear and unobstructed passageway at least 36 in (91 cm) high and 36 in (91 cm) wide shall be provided to each appliance.

4.13 Appliance ductwork connections Ductwork shall not be connected to an appliance unless the appliance is approved for use with ductwork.

4.14 Combined heating systems Combined heating systems shall be in accordance with Clause 4.18 of CSA B149.1.

4.15 Appliances protected by automatic fire-extinguishing systems 4.15.1 When an exhaust system protected by an automatic fire-extinguishing system is installed over an appliance not provided with a flame safeguard, the operation of the fire-extinguishing system shall be interlocked with the propane supply to the appliance so as to automatically shut off the propane, including the pilot, to the appliance protected by the extinguishing system and also to any other appliance that can be affected by the extinguishing system.

4.15.2 The valve used to shut off the propane supply referred to in Clause 4.15.1 shall be located outside the protected area, identified as to its function, and have permanent legible relighting instructions posted adjacent to it. The valve shall be (a) an approved mechanical non-electric fast-closing valve of the manual-reset type; or (b) an automatic electrically operated fast-closing valve (i) of the manual-reset type; or (ii) provided with a remote manual-reset function to open.

4.15.3 A manual shut-off valve shall be installed immediately upstream of the valve referred to in Clause 4.15.2.

4.16 Control of appliances with self-energized pilots When two or more appliances with self-energizing pilots are installed, each shall be independently controlled by a separate actuating device such as a thermostat.

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4.17 Defective heat exchangers 4.17.1 Where the heat exchanger of a furnace installed in a dwelling unit is found to be defective, it shall be replaced.

4.17.2 The heat exchanger referred to in Clause 4.17.1 may be temporarily repaired, if necessary, and the repair shall be in compliance with the procedures acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.

4.17.3 Where the heat exchanger of a commercial or industrial appliance is found to be defective, it may be repaired, and the repair shall be in compliance with procedures acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.

4.18 High-altitude installations 4.18.1 New appliances with inputs up to and including 400 000 Btuh (117 kW) and certified for high-altitude operation shall be adjusted to the high-altitude rating shown on the nameplate when installed at elevations between 2000 ft and 4500 ft (610 m and 1370 m) above sea level.

4.18.2 When an appliance is installed at elevations above 4500 ft (1370 m), the certified high-altitude input rating shall be reduced at the rate of 4% for each additional 1000 ft (305 m).

4.19 Protection of appliances from physical damage Where an appliance is installed in an area where physical damage can be incurred, the appliance shall be protected from such damage.

5 General requirements for propane and propane equipment 5.1 Odorization 5.1.1 Propane distributed for fuel purposes shall be odorized in accordance with CAN/CGSB-3.14.

5.1.2 Odorization of the propane shall be the responsibility of the producer or processor, who shall indicate on the shipping document its compliance with CAN/CGSB-3.14 as referenced in Clause 5.1.1.

5.2 Container filling 5.2.1 Propane shall only be transferred from one container to another by a person who is the holder of a certificate recognized by the authority having jurisdiction.

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5.2.2 While propane is being transferred from one container to another, the person transferring shall remain at the container being filled. 

5.2.3 Propane shall not be put into (a) a cylinder or aerosol container specifically designed for butane or one that does not conform with the requirements of CSA B340 or CGSB 43.123, respectively; or (b) a tank specifically designed for butane or one having a maximum allowable working pressure (MAWP) of less than 250 psig (1725 kPa). Note: The Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations impose additional restrictions on the selection and use of cylinders.

5.2.4 The owner and/or license holder of a container refill centre, card/key lock, or fleet vehicle refueling outlet shall be held responsible for ensuring compliance with the requirement of Clause 5.2.1. 

5.2.5 A container having brass equipment designed for propane use shall not be used for anhydrous ammonia. Except as permitted by the requirements of CSA B340, when steel equipment is installed on the container and the container has been used with anhydrous ammonia, it may be used for propane if purged in accordance with Clause A.1 of Annex A.

5.2.6 The person filling any container shall be responsible for ensuring that the maximum permitted filling density is not exceeded.

5.2.7 A container shall not be filled or gauged (a) inside a building, other than a building designed for such purpose; (b) in a location that is not well ventilated; (c) within 10 ft (3 m) measured horizontally from the air intake of any appliance or air-moving equipment; or (d) within 10 ft (3 m) measured horizontally from any source of ignition.

5.2.8 A new container, or one from which the propane atmosphere has been removed, shall be purged.

5.2.9 When a container is repaired, requalified, or scrapped, its liquid contents shall only be removed by flaring or by transferring to another container.

5.2.10 Cylinders and motor fuel containers shall be purged in accordance with Clause 6.4.1 and with CSA B149.5.

5.2.11 A propane-fuelled motor vehicle shall not be refuelled unless (a) it is a vehicle identified as meeting the Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations, Standard 301, for factory-equipped vehicles; or (b) it meets the requirements of Clause 5.13.1 of CSA B149.5.

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5.2.12 Cylinders and motor fuel containers shall not be purged within 10 ft (3 m), measured horizontally, of (a) a building, except for a building approved for the purposes; (b) a property line; (c) a source of ignition; or (d) the air intake of any appliance or air-moving equipment.

5.3 Protection of containers and equipment 5.3.1 Valves, regulators, gauges, piping, tubing, hose, and other equipment shall be protected against damage.

5.3.2 When containers are installed or stored in locations that do not afford protection from damage from motor vehicles on any street, highway, avenue, alley, or parking lot, they shall be protected by posts or guardrails in compliance with Clause 7.19.4 unless otherwise approved by the authority having jurisdiction.

5.3.3 Readily ignitable materials, including weeds and long dry grass, shall be removed from the area within 10 ft (3 m) of a container, and this area shall be kept clear of such material at all times.

5.3.4 When a distributor-owned container is disconnected by the distributor and left on a customer’s property, all container service valve outlets shall be plugged.

5.4 Pressure regulators Note: See Clause J.1.

5.4.1 Every regulator shall be of sufficient size to provide the required flow of propane at the extremes of inlet pressures to which the regulator can be exposed.

5.4.2 A regulator shall be firmly secured to the container valve or a regulator bracket on the wall or hood, or be otherwise secured. When installed outdoors and subject to inclement weather, the regulator shall be protected from exposure to weather conditions.

5.4.3 A regulator installed outdoors or in an unheated area shall be positioned so that the bonnet vent opening discharges vertically downward, except that (a) when installed within a container dome, the vent opening shall be positioned downward not less than 15° from the horizontal; and (b) a single-stage regulator of a capacity not exceeding 150 000 Btuh (44 kW) may be installed in a horizontal position, provided that it is protected from inclement weather.

5.5 Line relief valves When a final-stage regulator is not equipped with an internal relief valve, it shall have immediately downstream a line relief valve with a discharge setting of not less than (a) 2 times and not more than 3 times the delivery pressure on systems operating up to 5 psig (35 kPa); or

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(b) 1.5 times and not more than 2 times the delivery pressure on systems operating at more than 5 psig (35 kPa). The relieving pressure setting of the line relief valve shall be not higher than that of the lowest-rated component or accessory located downstream.

5.6 Hydrostatic relief valves 5.6.1 A hydrostatic relief valve shall be installed in a liquid propane system wherever liquid propane can be contained or trapped due to valve closure. Such a hydrostatic relief valve shall terminate in compliance with Clause 5.8.1 and have a start-to-discharge pressure setting of neither less than 375 psig (2600 kPa) nor more than 500 psig (3400 kPa).

5.6.2 Discharge lines from two or more hydrostatic relief valves may run into a common discharge header provided that the cross-sectional area of the header is at least equal to the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the individual discharge lines and the header is not connected to any vent or bleed line.

5.7 Vent lines and discharge lines from regulators and line relief valves 5.7.1 The discharge from any regulator that is equipped with an internal relief valve and is installed indoors shall be vented to the outdoors.

5.7.2 When a line relief valve is installed indoors, it shall be vented to the outdoors in accordance with Clauses 5.8.1 and 5.8.2.

5.7.3 A line relief valve assembly, including its connections, shall be of sufficient size to provide the rate of flow required for the system to which it is connected.

5.7.4 Discharge lines from two or more line relief valves or final-stage regulators may run into a common discharge header, provided that the cross-sectional area of such a header is at least equal to the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the individual discharge lines.

5.8 Termination of vent and discharge lines from regulators, line relief valves, and hydrostatic relief valves 5.8.1 The discharge from a regulator vent, line relief valve, or hydrostatic relief valve shall terminate outdoors and be located (a) not less than 3 ft (0.9 m) horizontally from any building opening that is below the level of such discharge and not beneath any building; and (b) not less than 10 ft (3 m) in any direction from air openings into a direct-vent appliance, a mechanical air intake, or a source of ignition.

5.8.2 A regulator vent, line relief valve, or hydrostatic relief valve discharging vertically upwards shall be provided with a loose-fitting rain cap. When discharging downwards, it shall be provided with a protective screen.

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5.8.3 The discharge from a hydrostatic relief valve shall be directed away from any propane container.

5.9 Piping, tubing, hose, and fittings Piping, tubing, hose, and fittings shall comply with the requirements of Clause 6 of CSA B149.1. See also Annex K. 

5.10 Propane containers restriction Propane containers shall not be stored or installed under any fire escape, stairway, or ramp used as a means of egress from a building.

5.11 Propane as an engine fuel in other than motor vehicles 5.11.1 The engine and any appliance or other equipment providing a source of ignition shall be turned off before filling operations.

5.11.2 An industrial tractor or lift truck equipped with a permanently mounted container shall be filled outdoors, remote from a source of ignition, and with the engine turned off.

5.11.3 When an industrial tractor or lift truck is fuelled with propane and is used indoors, the area shall be ventilated in accordance with the requirements of Table 5.1.

Table 5.1 Mechanical ventilation rate in buildings (See Clause 5.11.3.)

Truck operating time, h

Continuous mechanical ventilation rate, cfm per brake horsepower (dm3/s/kW)

Up to 2

100 (63.3)

2 to 3

150 (94.9)

3 to 4

200 (126.5)

4 to 6

250 (158.1)

Over 6

300 (189.8)

Notes: (1) As an alternative to the above rates, a fan of 300 cfm capacity per brake horsepower (189.8 dm3/s/kW) shall be acceptable if operated during the period that the truck is in use. (2) Mechanical ventilation may not be required in a large building where it is considered that natural infiltration, based on a maximum of one air change per hour for the net volume, is equivalent to the requirements of this Table.

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5.11.4 It shall be the responsibility of the supplier of an industrial tractor or lift truck to inform the user of the ventilation requirement of Clause 5.11.3.

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5.11.5 It shall be the responsibility of the user to remove from service any propane-fuelled industrial tractor or lift truck where the equipment or container is damaged or malfunctioning.

5.11.6 New and reconditioned propane containers, as well as propane containers that have had their interiors exposed to atmosphere (such as would occur during a service valve change), shall be purged of air and moisture. A procedure for the removal of air and moisture is described in Clause A.4 of Annex A.

5.11.7 A cylinder shall be firmly secured to the vehicle.

5.11.8 A propane-fuelled vehicle may be parked or serviced indoors, provided that there are no leaks in the propane system and that the container is not filled beyond its maximum permitted filling density.

5.11.9 A propane-fuelled vehicle under repair indoors shall have any container shut-off valve closed except when propane is required for engine operation.

5.11.10 A propane container on a vehicle that is parked or being serviced indoors shall not be exposed to temperatures in excess of 100°F (38 °C).

5.11.11 When the propane system on a vehicle is being serviced indoors, the vehicle shall not be parked within 10 ft (3 m) of an open flame, any source of ignition, or an open pit or drain.

5.11.12 When propane-fuelled ice maintenance equipment is parked indoors over a pit, the space shall be (a) vented to the outdoors by mechanical means interlocked with a gas detector. The ventilation rate shall be of a capacity of at least 2 cfm per ft2 (0.61 m3/min per m2) of floor area of the enclosure; and (b) equipped with a gas detector set to operate at 0.4% propane concentration that has been installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions. The detector shall be interlocked to shut off any fuel-fired appliances located in the enclosure and shall operate the ventilation fan and audible and visual alarms.

5.11.13 All removable containers shall be exchanged outdoors or in areas well ventilated to the outdoors and remote from any source of ignition. 

5.12 Fuel systems other than fuel systems for motive power 5.12.1 When a vehicle ceases to be used as a mobile home or recreational vehicle and is placed at a location in a permanently fixed manner, the system shall comply with all applicable requirements of CSA B149.1.

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5.12.2 Except for a cylinder with a maximum capacity of 5 lb (3 kg) of propane, a cylinder shall not be installed or transported in any vehicle unless the installation conforms with the requirements of Clause 6.7.

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5.12.3 An appliance in the application described in Clause 5.12.1 shall not be required to be certified specifically for use within a mobile home.

5.12.4 Piping from the supply line to the point of connection to a mobile housing structure shall conform to the requirements of the authority having jurisdiction.

5.12.5 The engine, appliance, appliance pilot lights, and other equipment on the vehicle that provide a source of ignition shall be turned off before and during any refuelling of the vehicle.

5.12.6 Vehicles equipped with propane appliances shall not be parked or stored indoors except when (a) propane storage cylinders have been removed; (b) propane storage tanks have (i) the propane contents reduced to not more than 50% of their maximum permitted filling density; and (ii) all shut-off valves in the closed position; or (c) the parking facility is approved for this use.

6 Cylinder systems 6.1 Requirements for cylinders 

6.1.1 Refillable cylinders shall be manufactured, tested, inspected, requalified, and marked in accordance with the requirements of CSA B339.

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6.1.2 Except for (a) cylinders used in industrial truck service; and (b) cylinders identified and used for industrial welding and cutting gases, refillable vapour service cylinders manufactured after January 1, 2008 with a capacity of 4 lbs (1.8 kg) through 40 lb (18.1 kg) shall be equipped with an overfill prevention device (OPD) in compliance with UL 2227.

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6.1.3 Specification TC 39M non-refillable cylinders shall be manufactured, tested, inspected, and marked in accordance with the requirements of CSA B339.

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6.1.4 TC Specification 2P, 2R, and 2Q non-refillable aerosol containers shall be manufactured, tested, inspected, and marked in accordance with the requirements of CGSB-43.123.

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6.1.5 Refillable cylinders shall not be refilled if they are due for requalification as prescribed by requirements of CSA B339. The following special provisions for requalification shall apply: (a) The results of the inspection shall be recorded.

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(b) Records showing the results of the inspection and requalification shall be kept by the facility carrying out the inspection until (i) the date of expiration of the requalification period; or (ii) the date the cylinder is reinspected. (c) Every cylinder shall have the relief valve removed and replaced with either a new relief valve or one that has been tested to and complies with CGA S-1.1, and found acceptable for use. A replacement valve shall have the relief valve and dip tube length sized for the cylinder. (See Annex G for sizing of dip tube length.)

6.1.6 A steel cylinder shall be kept painted with light colours that are reflective.

6.1.7 Each cylinder shall be provided with a relief valve that meets the requirements of CSA B340.

6.1.8 The relief valve shall have direct communication at all times with the vapour space of the cylinder.

6.1.9 A refillable cylinder with a propane capacity of 44 lb (20 kg) or less not equipped with a CGA No. 791 cylinder connection device shall be equipped with an effective gas-tight seal by the use of a plug, cap, or other equally effective device. A sealing plug or cap for the valve outlet shall be attached to the cylinder portion of a cylinder connection device. The sealing plug or cap shall bear the following marking: “PLACE SEALING DEVICE ON CYLINDER VALVE OUTLET WHENEVER THE CYLINDER IS NOT CONNECTED FOR USE”*. *The equivalent French wording is “METTRE LE DISPOSITIF D’ÉTANCHÉITÉ SUR LA SORTIE DU ROBINET LORSQUE LA BOUTEILLE N’EST PAS UTILISÉE”.

6.1.10 When a cylinder is in use, it shall be equipped with a cylinder valve and, except in the case of a recessed cylinder valve, either a hand wheel shall be securely attached to the cylinder valve stem or a wrench for turning the valve stem shall be readily accessible. On multiple cylinder installations, a single wrench per installation shall fulfill this requirement.

6.1.11 A CGA No. 791 cylinder connection device shall be equipped with a non-sealing dust cap that shall be attached to the cylinder portion of a cylinder connection device. The protective cap shall bear the following marking: “USE THIS CAP WHEN CYLINDER IS NOT IN USE”*. *The equivalent French wording is “METTRE CE CAPUCHON LORSQUE LA BOUTEILLE N’EST PAS UTILISÉE”.

6.1.12 On a cylinder from which liquid is to be withdrawn (a) the liquid service connection of the cylinder valve shall be threaded with other than the standard female POL thread; and (b) the liquid service outlet of the cylinder valve shall be provided with an internal excess-flow valve.

6.1.13 A cylinder that is volume filled through a separate filling connection at its installation site shall be equipped with one of the following: (a) a single back check valve having other than a metal-to-metal seat; (b) a combination of an excess-flow valve and a back check valve; or (c) a double back check valve having a metal-to-metal seat. A protective cap for the filling connection shall be secured to the cylinder valve.

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6.1.14 Cylinders re-qualified in accordance with Clause 6.1.5 and with a propane capacity of 40 lb (18 kg) or less shall be equipped with a cylinder valve that does not permit the flow of propane until a positive seal has been achieved.

6.1.15 Subject to Clauses 6.1.2 and 6.1.14, reconditioned and re-qualified cylinders shall be equipped with an overfill prevention device (OPD). The overfill prevention device (OPD) shall comply with UL 2227. 

6.1.16 Cylinders in storage or connected for use, cylinder-regulating equipment, or a cylinder manifold shall not be exposed to temperatures in excess of 125 °F (52 °C).

6.2 Liquid level gauges on cylinders 6.2.1 A liquid level gauge that requires the bleeding of propane to the atmosphere, such as a rotary, fixed-liquid-level, or slip-tube type, shall be designed so that any bleed valve opening is not larger than a No. 54 drill size (1.4 mm) unless it is provided with an excess-flow valve.

6.2.2 The length of the dip tube of a fixed-liquid-level gauge shall indicate the maximum level to which a cylinder may be filled. 

6.2.3 When a fixed-liquid-level gauge is used, the length of the dip tube in millimeters, prefixed with the letters “DT”, and followed by the letters “mm”, shall be stamped on the exterior of the valve to which the dip tube is connected and on the cylinder in accordance with CSA B339.

6.3 Automatic regulating equipment A cylinder system having a connected separate service and reserve supply of propane shall be equipped with an automatic changeover regulator, valve, or equivalent to permit the replacement of a cylinder without shutting off the flow of propane to the system.

6.4 Purging and filling of cylinders 6.4.1 New and reconditioned propane cylinders and propane cylinders that have had their interiors exposed to the atmosphere, such as would occur during a service valve change, shall be purged of air and moisture. A procedure for the removal of air and moisture is described in Clause A.4 of Annex A.

6.4.2 A cylinder shall be filled by (a) weight in accordance with Table 6.1; or (b) volume in accordance with Table 6.2 when the cylinder is equipped with a fixed-liquid-level gauge designed for the cylinder. Neither a float gauge nor a dispensing meter shall be used to determine maximum cylinder filling density.

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Table 6.1 Maximum permitted filling density of a cylinder by weight (See Clause 6.4.2(a).)

Gases

Relative density at 59°F (15 °C)

Water weight capacity (%)

Propane

0.51

42

Butane

0.58

51

Table 6.2 Maximum permitted filling density of a cylinder by liquid volume (See Clause 6.4.2(b).)

Gases

Approximate relative density at 40°F (5 °C)

Maximum fill level (%)

Propane

0.51

80

Mixtures

0.55

83

Butane

0.58

86

Note: For maximum fill levels at other than at 40°F (5 °C), see Table 7.1 under headings 0–1200 USWG (0–4550 L).

6.4.3 Propane in vapour or liquid phase shall not be discharged to the atmosphere to assist in transferring the contents of one cylinder to another, except to a cylinder of 5 lb (2.25 kg) propane capacity or less. Venting for the purpose of gauging at a fixed-liquid-level gauge shall be permitted.

6.4.4 A cylinder that is damaged, leaking, or corroded beyond TC limits, or is due for a prescribed re-examination, shall not be filled but shall be removed from service.

6.4.5 Cylinders manufactured to Specification TC-39M and aerosol containers shall not be refilled.

6.5 Storage and use of cylinders at locations other than filling plants 6.5.1 General 6.5.1.1 Cylinder storage at a filling plant shall be in accordance with Clause 7.14.

6.5.1.2 Except as permitted in this Code, a cylinder that contains propane liquid or vapour shall not be stored or used inside any structure. 

6.5.1.3 Not more than three aerosol containers, or non-refillable cylinders manufactured to Specification TC-39M, filled with propane liquid or vapour, shall be stored in a dwelling unit.

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6.5.1.4 Any cylinder in storage shall not be exposed to an open flame, or other source of ignition, and shall be protected from tampering or damage by fencing or equivalent means.

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6.5.1.5 A refillable cylinder, either empty or filled, that has a propane capacity of 44 lb (20 kg) or less shall be equipped with an effective seal such as a plug, cap, or a quick-disconnect device. This seal shall be in place whenever the cylinder is not connected for use.

6.5.1.6 A cylinder, either empty or filled, that requires a cylinder valve protective collar or cap shall have such a protective collar or cap in place while in storage.

6.5.1.7 A cylinder in storage shall have the cylinder valve closed.

6.5.1.8 An outdoor cylinder storage area, special cylinder storage room, or a cylinder storage building described in Clause 6 shall be located in accordance with Table 6.3 with respect to (a) the nearest building or group of buildings; (b) the line of adjoining property that may be built upon; (c) public thoroughfares or sidewalks; and (d) the line of adjoining property occupied by schools, churches, hospitals, athletic fields, or other points of public gathering.

Table 6.3 Cylinder storage clearances (See Clauses 6.5.1.8, 6.5.2.6.1, and 6.5.3.2.) Quantity of propane stored, lb (kg) Up to and including 500 (225)



Distance, ft (m), to Items (a) and (b) of Clause 6.5.1.8 0*†

Distance, ft (m), to Items (c) and (d) of Clause 6.5.1.8 10 (3)

501 (225) to 2500 (1135)‡

15 (4.5)

25 (7.6)

2501 (1135) to 5000 (2270)

25 (7.6)

25 (7.6)

Over 5000 (2270)

25 (7.6)

50 (15.2)

*3 ft (0.9 m) from any building opening. †10 ft (3 m) from any mechanical air intake. ‡Cylinders intended for exchange or sale shall be stored in no more than four adjacent cabinets that may be located against a noncombustible building wall at one retail site. No more than one cabinet may be located against a combustible wall. Each cabinet shall contain no more than 500 lb (225 kg) of propane. Cabinets shall be 3 ft (0.9 m) from any building opening and 10 ft (3 m) from any mechanical air intake. Cabinets shall be 25 ft (7.6 m) from the line of adjoining property occupied by schools, churches, hospitals, athletic fields, or other points of public gathering.

6.5.1.9 The space beneath any dock used for the storage of cylinders shall be well ventilated and either enclosed to prevent access and accumulation of combustible material or filled in with well-tamped earth.

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6.5.1.10 Subject to Clause 6.5.8, propane cylinders in storage shall be separated from other compressed gases and flammable and combustible liquids in accordance with the following: (a) They shall be at least 3 ft (1 m) from other flammable compressed gas containers. (b) They shall be at least 20 ft (6 m) from containers or dispensers for flammable and combustible liquids, or oxidizing, corrosive, or toxic gases.

6.5.1.11 Electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures installed within a building or special room for the storage of cylinders shall comply with Part H of Table 7.6.

6.5.1.12 For an outdoor cylinder storage area, electrical equipment and fixtures shall comply with Part K of Table 7.6. 

6.5.1.13 A cylinder that contains propane liquid or vapour shall not be stored on the roof of a building unless it is stored in accordance with Clause 6.5.3.9 or connected for use in accordance with Clause 6.8.

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6.5.1.14 When cylinders are enclosed in a cabinet, cage, or other means not covered under Clause 6.5.2.6 or Clause 6.5.10, the confinement means shall (a) be supplied with a top cover; (b) be made of noncombustible material and be structurally sound, with no openings greater than 4 in2 (25.8 cm2); (c) have at least 2 sides constructed to provide equal ventilation through openings at the top and bottom of the side providing, as a minimum, the equivalent total opening of 15% open area on each side panel; (d) not restrict the dispersion of any fuel gas leak to ensure it is well ventilated; (e) have its base on a firm level footing in an upright position; and (f) not be located against other objects, or have objects attached, that restrict ventilation.

6.5.2 Cylinders stored outdoors for commercial or industrial use or sale 

6.5.2.1 Except as permitted in Clauses 6.5.2.4, 6.5.3.2, 6.5.4.2, and 6.5.5.2, cylinders shall be fenced in accordance with Clause 6.5.2.2 or 6.5.2.3 or shall be enclosed in a cabinet, cage, or other means in accordance with Clause 6.5.1.14, 6.5.2.6, or 6.5.10.

6.5.2.2 The fence shall (a) be either of the following, whichever is higher: (i) at least 6 ft (1.8 m) high, and may include three strands of barbed wire at the top, spaced 4 in (10 cm) apart; or (ii) at least 1 ft (0.3 m) higher than the height of the highest cylinder that can be stored on a dock; (b) be made of metal wire of not less than No. 9 SWG (3.7 mm), with openings not greater than 2 × 2 in (5 × 5 cm); and (c) have posts made of angle iron, pipe, or equivalent material, spaced not more than 10 ft (3 m) apart, and set securely.

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6.5.2.3 Alternatively, the fence shall (a) be at least 6 ft (1.8 m) high, measured from grade level, and may include three strands of barbed wire at the top, spaced 4 in (10 cm) apart; (b) be made of metal wire of not less than No. 9 SWG (3.7 mm), with openings not greater than 6 × 6 in (15 × 15 cm); (c) have posts made of angle iron, pipe, or equivalent, spaced not more than 10 ft (3 m) apart, and set securely; (d) enclose, and be located not less than 4 ft (1.25 m) from, the cylinder docks or storage area; and (e) be so located that the valve of any cylinder stored within the fence is not less than 4 ft (1.25 m) from the fence. 

6.5.2.4 A cylinder stored outdoors against an industrial building on the property of the user shall meet the requirements of Clause 6.5.1. The fencing or storage cabinet required by Clause 6.5.2.1 shall not be mandatory, provided that (a) the cylinder is stored in an area that provides protection from tampering; (b) the cylinder is stored in an area free of vehicular or mobile equipment travel, or protected by barriers or the equivalent; (c) all cylinders are not less than 25 ft (7.6 m) from any other building, property line, or point of assembly; (d) the total quantity of propane stored does not exceed 1000 lb (450 kg); (e) the relief valve on any cylinder is not less than 3 ft (.9 m) horizontally from any building opening that is below the level of the relief valve discharge; and (f) the relief valve discharge is not less than 10 ft (3 m) on a horizontal plane from the air intake of any appliance or air-moving equipment.

6.5.2.5 “NO SMOKING”* signs shall be prominently displayed at all cylinder storage areas. These signs shall be in accordance with Clause 7.12.3. *The equivalent French wording is “DÉFENSE DE FUMER”.



6.5.2.6 Cylinder exchange requirements 6.5.2.6.1 Propane cylinder exchange for resale In addition to other applicable requirements of Clause 6.5, such as Clause 6.5.1.9 and Table 6.3, facilities operating cylinder exchange stations for propane that are accessible to the public shall comply with the following requirements: (a) Cylinders shall be secured in a lockable, ventilated metal cabinet or other approved enclosure. (b) Cylinders shall be accessible only by authorized personnel or by use of an automated exchange system in accordance with Clause 6.5.2.6.2. (c) A sign shall be posted on the entry door of the business operating the cylinder exchange stating “DO NOT BRING PROPANE CYLINDERS INTO THE BUILDING”.* *The equivalent French wording is “NE PAS APPORTER DES BOUTEILLES DE PROPANE Á L’INTÉRIEUR DU BATIMENT”.

(d) An emergency contact information sign shall be posted within 10 ft (3 m) of the cylinder storage cabinet. (e) Electrical equipment within 5 ft (1.5 m) of cylinders stored for resale shall meet the requirements of Table 7.6, part K. (f) Protection of cylinders for resale shall be in accordance with Clause 6.5.4.2(b).

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6.5.2.6.2 Automated cylinder exchange machine Cylinder exchange stations that include an automated vending system for exchanging cylinders shall comply with the following additional requirements: (a) The automated cylinder exchange machine shall only permit access to a single cylinder per individual transaction. (b) Cabinets storing cylinders shall be designed such that cylinders can only be placed inside when they are oriented in the upright position. (c) Devices operating door releases for access to stored cylinders may be permitted to be pneumatic, mechanical or electrically powered. (d) A manual override control shall be permitted for use by authorized personnel. On an automated cylinder exchange machine, the vending system shall not be capable of returning to automatic operation after a manual override until the system has been inspected and reset by authorized personnel. (e) Inspections shall be conducted by authorized personnel to verify that all cylinders are secured, access doors are closed, and the automated cylinder exchange machine has no visible damage or obvious defects that necessitate placing the station out of service. (f) There shall be a system, activated by a fusible link, designed to create a temporary inert atmosphere in the interior of the cabinet. (g) The system shall be equipped with a propane detector, and if the system detects a propane leak, the automated cylinder exchange machine will put itself in an out of service condition and send an e-mail notification to the supplier. (h) The area where the automated cylinder exchange machine is located shall be illuminated. (i) All moving mechanisms in the automated cylinder exchange machine shall be of non-sparking construction.

6.5.3 Cylinders at construction sites 

6.5.3.1 Cylinders not connected 6.5.3.1.1 A cylinder not connected for use shall be stored. A cylinder properly connected for use in an approved manner is not considered in storage.

6.5.3.1.2 A stored cylinder shall be located in an area that complies with the requirements of Clause 6.5.3.2, and the storage area shall be outdoors. The following requirements shall apply: (a) When the following conditions are met, a storage area utilizing a structure with overhead protection, walls, or both, meets the intent of outdoor storage: (i) The structure is designed to be enclosed by no more than two solid walls on the level the cylinder(s) are stored. (ii) The cylinders are located within 25 ft (7.6 m) of an open area of the perimeter opening. (iii) When a wall of the structure is a part a building, that building must be under construction, repair, improvement, and there shall be no inhabited dwelling units or inhabited sections of that building. (iv) There shall be no openings through which gas may travel to a lower elevation, such as an open stairway on the floor on which the cylinders are located. (v) There shall be no wall openings through which gases could travel into another structure or building. (b) Cylinders may be stored in a cabinet in the storage area that meets the requirements of Clause 6.5.1.14. (c) A storage area may be on a roof of a structure or building, provided the conditions of Clause 6.5.3.9 are met.

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6.5.3.2 Cylinders in storage shall (a) be stored in an area that (i) provides protection from tampering; (ii) is free from vehicular or mobile equipment travel, or protected by barriers or the equivalent; (iii) has “NO SMOKING”* signs are prominently displayed. These signs shall be in accordance with Clause 7.12.3; and *The equivalent French wording is “DÉFENSE DE FUMER”.

(iv) meets the requirements of Table 6.3; (b) be placed such that the relief valve on any cylinder is not less than 3 ft (0.9 m) horizontally from any building opening that is below the level of the relief valve discharge; (c) be placed such that the relief valve discharge is not less than 10 ft (3 m) on the horizontal plane from the air intake of any appliance or air-moving equipment; and (d) be stored in a area that meets Clauses 6.5.1 and 6.5.3.9.

6.5.3.3 Each cylinder on a construction site shall be equipped with a collar designed to protect the cylinder valve when in use.

6.5.3.4 A cylinder shall not be filled on a construction site unless it is (a) installed in accordance with the requirements of Clause 6.7; or (b) filled at a location that meets the clearance requirements of Clause 7.17.1. 

6.5.3.5 A cylinder may be used indoors in the construction, repair, or improvement of a building or structure, including its fixtures and equipment, provided that (a) a pressure regulator is employed and directly connected to the appliance or cylinder valve, or located on a manifold that is connected to the cylinder valve; (b) the total capacity of cylinders connected together does not exceed 300 lb (136 kg) of propane, and not more than one such manifold of cylinders is located in the same floor area unless separated by a distance of at least 50 ft (15.2 m); (c) any cylinder with a capacity greater than 1 lb (0.5 kg) of propane is equipped with an excess-flow valve. The excess-flow valve shall be either integral to the cylinder valve or in the connection with the cylinder valve outlet. In either case, it shall be installed in such a manner that undue strain beyond the excess-flow valve will not cause breakage between the cylinder and the valve; (d) the cylinder-regulating equipment and manifold are not located where they are subject to damage; (e) when repair work is being carried out in a building not under construction and occupied, any cylinder used in the repair work is under the supervision of the operator at all times; (f) each cylinder is provided with a protective collar; (g) a cylinder with a capacity up to and including 100 lb (45 kg) of propane that is connected for use to a construction heater is secured in an upright position; and (h) any construction heater connected to the cylinder is installed and used in accordance with Clause 7.18 of CSA B149.1.

6.5.3.6 A cylinder in use inside a building shall not be located near an exit, stairway, or area intended for the safe evacuation of people.

6.5.3.7 Connection and disconnection of cylinders shall be done in a well-ventilated area with no source of ignition within 10 ft (3 m) of the point of connection.

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6.5.3.8 Moving a propane cylinder from one level to another level or the roof of a building may be done using (a) a freight, service elevator, or construction hoist; or (b) a public passenger elevator or escalator, provided only the person(s) involved with the cylinder are in the elevator or on the escalator. When moving a propane cylinder to or from the roof or one level to another of a building, each cylinder valve outlet shall be closed and plugged, and the valve protective cap or collar shall be in place. (See also Clause 6.1.)



6.5.3.9 Cylinders on building rooftops Cylinders on building rooftops shall comply with the following requirements: (a) A propane cylinder shall not be on the roof of a building unless the cylinder is to be connected for work undertaken on the roof during the current or the immediate following work shift. (b) Cylinders not in use shall be stored in accordance with provisions of Clause 6.5.3.2, and the following requirements shall also apply: (i) The weight of the cylinder(s) shall not exceed the net load capacity of the roofing structure as specified by building owner/management. (ii) The storage area shall be at least 10 ft (3 m) from the building edge or a change in elevation of more than 3 feet (0.9 m). (iii) Cylinders shall be secured to maintain the cylinders in the proper storage position during inclement weather. (iv) All cylinders shall be removed upon completion of the work. (c) Cylinders properly connected in an approved manner to the appliance they serves shall be adequately secured from inclement weather. (d) No more than 1000 lb (450 kg) of propane in total capacity shall be on the roof.

6.5.4 Cylinders supplying propane for welding, cutting, and preheating processes 6.5.4.1 A cylinder not connected for use shall be stored outdoors.

6.5.4.2 The cylinder storage area shall comply with Clause 6.5.2, except that enclosing as required by Clause 6.5.2.1 shall not be mandatory, provided that the cylinder is stored (a) in a secure area and is free from tampering; and (b) in an area free of vehicular or mobile equipment travel, or protected by barriers or equivalent. 

6.5.4.3 A cylinder may be used indoors to supply propane for welding, cutting, and preheating when portability is necessary, provided that (a) a pressure regulator is employed and directly connected to the equipment or cylinder valve, or located on a manifold that is connected to the cylinder valve; (b) when cutting or welding, the total capacity of cylinders connected to other industrial gas cylinders does not exceed 100 lb (45 kg) of propane, and not more than one manifold of cylinders is located in the same area unless separated by a distance of 15 ft (4.6 m); (c) when preheating, the total capacity of cylinders connected to other industrial gases does not exceed 200 lb (90 kg) of propane, and not more than one manifold of cylinders is located in the same area unless separated by a distance of 30 ft (9.1 m); (d) the cylinder-regulating equipment and manifold are not located where they are subject to damage; (e) the cylinder is provided with a protective collar; and (f) when the cylinder has a capacity greater than 1 lb (0.5 kg) of propane, it is equipped with an excess-flow valve. The excess-flow valve shall be either integral to the cylinder valve or in the

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connection with the cylinder valve outlet. In either case, it shall be installed in such a manner that undue strain beyond the excess-flow valve will not cause breakage between the cylinder and the valve.

6.5.4.4 A cylinder in use inside a building shall not be located near an exit, stairway, or area normally used or intended for the safe evacuation of people.

6.5.4.5 Connection and disconnection of cylinders shall be done in a well-ventilated area with no source of ignition within 10 ft (3 m) of the point of connection.

6.5.5 Cylinders at commercial and industrial sites to supply propane for industrial trucks and ice maintenance equipment 6.5.5.1 A cylinder not connected for use shall be stored outdoors.

6.5.5.2 The cylinder storage area shall meet the requirements of Clause 6.5.2, except that enclosing as required by Clause 6.5.2.1 shall not be mandatory, provided that the cylinder is stored (a) in a secure area and is free from tampering; and (b) in an area free of vehicular or mobile equipment travel, or protected by barriers or equivalent.

6.5.5.3 Connection and disconnection of cylinders shall be done in a well-ventilated area with no source of ignition within 10 ft (3 m) of the point of connection.

6.5.6 Storage of non-refillable cylinders in retail outlets and their warehouses (mercantile occupancies) 

6.5.6.1 The requirements of Clause 6.5.6 shall apply to non-refillable with cylinders manufactured to Specifications TC-39M and aerosol containers with net capacities of more than 0.36 lb (160 g) and less than 1.05 lb (480 g).

6.5.6.2 Cylinders located within the display area of a retail outlet (mercantile occupancy) shall be displayed as follows: (a) Cylinders shall be removed from cartons, or cartons shall be display cut. (b) Cylinders shall be securely stacked to a height of no more than 6 ft (1.8 m) from the base to the top of the display. Shelves used to display cylinders shall be of a stable construction and shall not exceed 8 ft (2.4 m) in overall height. (c) Displays of cylinders shall be in compliance with the clearances, separations, quantities, and other requirements listed in Table 6.4.

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Table 6.4 Storage of non-refillable cylinders in mercantile occupancies



(See Clause 6.5.6.2(c).) For sprinklered* areas

For areas without sprinklers

Separation from sources of ignition

25 ft (7.6 m)

25 ft (7.6 m)

Separation from marked fire exits

25 ft (7.6 m)

25 ft (7.6 m)

Separation between display arrays of cylinders

8 ft (2.4 m)

8 ft (2.4 m)

Separation of display arrays from Class 1 and 2 flammable liquids, Level 2 and 3 aerosols, oxidizers, and highly combustible products made from or using closed-cell extruded polystyrene foam for packing

8 ft (2.4 m)

8 ft (2.4 m)

Maximum quantity of propane in each display

500 lb (225 kg)†

300 lb (136 kg)‡

Maximum combined quantity of propane, Level 2 and 3 aerosols, oxidizers, and Class 1 (flammable liquids) and Class 2 (combustible liquids) in 20 × 20 ft (6 × 6 m) area

1000 lb (450 kg)§

300 lb (136 kg)‡

Total aggregate quantity of propane in total display area

1000 lb (450 kg)

300 lb (136 kg)‡

*Sprinklered in accordance with NFPA 13 for at least ordinary hazard occupancies. †Quantity shall be reduced to 300 lb (136 kg) when storage above cylinders prevents direct discharge from sprinklers located overhead. ‡Cylinders shall be protected on three sides by metal or wire bulkheads. §Quantities in excess of 1000 lb (450 kg) shall be relocated to other 20 × 20 ft (6.1 × 6.1 m) areas separated by a minimum distance of 25 ft (7.6 m).



6.5.6.3 Cylinders located in the backstock (warehouse) area of a retail outlet (mercantile occupancy) shall be stored as follows: (a) Cylinders shall be in packaged in accordance with CSA B340 and marked in compliance with the provisions of CSA B339 and securely stacked to a height of not more than 6.56 ft (2 m). (b) Storage of cylinders shall be in compliance with the separation, clearances, quantities, and other requirements listed in Table 6.5.

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

Propane storage and handling code

Table 6.5 Storage of non-refillable cylinders in the backstock (warehouse) area of mercantile occupancies (See Clause 6.5.6.3(b).) For sprinklered* areas

For areas without sprinklers

Separation from sources of ignition

25 ft (7.6 m)

25 ft (7.6 m)

Separation from marked fire exits

25 ft (7.6 m)

25 ft (7.6 m)

Separation from Class 1 flammable liquids, oxidizers, Level 2 and 3 aerosols, plastic packaging, and closed-cell extruded polystyrene foam

8 ft (2.4m)

8 ft (2.4 m)

Maximum quantity of propane in each storage area

1000 lb (450 kg)†

300 lb (136 kg)

Maximum quantity of propane, Class 1 (flammable liquids) and Class 2 (combustible liquids), Level 2 and 3 aerosols, and oxidizers in a 20 × 20 ft (6 × 6 m) area

2000 lb (900 kg)‡

300 lb (136 kg)

Total aggregate quantity of propane in entire backstock area

4000 lb (1814 kg)

300 lb (136 kg)

Clearance between sprinkler heads and arrays of cylinders

As required by NFPA 30B for Level 3 aerosol products

*Sprinklered in accordance with NFPA 13 for at least ordinary hazard occupancies. †Quantity shall be reduced to 300 lb (135 kg) when storage above cylinders prevents direct discharge from sprinklers located overhead. ‡Quantities in excess of 2000 lb (900 kg) shall be relocated to other 20 × 20 ft (6.1 × 6.1 m) areas separated by a minimum distance of 25 ft (7.6 m).

6.5.7 Cylinders at sites where propane is supplied for cleaning and polishing equipment 6.5.7.1 A cylinder not connected for use shall be stored outdoors in accordance with Clause 6.5.2 or indoors in accordance with Clause 6.5.8.

6.5.7.2 Cylinders stored outdoors in a storage area as required by Clause 6.5.7.1 shall not contain more than a total of 200 lb (90 kg) of propane.

6.5.7.3 A sign indicating “NO SMOKING”* shall be permanently displayed in the cylinder storage area. The sign shall be in accordance with the requirements for signs in Clause 7.12.3. *The equivalent French wording is “DÉFENSE DE FUMER”.

6.5.7.4 A cylinder used to supply propane for cleaning and polishing equipment shall be equipped with an excess-flow valve installed (a) as an integral component of the cylinder valve; or (b) immediately downstream of the cylinder valve in such a manner that strain on the excess-flow valve, or on components located downstream of the excess-flow valve, will not cause breakage of components located upstream of the excess-flow valve.

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6.5.7.5 A cylinder connected for use indoors shall not have a capacity exceeding 33-1/3 lb (15 kg).

6.5.7.6 Connection and disconnection of cylinders shall be done in a well-ventilated area with no source of ignition within 10 ft (3 m) of the point of connection.

6.5.7.7 When a cleaning or polishing unit is not in use and stored indoors, the cylinder shall be removed and stored in accordance with Clause 6.5.2 or 6.5.8.

6.5.7.8 When the cylinder is attached to the cleaning or polishing unit for use, it shall be attended by the operator at all times.

6.5.8 Storage of cylinders located in special rooms or buildings Buildings or rooms in which propane cylinders are stored shall be constructed in accordance with Clause 6.5.10. Storage within the building or room shall be limited to propane containers, other flammable gas containers, and related equipment.

6.5.9 Cylinders supplying propane to portable food-serving carts located indoors 

6.5.9.1 Non-refillable cylinders manufactured to Specifications TC-39M and aerosol containers having a maximum water capacity of 2.7 lb (1.2 kg) and filled with no more than 16.8 oz (0.48 kg) of propane shall be permitted for use indoors to supply propane to food service appliances.

6.5.9.2 Cylinders shall be directly connected to the food service appliance without the use of hose, and no more than 2 cylinders per appliance shall be connected for use at one time. 

6.5.9.3 Storage in restaurants and non-residential food service locations of non-refillable cylinders manufactured to Specifications TC-39M and aerosol containers having a maximum water capacity of 2.7 lb (1.2 kg) and filled with no more than 16.8 oz (0.48 kg) of propane shall be limited to 10 cylinders. Additional non-refillable cylinders manufactured to Specifications TC-39M and aerosol containers up to an equivalent of 250 L (approximately 638 cylinders) may be stored inside the restaurant or non-residential food service location, if stored inside an approved ULC-C1275 or UL 1275 cabinet.

6.5.10 Construction of special cylinder storage rooms or buildings 6.5.10.1 The walls, floors, and ceilings of a cylinder storage room that is within, or adjacent to, other parts of a building shall be constructed of material having at least a 2 h fire-resistance rating.

6.5.10.2 A portion of the exterior walls or roof shall have explosion relief to the outdoors of not less than 1 ft2 for each 50 ft3 (0.1 m2 for each 1.4 m3) of building volume. The type of explosion venting shall be one of the following: (a) an open area;

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(b) an outwardly opening sash; (c) explosion relief panels; or (d) single-strength glass.

6.5.10.3 Each opening from a cylinder storage room to another part of the building shall be protected by a swinging door having a 1.5 h fire-resistance rating. The door rating shall be established on the basis of the requirements in ULC CAN4-S104, and the door shall not be permitted to include glass panels or vents. All doors shall be gasketed to prevent escape of propane.

6.5.10.4 Each cylinder storage room shall be ventilated to the outside air with vents located at the top and the bottom of a wall. The vents shall be distributed to obtain maximum air circulation across the floor, and the ratio of the size of each opening to the size of the floor area shall be 1:500. A vent opening shall be not less than 10 ft (3 m) horizontally from any air intake of any appliance, air-moving equipment, or other opening into a building, and not less than 25 ft (7.6 m) from any source of ignition.

6.5.10.5 The floor of a cylinder storage room shall not be below grade. Any floor area below the storage room shall be well ventilated and kept free of combustible material or filled in. 

6.6 Transportation of cylinders Propane is a dangerous good under the Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Regulations of Transport Canada. The TDG Regulations have additional requirements that must be satisfied when activities under the TDG Regulations are performed.

6.7 Installation of cylinders 6.7.1 Each cylinder shall be set upon a firm, level, weatherproof base, located on consolidated ground at grade level, and shall be equipped with flexible connectors to offset any movement affecting the piping or tubing.

6.7.2 Except as permitted in Clauses 6.5 and 6.7.3 of this Code and Clause 5.2.3 of CSA B149.5, a cylinder shall be installed outside a building, with the discharge from the cylinder relief valve not less than (a) 3 ft (0.9 m) on a horizontal plane from any building opening when the opening is below the level of the relief valve discharge; (b) 10 ft (3 m) on a horizontal plane from the air intake of any appliance or air-moving equipment; and (c) 10 ft (3 m) on a horizontal plane from any source of ignition. Items (b) and (c) shall not apply to an appliance when the cylinder retention means is incorporated and certified as part of the appliance.

6.7.3 Notwithstanding the requirements in Clauses 6.5 and 6.7.2, a cylinder containing a maximum of 5 lb (2.25 kg) of propane, which is not connected to any other cylinder, may be connected for use indoors with the permission of the authority having jurisdiction.

6.7.4 A cylinder shall not be installed below grade. This requirement shall not prohibit an installation in a compartment or recess below grade level, such as a niche in a slope or terrace wall that is used for no other purpose, provided that (a) the cylinder and regulating equipment are not in contact with the ground;

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(b) the compartment or recess is drained and ventilated horizontally outdoors from its lowest level; and (c) the discharge outlet from any relief valve is located at least 3 ft (1 m) horizontally from any building opening that is below the level of such discharge outlet.

6.7.5 A cylinder shall not be installed above another cylinder.

6.7.6 When damage to a cylinder from vehicular traffic is a possibility, protection shall be provided in compliance with the requirements of Clause 7.19.4.

6.7.7 A maximum of four cylinders manifolded together to form a system may be located within 10 ft (3 m) of a common wall of a building. No more than one such manifolded system may be located against the common wall of a building unless separated by a distance of 10 ft (3 m). 

6.8 Rooftop installation of cylinder systems A cylinder system may be installed on the uppermost flat roof of a building, provided that (a) the roof is of noncombustible construction with a 2 h fire-resistance rating; (b) the load on the roof does not exceed the design load; (c) the total capacity of the cylinder(s) connected to any one manifold is not greater than 200 lb (91 kg) of propane; (d) each manifold of cylinders is separated from other manifolds by a fire separation of 1 h fire-resistance rating or by a clear 50 ft (15 m) space separation; (e) the cylinders are located in areas where there is free air circulation and at a distance of at least 10 ft (3 m) horizontally from any building opening, appliance air intake, or air-moving equipment; (f) during transfer of each cylinder from the point of delivery to the roof and from the roof to the point of pick-up, each cylinder valve outlet is plugged and the valve protecting cap or collar is in place; (g) transfer in accordance with Item (f) by elevator shall be by freight or service elevators, or by passenger elevator if no passengers are permitted on the elevator other than the maintenance or delivery personnel involved with the cylinder; (h) hose is not used to conduct propane; (i) each installation is reported in writing by the installer to the fire department concerned; and (j) the building is sprinklered if it contains a high-hazard industrial occupancy.

6.9 Diking and grading 6.9.1 When a cylinder is installed adjacent to a storage area for flammable or combustible liquids, protection such as diking, diversion curbs, or grading shall be provided to prevent any accumulation of these liquids under the cylinder.

6.9.2 When dikes surround a flammable or combustible liquid tank, a cylinder shall not be installed within the diked area and shall be located not less than 10 ft (3 m) from the centreline of the dike.

6.9.3 A cylinder may be installed adjacent to a tank containing a combustible or flammable liquid, provided that the capacity of the tank of such liquid is 250 gal (1150 L) or less. When the capacity of the tank of combustible or flammable liquid exceeds 250 gal (1150 L), the separation between the cylinder and the tank shall be a minimum of 20 ft (6.1 m).

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7 Tank systems, filling plants, and refill centres 7.1 General 7.1.1 Subject to Clause 5.2.3(b), a tank shall have a maximum allowable working pressure (MAWP) of not less than 250 psig (1750 kPa) and shall be in accordance with CSA B51 and applicable provincial or territorial regulations covering unfired pressure vessels.

7.1.2 Welding shall not be done to the shell, head, or any other part of a tank subject to internal pressure, except with the approval and under the supervision of the boiler and pressure vessel inspection authority of the province or territory in which it is installed. (See Clause J.2.)

7.1.3 Field welding of a tank shall be made only on saddle plates or brackets supplied by the manufacturer of the tank.

7.1.4 Every steel tank shall be kept painted.

7.1.5 A tank with an aggregate capacity in excess of 2000 USWG (7500 L) shall not be installed (a) under an electrical transmission line and shall be located a minimum horizontal distance from any such line equal to the property clearance requirements of Clauses 7.10.2 and 7.16; (b) under an electrical distribution line and shall be located not less than 25 ft (7.6 m) in any direction from any such line; and (c) over an underground electrical distribution line and shall be located not less than 5 ft (1.5 m) from any such line.

7.1.6 When necessary, diking, diversion curbing, or grading shall be provided (a) to prevent any accumulation of flammable or combustible liquids under a propane tank; or (b) to contain or divert any loss of liquid propane from a source of ignition.

7.1.7 A propane tank shall not be installed within a diked area containing a tank of flammable or combustible liquid and shall be located not less than 20 ft (6,1 m) from the centreline of the dike.

7.1.8 Except as prohibited in Clause 7.1.7, a propane tank of 125 USWG (475 L) capacity or less may be installed adjacent to a tank containing combustible or flammable liquid, provided that the capacity of the tank of such liquid is 250 gal (1150 L) or less. When the capacity of either tank is in excess of the applicable limits, the separation between the propane tank and the combustible or flammable liquid tank shall be not less than 20 ft (6,1 m). In the case of an underground tank, the separation may be reduced to 10 ft (3 m).

7.1.9 When a tank truck, tank trailer, or cargo liner is used as a storage tank at a point of use, the following shall apply: (a) the requirements of Clause 7.10; and

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(b) after the tank truck, tank trailer, or cargo liner has been placed in position, the loading on the wheels, axle, or suspension shall be removed. 

7.1.10 Tanks that have liquid interconnections shall be installed so that the maximum permitted filling level of each container is at the same elevation. Vertical containers used in liquid service shall not be manifolded to horizontal containers. Vertical containers of different dimensions shall not be manifolded together.

7.1.11 Access to a tank-filling connection that is located more than 5 ft (1.5 m) above grade or a tank pad shall be provided by a concrete or steel step(s).

7.1.12 Return lines from pumps, meters, or dispensing devices, if connected to the liquid space of a tank, shall be equipped with a back check valve.

7.1.13 The requirements of Clause 7.19 are intended to provide protection from vehicular damage only and do not include all the engineering factors that can be required. (See Annex B.)

7.1.14 When a tank is installed in a location that does not afford reasonable protection from motor vehicle damage, it shall be protected by posts or guardrails as specified in Clause 7.19.4.

7.1.15 Any kiosk within 25 ft (7.6 m) of the point of transfer shall not be heated by an appliance with an open flame.

7.1.16 When a tank is installed in an area of high snowfall, (a) the location of the tank shall be marked with stakes that extend above the maximum anticipated snow depth; and (b) the regulator, relief valves, and fill valves shall be covered by a protective cap or dome.

7.2 Relief valves 7.2.1 A tank shall be equipped with a properly sized, spring-loaded relief valve that meets the requirements of the provincial or territorial authority where it is to be installed.

7.2.2 All relief valves shall have direct communication with the vapour space of tanks.

7.2.3 All relief valves shall be so arranged that the possibility of tampering will be minimized. If the pressure setting or adjustment is by external means, the relief valve shall be provided with means for sealing the adjustment.

7.2.4 A shut-off valve or other device shall not be installed between a relief valve and a tank, except that a shut-off valve may be used when the full required flow capacity is maintained through another relief valve.

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7.2.5 A loose-fitting rain cap shall be provided for all tank relief valves.

7.3 Emergency shut-off valves 7.3.1 An emergency shut-off valve shall be installed at all tank truck or cargo liner transfer locations when (a) the tank has a capacity in excess of 5000 USWG (18 900 L); or (b) tanks are manifolded together, utilizing a common or manifolded liquid transfer line, and the tanks have an aggregate volume in excess of 5000 USWG (18 900 L).

7.3.2 When an emergency shut-off valve is required by Clause 7.3.1, it shall be installed within 20 ft (6,1 m) of linear pipe from the terminal end of the hose or swivel-type piping.

7.3.3 When the propane flow is only in one direction, a back check valve may be used in lieu of an emergency shut-off valve, provided that the back check valve is installed in the fixed piping downstream of the hose or swivel-type piping.

7.3.4 An emergency shut-off valve shall be installed so that the temperature-sensitive element in the valve or a supplemental temperature-sensitive element that has a melting point not in excess of 250°F (120 °C) is connected to actuate the valve in case of fire and is located not more than 5 ft (1.5 m) from the nearest end of the hose or swivel-type piping connected to the line in which the valve is installed.

7.3.5 An emergency shut-off valve and back check valve shall be installed in the plant piping to ensure that any break resulting from a pull occurs on the hose or swivel-type piping side of the connection while retaining the valves and piping intact on the plant side of the connection.

7.3.6 An emergency shut-off valve shall incorporate all of the following means of closure: (a) automatic shut-off through thermal actuation; (b) manual shut-off from a remote location; and (c) manual shut-off at the installed location.

7.3.7 Secure anchorage for all emergency shut-off valves shall be provided in the form of designed bulkheads of reinforced concrete or steel.

7.3.8 Installation of a system incorporating an emergency shut-off valve shall be in accordance with the installation requirements of the manufacturer of the components of the system.

7.3.9 A shear point shall be designed in the piping downstream of an emergency shut-off valve and the bulkhead anchorage.

7.4 Excess-flow and back check valves Note: See Clause J.3.

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7.4.1 Subject to Clauses 7.4.2 to 7.4.4 and 7.5.2, each tank opening utilized for product flow shall be equipped with an excess-flow valve sized for the application or a back check valve. A combination excess-flow valve and back check valve designed for liquid evacuation shall not be acceptable for this purpose.

7.4.2 A tank greater than 125 USWG (475 L) capacity that does not have a valve that can be used for liquid evacuation shall be provided with a plugged-type combination excess-flow valve and back check valve designed for this purpose, the size of which shall be not less than NPS 3/4. A plugged tank opening shall not be acceptable for this purpose.

7.4.3 An excess-flow valve shall not be required in the vapour withdrawal service piping from a tank when (a) the discharge from a service outlet is controlled by a shut-off valve (i) threaded directly into the service outlet of the tank; or (ii) that is an integral part of, or threaded directly into, a heavy-duty fitting that is threaded into or on the service outlet of the tank; (b) the shut-off valve is equipped with an attached hand-wheel or equivalent; and (c) the controlling orifice between the contents of the tank and the outlet of the tank shut-off valve does not exceed 5/16 in (8 mm) in diameter.

7.4.4 Instead of using an excess-flow valve, a tank opening may be fitted with a quick-closing internal valve that, except during operating periods, shall remain closed. The internal mechanism for the valve shall be provided with secondary controls, consisting of a fusible link or plug with a melting point of not more than 220°F (105 °C), that shall cause the internal valve to close in case of fire.

7.4.5 A tank of 2000 USWG (7500 L) capacity or less, filled on a volumetric basis, shall be equipped for filling into the vapour space.

7.4.6 The filling connection of every tank with a capacity in excess of 200 lb (90 kg) of propane shall be equipped with one of the following: (a) a combination of a back check valve and an excess-flow valve; (b) one double or two single back check valves, one seat of which shall be other than the metal-to-metal seat type; or (c) a valve of the positive shut-off type in conjunction with either an internal excess-flow valve or an internal back check valve.

7.4.7 A tank with a capacity of 200 lb (90 kg) of propane or less installed outside a building may have the filling connection equipped with a single back check valve of other than the metal-to-metal seat type. 

7.4.8 Any line utilized for product flow shall have a flow capacity greater than the rated flow of the excess-flow valve protecting the line.

7.5 Pressure gauges on tanks 7.5.1 Every storage tank of 2000 USWG (7500 L) capacity or over shall be provided with a pressure gauge.

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7.5.2 A nozzle opening in a tank or a through-fitting attached directly on a tank to which a pressure gauge connection is made need not be equipped with a shut-off or excess-flow valve if such an opening is restricted to not larger than a No. 54 drill size (1.4 mm).

7.6 Liquid-level gauges on tanks 7.6.1 Each tank shall be equipped with at least one gauge of the rotary, slip-tube, or fixed-liquid-level type.

7.6.2 A gauge of the float type need not be equipped with an excess-flow valve.

7.6.3 Liquid-level gauges, such as rotary, fixed-liquid-level, or slip-tube types, that require the bleeding of propane to the atmosphere shall be so designed that no bleed valve opening is larger than a No. 54 drill size (1.4 mm) unless provided with an excess-flow valve.

7.6.4 The length of a dip tube of a fixed-liquid-level gauge shall indicate the maximum liquid level to which a tank may be filled.

7.6.5 When a fixed-liquid-level gauge is used on a tank, the length of the dip tube, prefixed with the letters “DT”, shall be stamped on the exterior of the gauge and on the tank.

7.7 Filling of tanks 7.7.1 When a rotary, slip-tube, or equivalent type gauge is used, the filling density shall not exceed that specified in Table 7.1.

7.7.2 When a fixed-liquid-level gauge is used on an above-ground storage tank, the filling density shall not exceed that specified in Table 7.2.

7.7.3 A tank with under 300 lb (135 kg) water capacity may be filled by weight in accordance with Clause 6.4.2(a).

7.7.4 Propane in vapour or liquid phase shall not be discharged to the atmosphere to assist in transferring the contents of one tank to another, except to a container with a maximum capacity of 5 lb (2.5 kg) of propane or less. Venting for the purpose of gauging at the liquid-level gauge shall be permitted as described in Clause 7.6.3.

7.7.5 A tank shall be gauged and filled outdoors or in a building designed for such a purpose.

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Table 7.1 Maximum permitted filling density of a tank by liquid volume (rotary or slip-tube gauge) (See Clause 7.7.1 and Table 6.2.) Temperature of liquid

Propane relative density 0.51

Butane relative density 0.58

°F

(°C)

0–1200 USWG (0–4500 L), %

Over 1200 USWG (over 4500 L), %

0–1200 USWG (0–4500 L), %

Over 1200 USWG (over 4500 L), %

–50

(–45)

71.4

76.7

79.1

83.8

– 40

(–40)

72.2

77.6

79.9

84.6

–30

(–35)

73.0

78.5

80.5

85.3

–20

(–29)

73.9

79.4

81.2

86.0

–10

(–23)

74.9

80.4

82.0

86.8

0

(–18)

75.7

81.4

82.7

87.6

10

(–12)

76.7

82.4

83.5

88.4

20

(–7)

77.6

83.4

84.4

89.3

30

(–1)

78.7

84.6

85.2

90.2

40

(4)

79.9

85.8

86.1

91.2

50

(10)

81.0

87.2

87.0

92.1

60

(16)

82.0

88.6

87.9

93.1

70

(21)

83.7

90.1

88.9

94.1

80

(27)

85.1

91.6

89.9

95.2

90

(32)

86.8

93.3

90.9

96.3

100

(38)

88.4

95.3

92.1

97.6

Table 7.2 Maximum permitted filling density of a tank by liquid volume (fixed-liquid-level gauge) (See Clause 7.7.2.) Temperature of liquid

Propane relative density 0.51

Butane relative density 0.58

°F

(°C)

0–1200 USWG (0–4500 L), %

Over 1200 USWG (over 4500 L), %

0–1200 USWG (0–4500 L), %

Over 1200 USWG (over 4500 L), %

40

(4)

79.9

85.8

86.1

91.2

7.7.6 A tank and its supports that show evidence of damage, deterioration, or incorrect installation shall not be filled.

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7.8 Installation of underground tanks 7.8.1 A tank shall only be installed underground with the approval of the authority having jurisdiction.

7.8.2 A tank to be installed underground shall be designed and identified by the tank manufacturer for underground service and shall be provided with means for placing it into position without damage to the tank or its protective coating. Any damage to the coating shall be repaired in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions before backfilling.

7.8.3 Buried or submerged surfaces of tanks, piping, and fittings shall be cathodically protected by impressed current or by the use of sacrificial anodes supplied and sized by the tank manufacturer or shall be designed by a registered professional engineer accredited by the National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE).

7.8.4 If cathodic protection is provided by the use of sacrificial anodes, (a) the outer surface of the tank shall be blast cleaned so that all surfaces are free from dirt, grease, and loose material; (b) the outer surface of the tank shall be coated to a thickness of 0.016 in (0.4 mm) with a compound conforming to the requirements of either CAN/ULC-S603.1 or CAN/CGSB-1.184; (c) the outer surface of the tank shall be coated with a compound certified by the manufacturer to meet the requirements listed in Item (b); and (d) the cathodic protection design criteria shall include a current density of 11.58 mA/ft2 (125 mA/m2) applied on the coated structure’s surface.

7.8.5 If cathodic protection is provided by the use of impressed current, the tank, piping, and fittings need not be coated.

7.8.6 Cathodic protection shall be designed and operated to continuously maintain a minimum potential on all buried or submerged surfaces of –850 mV as measured with respect to a copper/copper sulphate reference electrode.

7.8.7 Corrosion-control monitoring shall be done on an annual basis to ensure that the requirement specified in Clause 7.8.6 is satisfied using a copper/copper sulphate reference electrode. Measurement of impressed current systems shall be made by means of a permanently installed meter clearly marked to meet the requirement of Clause 7.8.6. Records of test results shall be maintained. 

7.8.8 The tank, piping, and fittings shall be dielectrically isolated from other metal structures by the use of dielectric unions, couplings, flange sets, or specially made isolating fittings. To accommodate electrical system grounding to the pump, either a polarization cell shall be provided or the pump shall be dielectrically isolated from the tank and piping. Note: Non-metallic tubing installed between metallic piping and an underground tank is acceptable as a dielectric joint.

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7.8.9 An underground tank shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions and be set on a firm foundation and surrounded with sand firmly tamped into place. The foundation shall be made of (a) 12 in (300 mm) of firmly tamped sand; or (b) 6 in (150 mm) of firmly tamped sand over a concrete base. At least 12 in (300 mm) of firmly tamped sand backfill, free of rocks and gravel, shall surround all surfaces of the tank. See Annex H.

7.8.10 Where flooding conditions can occur, an underground tank shall be securely anchored or weighted to prevent flotation.

7.8.11 The minimum distance between the top of an underground tank and grade shall be in accordance with Table 7.3. Cover slabs shall extend at least 12 in (300 mm) beyond the tank perimeter on all sides. Adequate protection in the form of fencing, guardrails, or bumper posts that comply with the requirements of Clause 7.19.4 shall be provided for the above-ground piping system and relief valve exhaust stacks to prevent abrasive action or physical damage from vehicular traffic. See Annex H. 

7.8.12 An underground storage tank with a capacity of 2000 USWG (7500 L) or less shall be located a minimum distance of (a) 5 ft (1.5 m) from a line of adjoining property that cannot be built upon, or from other underground services; and (b) 10 ft (3 m) from a line of adjoining property that can be built upon, from a building, or from another underground tank.



7.8.13 An underground storage tank with a capacity greater than 2000 USWG (7500 L) shall be located at a minimum distance of (a) 5 ft (1.5 m) from other underground services; (b) 10 ft (3 m) from another underground tank; and (c) 50 ft (15.2 m) from a line of adjoining property or a building.

Table 7.3 Underground tanks (See Clause 7.8.11.)

44

Location

Minimum distance between top of tank and grade, in (mm)

Nontraffic area

One of the following: (a) 14 (350) soil cover; or (b) 12 (300) soil cover plus 4 (100) concrete cover for a total cover of 16 (400).

Traffic area

One of the following: (a) 36 (900) soil cover; (b) 18 (450) soil cover plus 6 (150) concrete cover for a total cover of 24 (600); or (c) 18 (450) soil cover plus 8 (200) asphaltic cover for a total cover of 26 (650).

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7.8.14 Connections to a tank installed underground shall be located within a covered dome, housing, or curb box. Underground systems shall be installed so that all terminals for connecting filling hoses and any opening through which there can be flow from a safety relief valve or pressure regulator vent are located above the normal maximum water table. Terminals for connecting filling hoses, openings for flow from safety relief valves, and the interior of domes, housings, and curb boxes shall be kept clean of debris and shall be provided with ventilated louvres or their equivalent.

7.8.15 A dome, housing, or curb box shall not be larger than necessary for the operation and maintenance of the valves and fittings and shall not be more than 3 ft (0.9 m) in depth. See Annex H.

7.8.16 A tank that has been used underground shall not be installed above-ground without inspection and testing to ensure compliance with the requirements for an above-ground tank.

7.8.17 When an underground tank is to be taken out of service, (a) as much liquid propane as possible shall be removed through the tank liquid withdrawal connection; (b) as much of the remaining propane vapour as possible shall be removed by means of a compressor or flaring, or both; (c) the tank shall be purged with an inert gas to remove the remaining propane vapour; and (d) the tank and piping shall be removed.

7.8.18 An underground storage tank shall not be filled in excess of 90% of the filling capacity.

7.9 Discharge from tank relief valves 7.9.1 The discharge from any relief valve of a tank, except that of a tank located on a vehicle, shall not terminate in any building.

7.9.2 On a underground tank with a capacity greater than 2000 USWG (7500 L), the discharge of a safety relief valve shall be piped vertically upward to a point at least 7 ft (2.1 m) above the ground and all underground tanks used in dispensing stations shall be piped vertically upward to a point at least 10 ft (3.0 m) above the ground. 

7.9.3 On an underground tank with a capacity of 2000 USWG or less, the discharge of a safety relief valve and other vent devices or lines may be vented within the dome, housing or curb box. The area of ventilation openings shall be at least equal to the combined discharge areas of the pressure relief devices and other vent devices or lines that discharge into the dome, housing, or curb box.

7.9.4 On a tank of 125 USWG (475 L) capacity or less, the discharge from a relief valve shall be located not less than 3 ft (0.9 m) horizontally from any opening into a building below the level of such discharge.

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7.9.5 On a tank with a capacity greater than 125 USWG (475 L), the discharge from a relief valve shall be vented vertically upwards and shall be unobstructed to the outdoors in such a manner as to prevent any impingement of propane upon any tank. A loose-fitting rain cap shall be used.

7.10 Location of consumer tanks 7.10.1 Except as permitted in Clause 5.11 of this Code and Clause 5.14.1 of CSA B149.5, every tank shall be located outside of a building. 

7.10.2 A tank used in a consumer application shall be located with respect to a property line, building opening, or an adjacent tank in accordance with Table 7.4, except that (a) a maximum of four tanks, each less than 125 USWG (475 L), that are manifolded together to form a system may be located against a common wall of a building. Not more than one such manifold system may be located against a common wall of a building unless separated by a distance of 10 ft (3 m); and (b) when the single largest container in a manifolded system is allowed in Clause 7.10.2(a), then the aggregate capacity is not used when determining separation distance to an important building, group of buildings, or line of adjoining property that can be built upon. The largest single container in the manifolded system shall be used to determine the clearances required in Table 7.4.



7.10.3 A tank used in a consumer application shall be located with respect to a property line, building opening, or an adjacent tank in accordance with Table 7.4, except that (a) for capacities over 125 USWG (475 L) and up to and including 500 USWG (1900 L), the clearance from building walls may be reduced to 3 ft (1 m) for a single tank, provided that (i) the building wall is of concrete or masonry construction; (ii) there is a minimum of 10 ft (3 m) to the nearest building opening; and (iii) the tank is used only for vapour service; and (b) for capacities over 125 USWG (475 L) and up to and including 5000 USWG (19 000 L), the clearances from building walls of other than concrete or masonry construction may be reduced to the clearances specified for concrete or masonry wall construction if protection acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction is provided.

7.11 Tank supports 7.11.1 Secure anchorage or sufficient pier height shall be provided for each tank to prevent flotation wherever high flood water can occur.

7.11.2 A horizontal tank with a capacity of 2000 USWG (7500 L) or less shall (a) be mounted on a maximum of two supports, and these supports shall be of noncombustible material in the form of piers, pads, saddles, blocks, steel beam skid rails, or concrete, each of sufficient strength to support the weight of the tank when filled to capacity with propane; (b) not be installed with an individual block or pad at each leg of the tank; (c) have the top of any support not less than 3 in (75 mm) above grade, and the clearances between the bottom of the tank and grade shall not be less than 6 in (150 mm); and (d) be installed with a maximum distance of 30 in (750 mm) between the bottom of the tank and a concrete pad, slab, or grade.

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7.11.3 A vertical tank of 125 USWG or less shall be installed in accordance with Clause 6.7.1 of this Code. A vertical tank greater than 125 USWG capacity shall be secured to a reinforced concrete base (see Figure B.2) that (a) extends at least 1 ft (300 mm) from all sides of the tank surface of the pad and shall be above grade level; (b) has been designed to have a maximum bearing pressure on the soil of 2000 lb/ft2 (95 kPa); (c) limits the distance between the bottom of the tank and the concrete pad to a maximum of 30 in (750 mm); and (d) is subject to the approval of the authority having jurisdiction.

7.11.4 Horizontal tanks with a capacity greater than 2000 USWG (7500 L) shall (a) be mounted on not more than two concrete saddles or piers; (b) have footings located below the frost line that are designed for a maximum bearing pressure on the soil of not more than 2000 lb/ft2 (95 kPa); (c) have corrosion protection provided on that portion of the tank in contact with concrete piers or saddles; and (d) have a space of not less than 24 in (600 mm) between the underside of the tank and the grade level.

Table 7.4 Location of above-ground tanks for consumer applications limited to vapour withdrawal and/or liquid withdrawal to a vaporizer (See Clauses 7.10.2, 7.10.3 and 9.3.2 and Annex M.)

Total aggregate water capacity, USWG (L)

Minimum distance, ft (m), between tank and property line; adjacent concrete or masonry building wall with no building openings within the specified clearances; or source of ignition*

Minimum distance, ft (m), between tank and building wall of other than concrete or masonry construction

Up to and including 125 (475)

None‡

None

Over 125 (475) up to and including 1000 (3800)

10 (3)

10 (3)

10 (3)

3 (0.9)

Over 1000 (3800) up to and including 2000 (7800)

10 (3)

25 (7.6)

25 (7.6)

3 (0.9)

Over 2000 (7800) up to and including 5000 (19 000)

15 (5)

25 (7.6)

25 (7.6)

3 (0.9)

Over 5000 (19 000) up to and including 10 000 (38 000)

25 (7.6)

25 (7.6)

25 (7.6)

3 (0.9)

Over 10 000 (38 000)

§

§

Minimum distance, ft (m), between tank and building opening 3 (0.9)

§

Minimum distance, ft (m), between tank and adjacent tank† None

§

*Distances to property lines may be amended by the authority having jurisdiction. †If tanks of a multiple tank installation are installed on a common base or pier, the clearances may be reduced at the discretion of the authority having jurisdiction. ‡10 ft (3 m) from any source of ignition. §At the discretion of the authority having jurisdiction.

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7.11.5 Notwithstanding the requirements in Clause 7.11.4, horizontal tanks with a capacity greater than 2000 USWG (7500 L) may be mounted on a skid frame, provided that (a) the skid frame assembly is designed to accommodate anticipated loads; (b) the skid frame assembly is installed on a concrete slab, foundation, or compacted base designed to accommodate static and dynamic loads imposed by the tank and skid frame; and (c) steps are taken to allow for differential movement between any fixed piping and the skid frame assembly.

7.12 Filling plants and refill centres 7.12.1 Lighting shall be provided to illuminate the tank area, including control valves and other equipment, when loading or unloading is done during other than daylight hours.

7.12.2 Means of access for firefighting, using a fire extinguisher or fire department apparatus, shall be provided to the storage tank areas or buildings.

7.12.3 Prominently displayed “NO SMOKING”* signs or symbols shall be installed at all entrances and points of propane transfer. Lettering shall be a minimum of 4 in (100 mm) high and shall be red on a white background. Symbols shall be a minimum of 7-1/2 in (300 mm) in diameter. *The equivalent French wording is “DÉFENSE DE FUMER”.

7.12.4 A tank and its equipment shall be located not less than 25 ft (7.6 m) from any drain, sewer, or pit unless the pit is equipped with an automatic flammable vapour leak detection system.

7.12.5 A tank shall not be installed above another tank.

7.12.6 In heavily populated or congested areas, the authority having jurisdiction may determine restrictions of individual tank capacity, total storage, distance to line of adjoining property, and other requirements.

7.12.7 A container filling or storage building shall not contain a heating plant or any source of ignition and shall not be heated except by indirect means.

7.12.8 A transfer hose used for loading or unloading a storage tank shall be disconnected from a cargo liner, tank truck, or tank car immediately after transfer operations have been completed. A cargo liner, tank truck, or tank car shall have all transfer hoses disconnected if an attendant is not present.

7.12.9 Transfer valves and the electrical system controlling the pumping equipment shall be turned off when not in use.

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7.12.10 A sign shall be prominently displayed on or adjacent to a tank and visible from the filling location, and shall be worded as follows: “NO SMOKING — TURN OFF ALL SOURCES OF IGNITION”* (in lettering that is a minimum of 2 in (50 mm) high) and “TRANSPORT CYLINDERS SECURED IN AN UPRIGHT POSITION IN A VENTILATED SPACE”† (in lettering that is a minimum of 1 in (25 mm) high). *The equivalent French wording is “DÉFENSE DE FUMER — COUPER TOUTES LES SOURCES D’ALLUMAGE”. †The equivalent French wording is “LORS DU TRANSPORT, FIXER SOLIDEMENT LES BOUTEILLES EN POSITION VERTICALE DANS UN ENDROIT AÉRÉ”.

Lettering shall be red on a white background.

7.12.11 A sign shall be prominently displayed on or adjacent to a tank and visible from the filling location, and shall be worded as follows: “IT IS AN OFFENCE TO FILL PROPANE CYLINDERS AND MOTOR FUEL CONTAINERS IN EXCESS OF 80% CAPACITY BY VOLUME”*. *The equivalent French wording is “IL EST INTERDIT DE REMPLIR LES BOUTEILLES DE PROPANE ET LES RÉCIPIENTS DE CARBURANT POUR MOTEURS À UNE CAPACITÉ DÉPASSANT 80 % DE LEUR CAPACITÉ TOTALE EN VOLUME”.

Lettering shall be a minimum of 1 in (25 mm) high and shall be red on a white background.

7.12.12 There shall be provision in the design of the installation of the tank and pumping equipment to permit differential movement.

7.12.13 The liquid withdrawal opening shall be equipped with an internal safety control valve or an internal excess-flow valve with a remotely operated valve of the emergency shut-off type installed within 6 in (150 mm) of the excess-flow valve.

7.13 Electrical equipment at filling plants Electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures at filling plants (bulk plants) shall be classified according to Table 7.6.

7.14 Storage of containers at filling plants 7.14.1 A cylinder may be stored in a container filling and storage building that meets the requirements of Clause 7.17.3.

7.14.2 When stored outdoors, a container shall be inside the fenced area of a filling plant and shall (a) be stored 25 ft (7.6 m) or more from the property line; (b) be kept clear of means of access to any storage tank, container storage area, or building; (c) be stored not less than 4 ft (1 m) from the fence when the fence has openings greater than 2 × 2 in (50 × 50 mm), but may be stored alongside a fence when the fence has openings 2 × 2 in (50 × 50 mm) or smaller; and (d) not be stored within 25 ft (7.6 m) of the filling plant storage tank.

7.15 Fencing of filling plants A filling plant shall be enclosed with a fence constructed in accordance with Clauses 6.5.2.2 and 6.5.2.3. At least two gates through the fencing shall be provided, and the fence shall enclose and be located not less than 10 ft (3 m) from (a) a container filling room or container filling location; (b) any loading and unloading outlet for a cargo liner or tank truck;

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(c) any pump or compressor; and (d) any filling plant storage tank.

7.16 Location of tanks at filling plants and container refill centres A tank shall be located in accordance with Table 7.5.

7.17 Container filling locations with provisions for container storage 7.17.1 Container filling locations with provisions for container storage shall be located not less than (a) 10 ft (3 m) from any tank; (b) 25 ft (7.6 m) from the line of adjoining property; and (c) 25 ft (7.6 m) from any source of ignition.

7.17.2 A pump and compressor may be located in a container filling room(s) or building(s), provided that these rooms or buildings are located in accordance with Clause 7.17.1 and constructed in accordance with Clause 7.17.3. 

Table 7.5 Location of tanks at filling plants and container refill centres (See Clauses 7.16 and 7.19.1.1.) Minimum distance, ft (m), between tank and property line; adjacent concrete or masonry building wall with no building openings or windows within the specified clearances; or source of ignition

Minimum distance, ft (m), between tank and building openings, windows, or building wall other than concrete or masonry

Minimum distance, ft (m), between tank and adjacent tank*

Minimum distance, ft (m), between tank and near side of main rail line†

Up to and including 2000 (7500)

10 (3)

25 (7.6)

3 (0.9)

25 (7.6)

Over 2000 (7500) up to and including 5000 (19 000)

15 (5)‡

25 (7.6)

3 (0.9)

100 (30)

Over 5000 (19 000) up to and including 10 000 (38 000)

25 (7.6)‡

25 (7.6)

3 (0.9)

100 (30)

Over 10 000 (38 000) up to and including 30 000 (113 550)

50 (15,2)‡

50 (15.2)

5 (1.5)

100 (30)

Over 30 000 (113 550) up to and including 70 000 (264 950)

75 (22.5)‡

75 (22.5)

1/4 of the sum of diameters of adjacent tanks

100 (30)

Over 70 000 (264 950) up to and including 90 000 (340 650)

100 (30)‡

100 (30)

1/4 of the sum of diameters of adjacent tanks

100 (30)

Total water capacity of tanks, USWG (L)

(Continued)

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Table 7.5 (Concluded)

Total water capacity of tanks, USWG (L)

Minimum distance, ft (m), between tank and property line; adjacent concrete or masonry building wall with no building openings or windows within the specified clearances; or source of ignition

Minimum distance, ft (m), between tank and building openings, windows, or building wall other than concrete or masonry

Over 90 000 (340 650)

125 (37.5)‡

125 (37.5)

Minimum distance, ft (m), between tank and adjacent tank* 1/4 of the sum of diameters of adjacent tanks

Minimum distance, ft (m), between tank and near side of main rail line† 100 (30)

*If tanks of a multiple tank installation are installed on a common base or pier, the clearance may be reduced at the discretion of the authority having jurisdiction. †Where applicable, the requirements of Clause 7.18.2 shall apply. ‡These distances are subject to the prior approval of the authority having jurisdiction, which may amend the spacing requirement. Note: A building does not include a container filling or storage building, a pump room, or a building housing an indirect vaporizer.



7.17.3 A container filling or storage building, a building containing a pump and compressor, or a building containing a vaporizer shall (a) be built of or covered with noncombustible materials, except that rafters, floor, and studs that are exposed to the interior may be of wood; (b) be ventilated with openings to the outside air in at least two walls, exclusive of doors, at floor level and at or near the ceiling. Each opening shall have an opening to floor area ratio of not less than 1:600. These ventilation openings shall be not less than 10 ft (3 m) horizontally from any air intake of any appliance or air-moving equipment or any other opening into any building; (c) have floor at or above grade. Any space below a floor shall be well ventilated and kept free of combustible material or the space shall be filled in with tamped earth; (d) have two or more exits when the travel distance to an exit is more than 15 ft (4.5 m) (additional exits shall be provided when the distance between exits in the same wall is more than 75 ft (22.5 m); and (i) exit doors shall swing to open outward; and (ii) any latch on an exit door shall be only of the magnetic or friction type; (e) have explosion relieving to the outdoors of not less than 1 ft2 (0.1 m2) for each 50 ft3 (1.4 m3) of building volume. The type of explosion relief venting shall be one of the following: (i) an open area; (ii) an outwardly opening sash; (iii) an explosion-relief panel; or (iv) single-strength glass; and (f) have all pressure relief valve discharges vented to the exterior, and shall not be within 3 ft (0.9 m) of a ventilation opening unless the relief discharges vertically upward and is above the roof line.

7.17.4 Except at container refill centres, a tank truck or cargo liner transfer connection shall be located not less than (a) 25 ft (7.6 m) from the line of adjoining property and any source of ignition; (b) 10 ft (3 m) from any pump or compressor if housed in one or more separate buildings; (c) 10 ft (3 m) from any storage tank; and (d) 10 ft (3 m) from a container filling building.

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7.18 Filling plants served by rail 7.18.1 When a distribution location or filling plant is located on private property but served by rail, the requirements of Clause 7.16 shall apply in conjunction with the TC requirements for the siding and unloading tower.

7.18.2 When a distributing location or filling plant is located on railway property, TC requirements shall apply. 

7.18.3 When a filling plant is used for the transfer of propane from a rail car to tank truck, tank trailer, or cargo liner, it shall (a) satisfy the requirements of Clauses 7.12 to 7.18 and 7.19.4; and (b) be approved by the authority having jurisdiction.



7.19 Container refill centres 7.19.1 General 7.19.1.1 A tank shall be located in accordance with Table 7.5.

7.19.1.2 A container refill centre shall meet the requirements of Clauses 6.5.1 and 6.5.2 if it is used for the storage of containers.

7.19.1.3 The aggregate capacity of tanks installed in accordance with Clause 7.19 shall not exceed 5000 USWG (19 000 L).

7.19.1.4 A ventilated cabinet, an enclosure, or fencing used in conjunction with a tank shall be locked when unattended.

7.19.1.5 A service valve normally located under the dome of a tank shall (a) have the outlet opening plugged unless it is to be used (i) for vapour withdrawal service; or (ii) as a connection for the pump bypass piping; and (b) not be used for both vapour withdrawal service and as a connection for the pump bypass piping at the same time.

7.19.1.6 At least one portable fire extinguisher of not less than 20-B, C rating shall be installed in a readily accessible location at a container refill centre.

7.19.1.7 A container refill centre shall be equipped with a clearly identified and readily accessible means to shut off the propane system and electrical power to the propane pump and propane dispenser during an emergency.

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7.19.1.8 A vehicle fuel dispenser shall incorporate a manual (deadman) flow control that shuts off the propane supply when the control is released.

7.19.1.9 A kiosk doorway shall not be located within 10 ft (3 m) of any point of transfer it faces.

7.19.2 Fencing of container refill centres When protection for the primary valves and other transfer equipment of a tank is not provided by a cabinet or enclosure constructed in accordance with Clause 7.19.3, the tank shall be enclosed by fencing, constructed in accordance with Clause 6.5.2.2 or 6.5.2.3, which shall be located not less than 42 in (1080 mm) from any point on the tank.

7.19.3 Ventilated cabinets or enclosures When a tank is used in conjunction with a ventilated cabinet or enclosure housing dispensing equipment, (a) only its relief valves, gauging device, Schedule 80 bypass pipe, and filler valve shall be permitted to be located outside of the cabinet or enclosure; and (b) the manually operated internal safety control valve shall incorporate a means to prevent closure of the cabinet door when the valve is open, except that an alternative means of shut-off may be used that ensures the internal safety control valve remains closed unless the propane dispenser is activated.

7.19.4 Protection against vehicular traffic (see Annex B) 7.19.4.1 Posts used for the protection of a tank shall (a) be spaced not more than 54 in (1350 mm) apart; (b) be buried not less than 36 in (900 mm) below grade; (c) extend at least 30 in (750 mm) above grade; and (d) be one of the following: (i) 4 in (100 mm) capped steel pipe; (ii) 4 in (100 mm) tubing filled with concrete; (iii) 8 in (200 mm) pressure-treated wood, either square or round; or (iv) 6 in (150 mm) minimum dimension reinforced concrete.

7.19.4.2 Guardrails used for the protection of a tank shall be (a) of the steel deep beam type, 12 × 162 in (300 × 4050 mm), supported by 6 in (150 mm) minimum pressure-treated wooden posts buried not less than 36 in (900 mm) below grade and located not more than 75 in (1875 mm) apart, centre to centre, and the bottom of the beam shall be 18 in (450 mm) above grade; or (b) of the reinforced concrete barrier type, commonly referred to as the New Jersey Turnpike barrier, not less than 30 in (750 mm) in height, with a width of base not less than the height. See Figure E.1 in Annex E for an illustration of a typical barrier.

7.19.4.3 Posts or guardrails used for the protection of a tank shall be located (a) not less than 42 in (1080 mm) from all sides of the tank, ventilated cabinet, or enclosure; and (b) to ensure that a minimum of 42 in (1080 mm) will be maintained between the point of transfer or cylinder-filling scale and any source of ignition, including vehicles. 

7.19.4.4 Barriers, other than those specified in Clauses 7.19.4.1 and 7.19.4.2, that provide an equivalent level of protection may be used. Equivalency may be demonstrated by physical testing or engineering analysis.

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7.19.5 Electrical equipment Electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures located at a storage tank, filling building or area, pump, compressor, point of transfer, or similar location shall be classified according to Table 7.6. 

7.20 Dispensing system 7.20.1 A propane dispensing system shall be located at least (a) 10 ft (3 m) from (i) a property line; (ii) a drainage basin or ditch; (iii) any noncombustible building wall; and (b) 25 ft (7.6 m) from a combustible building wall unless approved fire protection is provided.

7.20.2 A propane dispenser or vehicle fuel dispenser located on an island shall be protected from damage with the use of posts (a) as stipulated in Clause 7.19.4.1, Items (b) to (d); and (b) located to provide a minimum of (i) 1 ft (300 mm) of clear space between the posts and the propane dispenser; and (ii) 42 in (1080 mm) of clear space between the posts and propane dispenser located on an island that incorporates a cylinder filling scale. As an alternative to Items (a) and (b), a propane dispenser or vehicle fuel dispenser used for vehicle filling and located on an island shall have the pump and the ISC valve interlocked so that the valve is closed when the pump is not running, and the ends of the island shall be protected with posts in accordance with Clause 7.19.4.1. The island shall be made of concrete and shall be a minimum of 3.5 in (9 cm) above the vehicle-travelled portion of the area adjacent to the vehicle fuel dispenser. See Annex N. When purging equipment is provided, a vent pipe shall be installed to discharge the vapours to an ignition-free location at least 10 ft (3.m) from the propane dispenser. Note: Vehicles are not normally considered a source of ignition within the dispensing zone, provided that the engine and any source of ignition is turned off before and during the refuelling. The person who is filling or purging any propane container is responsible for ensuring that there is no source of ignition within 10 ft (3 m) measured horizontally.

7.20.3 A piping system, located below grade, from a tank to a propane dispenser located on an island shall be installed (a) underground in accordance with the provisions of Clause 6.15 of CSA B149.1; or (b) in a trough as shown in Figure C.1 of Annex C. Piping used in the concrete trough shall be protected from corrosion and comply with the requirements of Clause 6 of CSA B149.1, with the exception of Clause 6.15.

7.20.4 Except as specified in Clause 7.19.3(b), and except when the dispensing system is activated, the internal safety control valve serving the propane or vehicle fuel dispenser shall remain closed. The propane or vehicle fuel dispenser and internal safety control valve shall be interlocked either electrically or pneumatically. Other means of shutting off the fuel system shall be used on the piping system serving the propane dispenser or vehicle fuel dispenser when closure of the internal safety control valve can interrupt other services. This shutoff device shall be located as close as practical to the tank and interlocked with the propane dispenser or vehicle fuel dispenser as above.

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Table 7.6 Electrical classification



(See Clauses 6.5.1.11, 6.5.1.12, 6.5.2.6.1, 7.13, 7.19.5, and 8.8.1 and Figure F.1.)

Part

Location

Extent of hazardous location*

A

Storage containers other than cylinders and ASME vertical containers of less than 1000 lb (454 kg) water capacity

Within 15 ft (4.5 m) in all directions from connections, except connections otherwise covered in this Table

B

Tank vehicle and tank car loading Within 10 ft (3 m) in all directions from and unloading‡ connections regularly made or disconnected for product transfer

C

D

E

Zone of Class I, Group IIA hazardous location† Zone 2

Zone 1

Beyond 10 ft (3 m) but within 25 ft (7.6 m) 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

Zone 2

Within 5 ft (1.5 m) in all directions from point of discharge

Zone 1

Beyond 5 ft (1.5 m) but within 15 ft (4.5 m) in all directions from point of discharge

Zone 2

Within the direct path of discharge

Zone 1 Note: Fixed electrical equipment should preferably not be installed.

Within 5 ft (1.5 m) in all directions from point of discharge

Zone 1

Beyond 5 ft (1.5 m) but within 15 ft (4.5 m) in all directions from point of discharge except within the direct path of discharge

Zone 2

Entire room and any adjacent room not separated by a gas-tight partition

Zone 1

Within 15 ft (4.5 m) of the exterior side of any exterior wall or roof that is not vapour-tight or within 15 ft (4.5 m) of any exterior opening

Zone 2

(b) indoors with adequate ventilation§; or

Entire room and any adjacent room not separated by a gas-tight partition

Zone 2

(c) outdoors in open air at or above grade.

Within 15 ft (4.5 m) in all directions from this equipment and within the cylindrical volume between the horizontal equator of the sphere and grade

Zone 2

Gauge vent openings other than those on cylinders and ASME vertical containers of less than 1000 lb (454 kg) water capacity Relief device discharge other than those on cylinders and ASME vertical containers of less than 1000 lb (454 kg) water capacity

Pumps, vapour compressors, gas/air mixers, and vaporizers (other than direct-fired or indirect-fired with an attached or adjacent gas-fired heat source) in one of the following conditions: (a) indoors without ventilation;

(Continued)

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Table 7.6 (Continued) Zone of Class I, Group IIA hazardous location†

Part

Location

Extent of hazardous location*

F

Service station vehicle fuel dispenser units

Entire space within vehicle fuel dispenser enclosure, or up to a solid partition within the enclosure at any height above the base; the space within 18 in (450 mm) horizontally from the vehicle fuel dispenser enclosure up to 4 ft (1.2 m) above the base or to the height of a solid partition within the enclosure; entire pit or open space beneath the vehicle fuel dispenser

Zone 1

The space above a solid partition within the vehicle fuel dispenser enclosure; the space up to 18 in (450 mm) above grade within 20 ft (6.1 m) horizontally from any edge of the vehicle fuel dispenser enclosure

Zone 2

Entire pit or trench

Zone 1

Entire room and any adjacent room not separated by a gas-tight partition

Zone 2

Within 15 ft (4.5 m) in all directions from pit or trench when located outdoors

Zone 2

Entire pit or trench

Zone 2

Entire room and any adjacent room not separated by a gas-tight partition

Zone 2

Within 15 ft (4.5 m) in all directions from pit or trench when located outdoors

Zone 2

G

Pits or trenches containing, or located beneath, LP-gas valves, pumps, vapour compressors, regulators, and similar equipment (a) without mechanical ventilation; or

(b) with adequate mechanical ventilation.

H

Special buildings or rooms for storage of portable containers

Entire room

Zone 2

I

Pipelines and connections containing operational bleeds, drips, vents, or drains

Within 5 ft (1.5 m) in all directions from point of discharge

Zone 1

Beyond 5 ft (1.5 m) from point of discharge (extent of classified areas characterized as they are in Part E)

As shown in Part E, as applicable (Continued)

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Table 7.6 (Concluded) Zone of Class I, Group IIA hazardous location†

Part

Location

Extent of hazardous location*

J

Container filling: (a) indoors with adequate ventilation§; or

Within 5 ft (1.5 m) in all directions from connections regularly made or disconnected for product transfer

Zone 1

Beyond 5 ft (1.5 m) and entire room

Zone 2

Within 5 ft (1.5 m) in all directions from the dispensing hose inlet connections for product transfer

Zone 1

Beyond 5 ft (1.5 m) but within 15 ft (4.5 m) in all directions from the dispensing hose inlet connections and within the cylindrical volume between the horizontal equator of the sphere and grade (see Figure F.1)

Zone 2

(a) up to and including 1000 lb (454 kg) water capacity; or

Within 5 ft (1.5 m) in all directions from connections

Zone 2

(b) greater than 1000 lb (454 kg) water capacity.

Within 15 ft (4.5 m) in all directions from connections

Zone 2

(b) outdoors in open air.

K

Outdoor cylinder storage: aggregate storage of propane

*The classified area shall not extend beyond an unpierced wall, roof, or solid vapour-tight partitions. †See the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I, for definitions of classes, groups, and zones. Most of the flammable vapours and gases found within the facilities covered by this Standard are classified as Group IIA. ‡When classifying the extent of the 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. §Where specified for the prevention of fire or explosion during normal operation, ventilation is considered adequate where provided in accordance with the provisions of this Code. Notes: (1) For additions to, modifications of, renovations to, or operation and maintenance of existing facilities employing the Division system of classification for Class 1 locations, the Division system of classification may continue in use. (2) When using the Division system, for the purpose of this Table the following minimum hazardous location classification substitution may be used: (a) Division 1 = for areas classified Zone 1; and (b) Division 2 = for areas classified Zone 2. Zone 1 rated equipment is not permitted in Division 1 locations; for additional information, see Canadian Electrical Code, Part I.

7.20.5 Refuelling and emergency instructions shall be posted at the dispensing island or filling location of a card/key lock or fleet vehicle refueling location.

7.20.6 At least one sign shall be provided at each propane vehicle fuel dispenser island or location. The sign shall (a) be no smaller than 8-1/2 × 11 in (215 × 280 mm); (b) bear (i) the words “NO SMOKING WITHIN 3 M — TURN IGNITION OFF BEFORE REFUELLING”* in black letters not less than 1 in (25 mm) in height on a yellow background; or

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(ii) the international “NO SMOKING” and “IGNITION OFF” symbols, using symbols at least 4 in (100 mm) in diameter in red and black on a white background; and (c) be visible to all drivers as they approach the vehicle fuel dispenser island or location. *The equivalent French wording is “DÉFENSE DE FUMER DANS UN RAYON DE 3 M — COUPER LE MOTEUR PENDANT LE REMPLISSAGE”.

7.20.7 A vehicle fuel dispenser shall be located outdoors and may be located under an overhead canopy for weather protection.

7.20.8 A dispensing system shall not be supported by piping, tubing, or other connected equipment, and shall be (a) anchored on an independent concrete foundation; or (b) mounted on a common base as part of a complete storage and dispensing system.

7.20.9 The vehicle fuel dispenser hose shall be equipped with a breakaway quick-closing coupling (of a type that closes in both directions when uncoupled) to minimize the escape of propane from the uncoupled components in the event that the breakaway coupling becomes accidentally uncoupled. The maximum tensile force necessary to effect breakaway shall be 88 lbf (391 N) in any horizontal direction.

7.20.10 Product supply piping to a propane dispenser shall be installed in accordance with the requirements of Clause 6 of CSA B149.1 and shall (a) have its discharge pressure limited to the working pressure of the propane dispenser; (b) contain a shut-off valve upstream of the dispenser to permit the propane dispenser to be removed temporarily if necessary; and (c) contain an excess-flow valve at the inlet to the propane dispenser.

7.20.11 Vapour return piping from a vehicle fuel dispenser to a storage tank shall be equipped with an excess-flow valve. This valve and the valve specified in Clause 7.20.10(c) shall be anchored to the dispenser system foundation, independent of the propane dispenser or vehicle fuel dispenser frame.

7.21 Movement of tanks not designed for transportation or delivery of propane 

7.21.1 Requirements for the transportation of tanks not intended for transport and containing not more than 5% capacity are prescribed in CSA B622.

7.21.2 The lifting lugs on a tank shall not be used as the means of lifting a tank containing propane in excess of 5% of its water capacity. 

7.22 Operations and maintenance procedures 7.22.1 General Procedures shall be established appropriate to tank systems, filling plants, container refill centres, and other facilities where liquid propane is piped to a vaporizer or process, as follows: (a) operating procedures sufficient to ensure safety and reliability in the day-to-day operation of the facility; and

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(b) maintenance procedures, covering testing, inspection, monitoring, and documenting the equipment, its repair and general upkeep.

7.22.2 Documentation of procedures The procedures in Clause 7.22 shall be documented in a form appropriate to the particular facility in notices, manuals, guidelines, or other recorded instructions on view or readily available at the facility. Note: See Annex L on risk and safety management plans.

7.22.3 Review and maintenance of procedures The procedures shall be modified when necessary because of equipment or organizational changes, and reviewed as required.

7.22.4 Operating procedures The operating procedures shall be appropriate to the particular facility and shall take into account, amongst other things, the following: (a) emergency procedures; (b) emergency evacuation procedures and designated safe location; (c) product transfer and handling procedures; (d) monitoring of essential functions and equipment; (e) housekeeping and site maintenance; (f) any manufacturer’s operating instructions for equipment; (g) equipment not in use (i.e., isolation, deactivation, identification); (h) maintaining clear spaces for access; (i) maintaining clearances for setbacks; (j) personnel safety; (k) personal protective equipment; (l) control of ignition sources; (m) grounding and bonding; (n) control of access, security, and lock-up; (o) vehicle movement and parking; and (p) operator experience.

7.22.5 Maintenance procedures 7.22.5.1 Maintenance procedures shall be appropriate to the particular facility and shall take into account, amongst other things, the following: (a) inspection of protective devices, alarms; (b) regular inspection and testing of hoses; (c) regular review of emergency procedures; (d) regular review of emergency evacuation procedures and designated safe location; (e) propane purging procedures; (f) isolation and tagging; (g) fire extinguishers and fire fighting equipment; (h) piping, pumps, valves, and other propane equipment; (i) storage tanks; (j) electrical equipment; (k) fencing and security measures, signage, and notices; (l) lighting; (m) regular inspection and testing of vaporizers; and (n) any manufacturer’s maintenance instructions for equipment.

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7.22.5.2 Persons who perform maintenance on these propane systems shall be trained in the hazards of the system and in the maintenance and testing procedures applicable to the facility.

8 Tank trucks, tank trailers, and cargo liners 8.1 General 8.1.1 All tank trucks, tank trailers, and cargo liners shall be designed, fabricated, and marked in accordance with the requirements of CSA B620. 

8.1.2 Propane equipment on a tank and its related piping shall be maintained in good working order and kept free of leaks at all times. Note: The requirements for design, manufacture, repair, inspection, test, marking, selection, and use of tank trucks, tank trailers, cargo liners, and portable tanks for transporting propane are prescribed by the Transport of Dangerous Goods Regulations of Transport Canada.

8.2 Electrical equipment and lighting on tank trucks, tank trailers, and cargo liners 8.2.1 A tank truck, tank trailer, or cargo liner shall not be equipped with illumination other than that from an electric source. Lighting circuits shall have overcurrent protection, and the wiring shall have sufficient current-carrying capacity to accommodate the electrical load. The wiring shall be secured, grommetted, and protected against damage.

8.2.2 Electric motors, wiring, equipment, and fixtures enclosed in the cabinet shall conform with the provincial or territorial electrical code or the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I, for Class I, Zone 2, Group IIA hazardous locations.

8.3 Engine fuel When propane is used in a truck engine, the fuel system shall be installed in accordance with CSA B149.5.

8.4 Filling of tank trucks, tank trailers, and cargo liners 8.4.1 A tank shall be filled in accordance with Clause 7.7.

8.4.2 A tank truck, tank trailer, or cargo liner being filled shall be gauged by weight, by a fixed-liquid-level gauge, or by a rotary gauge. 

8.4.3 The content of a cargo tank or cargo liner may be transferred to the cargo tank on another tank truck or cargo liner in an emergency. The transfer of propane from a cargo tank or cargo liner for any purpose other than an emergency shall only be performed when specifically approved by the authority having jurisdiction.

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Note: For the purposes of this provision, “emergency” means a sudden, urgent, usually unexpected occurrence or occasion such as a general power failure, plant mechanical failure, incident, or vehicle mechanical failure requiring immediate action to protect or reduce the hazard to public safety.



8.4.4 At a location other than a filling plant, the content of a rail car may be transferred to a tank truck, tank trailer or cargo liner when approved by the authority having jurisdiction.

8.5 Operation of tank trucks, tank trailers, and cargo liners 8.5.1 Tank truck, tank trailer, and cargo liner drivers and their assistants shall not smoke and shall do all within reason to prevent smoking within 10 ft (3 m) of the vehicle.

8.5.2 Portable lights used in connection with the storage and handling of propane shall be suitable for Class I, Group IIA hazardous locations.

8.6 Parking vehicles used to transport propane 8.6.1 The requirements of Clause 8.6 shall apply to the parking of vehicles used for the transportation of propane in a container or by tank truck, tank trailer, or cargo liner.

8.6.2 When parked, a loaded tank truck, tank trailer, or cargo liner shall be positioned so that the relief valve communicates with the vapour space of the tank.

8.6.3 A vehicle carrying propane and parked outdoors shall comply with the following: (a) Except in an emergency and as provided in Item (b), a vehicle shall not be left unattended on any street, highway, parking lot, avenue, or alley. This shall not prevent drivers from absenting themselves from their vehicles in connection with their normal duties, rest stops, and washroom or meal stops during the day or night. (b) A vehicle required to provide emergency delivery of propane may be parked (i) at a driver’s place of residence, provided that 25 ft (7.6 m) clearance from any other building is maintained; (ii) at an alternative location that is at least 25 ft (7.6 m) from any building; or (iii) at least 50 ft (15.2 m) from any building used for assembly, care or detention, or multiple residential occupancy.

8.6.4 Notwithstanding Clause 8.6.3(a) and (b), a tank truck, tank trailer, or cargo liner shall not be parked in a congested or heavily populated area or within 50 ft (15,2 m) of a building used for assembly, care, or detention, or multiple residential occupancy except for the purpose of transferring product.

8.6.5 Subject to Clause 8.6.3, any vehicle used to transport propane and parked at a filling plant, container refill centre, or a location readily accessible to the public shall be within the confines of a fenced area constructed in accordance with the requirements of Clause 6.5.2.2 or 6.5.2.3.

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8.6.6 The driver shall ensure that all valves and transfer equipment are closed and secured from tampering. 

8.6.7 A tank truck, tank trailer, or cargo liner used for storage shall comply with Clause 7.

8.7 Vehicles parked in public parking garages 8.7.1 A tank truck, tank trailer, or cargo liner parked in a public parking garage shall have all liquid propane removed from the tank, piping, pump, meter, hoses, and related equipment, and the vapour pressure in the transfer hose shall be reduced to atmospheric. All valves shall be closed prior to moving the vehicle indoors, and the terminal end of the transfer hose shall be plugged, capped, or connected to the vapour return connection of the tank.

8.7.2 A vehicle carrying containers shall not be parked in a public parking garage until every container has been removed.

8.8 Vehicles parked in private garages 8.8.1 A vehicle carrying propane may be parked in a private garage, provided that (a) the public is excluded from such a building; (b) there is proper ventilation and explosion relief; (c) all electrical equipment in such a building is in accordance with Part H of Table 7.6; (d) there is no open flame or other source of ignition in the building; (e) any leak in the piping system and equipment mounted on the vehicle is repaired prior to moving the vehicle indoors; (f) shut-off valves on tanks and other containers on the vehicle are closed and the transfer hose outlets are plugged, capped, or connected to the vapour return connection to the tank by the driver; (g) the owner or a person authorized by the owner has gauged the tank truck, tank trailer, or cargo liner outdoors and is assured that the contents are not in excess of 50% of its maximum permitted filling density; (h) the vehicle, when indoors, is not in a location where the temperature of the propane will exceed 100°F (38 °C); and (i) the garage is located not less than 25 ft (7.6 m) from any property line and any building, other than a container filling or container storage building, and at least 50 ft (15.2 m) from any building used for assembly, care, or detention, or multiple residential occupancy.

8.8.2 A service vehicle carrying cylinders as part of its equipment shall not be parked in any garage other than a private garage. The total propane capacity of the cylinders shall not exceed 100 lb (45 kg) for each vehicle.

8.9 Repair or servicing in private garages The repair or servicing of the engine or chassis of a propane-carrying vehicle in a building shall comply with Clause 8.8.

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8.10 Repair or servicing in repair garages 8.10.1 When it is necessary to take a vehicle used for transporting propane into a repair garage for major repairs of the engine or chassis, the requirements of Clause 8.7 shall apply.

8.10.2 When it is necessary to take a vehicle used for transporting propane into a repair garage for minor repairs or maintenance on the engine or chassis, including the washing of the cab, chassis, and tank, the driver of the vehicle shall be in attendance at all times when the vehicle is indoors and shall ensure that (a) any propane leak is repaired or the requirements of Clause 8.7.1 are fulfilled; (b) all shut-off valves on containers are closed; (c) before a vehicle is moved indoors, the liquid propane is removed from the piping system, pump, meter, transfer hose, and related equipment, that the vapour pressure is reduced to atmospheric, and that the transfer hose outlet is plugged, capped, or connected to the vapour return connection to the tank; (d) the contents in a tank are not in excess of 50% of its maximum permitted filling density; (e) the vehicle, when indoors, is not in a location where the temperature of the propane will exceed 100°F (38 °C); (f) the vehicle, when indoors, is not located below grade; and (g) the vehicle is not taken into a repair garage located in a multi-level commercial or industrial building.

9 Vaporizers 9.1 General 9.1.1 A vaporizer shall be protected against tampering and damage. 

9.1.2 Vaporizers that are designed to return heated propane to the storage container shall be considered tank heaters.

9.1.3 A building used to house a vaporizer shall not have a drain to a sewer or sump pit.

9.1.4 A building or room used for propane vaporizing or mixing shall comply with the requirements of Clause 7.17.3.

9.1.5 Heating or cooling coils shall not be installed inside a container.

9.1.6 A vaporizer shall have a manually operated valve in each connection to a container.

9.1.7 A vaporizer shall not raise the pressure in a container in excess of 215 psig (1500 kPa).

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9.1.8 A vaporizer shall be provided with suitable automatic means to prevent propane in the liquid phase from passing from the vaporizer to the vapour discharge piping.

9.1.9 An open flame or other source of ignition shall not be permitted in a building housing a vaporizer unless the vaporizer is a direct-fired vaporizer. 

9.1.10 An emergency shutdown system shall be installed in any tank system supplying propane to a direct-fired vaporizer. The electric or pneumatic or mechanical shutoff system shall be able to be activated by pushing a panic button, or pulling a chain or cable that shall be located at least 25 ft (7.6 m) away from the vaporizer and tank(s) and shall be able to shut off the supply of propane to the vaporizer by closing the valves at the liquid line and the gaseous line at the tank.

9.1.11 Where a direct-fired vaporizer is used on a permanent installation, an effective means of controlling heavy ends from entering the downstream piping shall be installed.

9.1.12 A vaporizer shall be installed on a firm, level, noncombustible base unless otherwise approved.

9.2 Indirect vaporizers 9.2.1 An indirect vaporizer classified as a pressure vessel shall be designed, constructed, tested, and marked in accordance with CSA B51 and the regulations of the boiler and pressure vessel inspection authority of the province or territory in which it is installed.

9.2.2 An indirect vaporizer with an inside diameter of 6 in (150 mm) or less that is exempted from the requirements of CSA B51 shall have a design working pressure of not less than 250 psig (1750 kPa) and need not be permanently marked. 

9.2.3 The heating medium piping connected to an indirect vaporizer shall be provided with backflow preventers and phase separators to prevent the flow of propane into such piping. When an indirect vaporizer is installed in a building, the phase separators shall be installed outdoors or shall be vented outside.

9.2.4 A boiler that provides the heat required for producing steam, hot water, or another heating medium to an indirect vaporizer shall be located in a place that is separated from any compartment or room containing an indirect vaporizer, a pump, or propane/air mixing equipment by a fire separation of 2 h fire-resistance rating of propane-vapour-tight construction. The compartment or room containing the indirect vaporizer, pump, or propane/air mixing equipment shall be ventilated to the outdoors near the floor line and the roof. 

9.2.5 If the heat source of an indirect-fired vaporizer is a source of ignition, is not certified for hazardous locations, and is located within 15 ft (4.5 m) of the vaporizer, the vaporizer and its heat source shall be installed as a direct-fired vaporizer.

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9.2.6 An indirect vaporizer shall be installed so as not to interfere with the filling of the container or the servicing of container components.

9.2.7 An indirect vaporizer that uses electricity for its heating medium shall be provided with a labelled, accessible disconnect switch with a means of locking the switch in the OFF position.

9.3 Direct-fired vaporizers 9.3.1 Subject to Clause 9.3.4, a direct-fired vaporizer shall not be permitted in a pumphouse, a container filling or storage room, or in any other building or room.

9.3.2 A direct-fired vaporizer is considered a source of ignition and shall be located at a distance in accordance with the requirements of Table 7.4 from any tank or from the fill points of any tank, and at least 25 ft (7.6 m) from a building or property line. See Annex M.

9.3.3 Propane/air mixing equipment located within a building shall be separated from a direct-fired vaporizer by a fire separation that has a 2 h fire-resistance rating and is of propane-vapour-tight construction.

9.3.4 A direct-fired vaporizer may be installed in a building used exclusively to house it and its related equipment, provided that the building is constructed in accordance with Clause 7.17.3, and a sign is prominently displayed on the exterior of the building at all entrances with the wording “WARNING: STORAGE OF ANY MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT IS PROHIBITED”* (in lettering that is a minimum of 2 in (50 mm) high). *The equivalent French wording is “AVERTISSEMENT : L’ENTREPOSAGE DE MATÉRIAUX OU D’APPAREILLAGES EST INTERDIT”.



9.4 Tank heaters 9.4.1 Direct-fired tank heaters shall not be used.

9.4.2 Direct-type tank heaters shall be installed only on aboveground ASME containers.

9.4.3 Tank heaters shall only be installed on steel containers.

9.4.4 If the tank heater is similar in operation to an indirect-fired vaporizer, the tank heater and its heat source shall comply with Clause 9.2.

9.4.5 Direct-type tank heaters shall be removed annually, and the container surface shall be inspected for coating damage and corrosion.

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9.4.6 Tank heaters shall be approved for the application, shall be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and shall be permanently and legibly marked with the following: (a) rated energy output in BTU/hr (kW); (b) maximum vaporizing capacity in gallons per hour (litres per hour); (c) minimum container size for which the heater is designed to be installed upon; and (d) name or symbol of the manufacturer

9.4.7 Manufacturer’s instructions for tank heaters shall provide direction for their use for heating propane containers.

9.4.8 Tank heaters shall prevent the heater from raising the pressure in the storage container to more than 215 psig (1500 kPa).

9.4.9 Tank heaters either shall not heat an empty (propane liquid) container or they shall not heat the surface of the container above 90°F (32 °C).

9.4.10 Container systems having tank heaters that remove propane liquid and return heated propane shall have a vapour discharge connection that is separate from the heated propane return line.

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Annex A (informative) Purging procedures for propane containers Note: This informative Annex has been written in normative language to facilitate adoption where users of the Code or regulatory authorities wish to adopt it formally as additional requirements to this Code.

A.1 Procedure for purging anhydrous ammonia from propane containers Wear a gas mask approved for ammonia service and suitable protective gloves during the purging procedures. Ensure that other protective and emergency procedures and equipment conform with regulations covering the handling of ammonia. Follow the steps outlined in Items (a) through (i): (a) Make certain that ammonia liquid has been removed from the container and that the pressure is reduced to atmospheric. (b) Water purge the container using the procedure outlined in Clause A.2 or follow the procedures in the NPGA Safety Bulletin 122.* (c) Test for the presence of ammonia by using the test method in Clause A.3 or in the publication referenced in Item (b). (d) Repeat the water purge until tests show that all the ammonia has been removed. (e) Make certain that all valves and fittings are operational and have not been damaged by rust and scale loosened by the purging. (f) Check that the relief valves on the container are adequate for propane service. Propane requires a relief valve that has approximately 2 times more free discharge area than required for anhydrous ammonia. (g) Make certain that valves, pumps, compressors, and, in particular, hoses and fittings are designed for propane service. (h) Check pressure gauges for accuracy. (i) After purging and checking as described above, and before the container is put into propane service, remove air and moisture in accordance with Clause A.4. *The publication is available from the Canadian Propane Association.

A.2 Purging flood — Water method To remove anhydrous ammonia or propane from a tank, the following method can be used: (a) Observe all safety precautions relative to the material being purged from the tank. (b) After tank pressure has been reduced to atmospheric, open all top valves and remove the relief valves. (c) If the tank to be purged is a cargo liner or tank truck, block up the tank to minimize the possibility of damage caused by abnormal weight. (d) Drain or pump the water from the tank. Flow water through any bottom valves or piping. Note: Water solutions of ammonia should not be emptied into sewers, drainage ditches, or streams. They should be spread over soil.

Other recognized methods of purging anhydrous ammonia or propane from a tank are as effective and are not precluded by the above method.

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A.3 Red litmus paper test for ammonia in propane This test shall follow the purging of ammonia from tanks: (a) The rotary gauge shall be positioned at the 100% mark and opened to allow a moderate stream of vapour to escape. (If no rotary gauge is present, then an outage gauge or some other source of vapour as near the top of the tank as possible should be used.) If no pressure is present in the tank, the test may be taken through an opening near the top of the tank. (b) A piece of red litmus paper that has been wetted by pouring distilled water on it shall be held by tweezers in the vapour stream or in the atmosphere inside the tank for 30 s. (c) If ammonia is present, the litmus paper will turn blue. The accuracy of this test depends on the position in which the litmus paper is held in the stream of gas, the rate at which the gas is escaping, and the cleanliness and care with which the litmus paper is handled. This test is fairly sensitive and will detect the presence of ammonia in concentrations as low as 1 ppm. The darker and faster the colour change, the higher the ammonia concentration. Usually 5 ppm contamination will cause a colour change in about 10 s; 1 ppm will usually cause a slight change in about 30 s. Note: Since the red litmus paper will turn blue when exposed to any basic solution, care should be taken in performing the test and interpreting the results. Tap water, saliva, and hands that have come into contact with water having a pH greater than 7 or with ammonia-contaminated product from a previous test could give an erroneous reading.

A.4 Removal of air and moisture from cylinders and motor fuel cylinders A.4.1 General New and reconditioned propane containers and propane containers that have had their interiors exposed to the atmosphere, such as during a valve change, shall be purged of air and moisture. Both air and moisture are contaminants that seriously interfere with the operation of a propane system. Air in a container prevents it from being properly filled and interferes with the appliances connected to the system. Note: Air and moisture in a container can react with the odorant that is added to the propane. This can cause a chemical reaction that can accelerate odour fade and thus diminish a person’s ability to detect a leak in the cylinder, piping, or appliance to which the container is connected.

A.4.2 Moisture removal Even if a careful inspection (using a pen flashlight) reveals no visible moisture, the container shall still be dried, since dew can form on the walls. Additionally, the contained air can have relative humidity up to 100%. A rule of thumb for removing moisture in a container calls for the introduction of at least 1 pint (0.6 L) of genuine absolute anhydrous methanol (99.85% pure) for each 100 gal (450 L) of water capacity of the container. Substitutes shall not be used; they will not work. The secret of the superior effectiveness of methanol, compared to all other alcohols, is that it has high affinity for water and has a boiling point lower than all other alcohols and, most importantly, lower than water. To be effective, the methanol shall come in contact with the water. Rotating the container so that the entire interior surface of the container has been wetted by the methanol will speed up the absorption process. If the container is not rotated, it will take about a week for the methanol to absorb the moisture. In either case, the resulting solution of methanol and water shall be drained before the container is put into service. On this basis, the minimum volumes for typical containers would be as shown in Table A.1.

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Table A.1 Minimum volumes of methanol for typical containers (See Clause A.4.2.)

Container type

Minimum volume of methanol required

Up to 20 lb (9 kg)

1/40 pt (20 mL)

100 lb (45 kg)

1/8 pt (0.1 L)

500 gal (2250 L) tank

5 pt (3 L)

1000 gal (4500 L) tank

10 pt (7 L)

2000 gal (9000 L) tank

20 pt (11 L)

A.4.3 Purging air and moisture using propane vapour To remove air and moisture from a container being prepared for propane service using a purging assembly as shown in Figure A.1, complete the following steps: (a) If a quick disconnect is present, connect the appropriate adapter. Open the container service valve and blow down to atmospheric pressure air trapped in the container. (b) Inject 1/4 tsp (1 mL) of anhydrous methanol per 1 L (454 g) capacity of the container being purged into the container through the service valve and rotate the container until all interior metal of the container has been exposed to the anhydrous methanol. (c) Drain all liquid residues from the container. (d) Connect the vapour purge line to the service valve on the container and pressure to 15 psig (105 kPa). (e) Close the vapour purge line and blow the contents to atmosphere. (f) Repeat the steps in Items (d) and (e) four more times. (g) Open the vapour purge supply line and pressure the container to 15 psig (105 kPa). (h) Close the vapour purge supply valve and container service valves and retain the last 15 psig (105 kPa) filled into the container. (i) Disconnect the vapour purge supply line. (j) Connect the liquid supply line to the container service valve. Open the liquid supply and container service valves and charge to vapour pressure. (k) Apply leak detection solution to all surfaces of the service valve, the service valve threads, and all welded seams of the container. (l) If no bubble leaks are apparent, the container may be filled and placed in service. When purging containers, never use liquid propane. Use only vapour and always purge in a safe, ignition-free location.

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Alcohol intake and vapour-air exhaust Pressure gauge 15 psig (105 kPa) regulator Valve

15 psig (105 kPa)

Vapour Hose

Liquid

Supply Container to be purged

Figure A.1 Typical container purging system (See Clause A.4.3.)

A.4.4 Vacuum purging Ensure that the container is designed for the vacuum to which it will be subjected. To remove air and moisture from a container being prepared for propane service using vacuum purging, complete the following steps: (a) Connect the suction side of an LP-gas compressor to the container being purged. Open the container valve and turn the compressor on. (b) Ensure that any container opening is capped. (c) Ensure that the outlet of the compressor is venting the air to atmosphere. (d) Using an appropriate manometer, stop the process when the negative pressure reaches the value stated in Table A.2, according to the altitude above sea level of the location where the purging is taking place. (e) Shut the container valve off. (f) Connect the vapour line from the storage tank to the container. Open the valve and allow the flow of propane until a pressure of approximately 15 psig (105 kPa) is reached. (g) Add methanol as required and shut off the valve. The container is ready to be filled with propane.

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Table A.2 Negative pressure required for vacuum purging (See Clause A.4.4.) Altitude above sea level, ft

August 2015

Gauge reading, in Hg

0

25.85

500

25.31

1000

24.78

1500

24.26

2000

23.75

2500

23.24

3000

22.74

3500

22.25

4000

21.77

4500

21.29

5000

20.82

5500

20.35

6000

19.90

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Annex B (informative) Guide for tank installations (see Clause 7.19.4) Note: This Annex is not a mandatory part of this Code.

B

B

Entrances to suit B

Guardrail mounted on 6 in (150 mm) square wood posts 18 in (450 mm) height from grade. 1 ft (300 mm) approx.

A Grade

Concrete pad 75 in (1875 mm) max.

E

See Spacing Table on next page

Figure B.1 Installation of a horizontal tank

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C

Post (typical)

B

D

Spacing Table A = 30 in (750 mm) min. B = 42 in (1080 mm) min. C = 54 in (1350 mm) min. D = 12 in (300 mm) min. E = 36 in (900 mm) min.

B

B

Grade

A Concrete pad

E

Figure B.2 Installation of a vertical tank (See Clauses 5, 7.11.3, and 7.19.4.)

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74 Window (building opening)

kitchen fan

clearances required A/C compressor (source of ignion)

A

A

A

A

intake to direct vent appliance cylinder

A = 3 Ft. Min. (1m) B = 10 Ft. Min. (3m)

dryer vent

B

B

cylinder

electrical outlet B

B

10 . min. (3m)

crawl space opening

underground tanks

up to 2,000 USWG capacity (7,800 L)

10 . min. (3m) 10 . min. (3m)

NOTE: Clearance required between cylinder and heat exchanger: 10  min. (3 m) from air intake and 3  min. (1 m) from air outlet

A

10 . min. (3m)

central A/C compressor (source of ignion)

25 . min. (7,5m)

> 1, 0 ( 30,80 to 2 00 t ,000 o 7, US 800 WG L)

> 12 5 (475to 1,0 L to 00 US 3,80 WG 0 L) pro

per

is ty d

tan

ce

li

to nes

pe res

ct

10 . min. (3m)

10 . min. (3m)

Figure B.3 Cylinder and tank installations

© 2015 CSA Group

August 2015

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Propane storage and handling code

Annex C (informative) Concrete trough Note: This Annex is not a mandatory part of this Code.

No. 9 Wire mesh As required by plate thickness No. 4 Rebar Depth as required

Pipes

1in

Treated wood block

4 in

4 in

Width as required

4 in

Treated wood block

Detail cross-section

Steel plate traffic areas* (based on 23 370 lb truck wheel load) Plate thickness, in

Maximum span, in

1/4 5/8 3/4

10 13 15-1/2

*The plate thickness for other areas is 1/4 in.

Figure C.1 Concrete trough (See Clause 7.20.3(b).)

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Annex D (informative) Barrier protection Note: This Annex is not a mandatory part of this Code.

Figure D.1 Illustration of a typical New Jersey turnpike barrier (See Clause 7.19.4.2.)

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Annex E (informative) Piping expansion and flexibility Note: This informative Annex has been written in normative language to facilitate adoption where users of the Code or regulatory authorities wish to adopt it formally as additional requirements to this Code.

E.1 General Problems with thermal expansion are not usually experienced in residential piping systems because the piping is relatively short. However, in commercial and industrial buildings there can be substantial variations in the lengths of gas piping mains as the indoor temperature changes on weekends or between seasons. Provisions shall be made in the piping design for flexibility to avoid undesirable bending and strong forces at elbows or joints. This flexibility is obtained by the use of designed pipe bends, loops, offsets, expansion, hints, or swivel joints. The piping shall be anchored at appropriate locations to control the direction of expansion and contraction.

E.2 Gas piping to rooftop units Due to the wide range of temperatures on a roof between summer and winter, piping design shall provide for expansion and contraction. Because of the exposure to sunlight and rain or snow, coated or wrapped gas piping is not recommended. Bare steel piping and fittings shall be cleaned after assembly, painted with a metal primer, and given at least one coat of exterior enamel paint. Expansion control loops should be used on pipe sizes of 2 in (50 mm) or less whenever the unrestrained pipe length is at least 100 ft (30 m). Larger diameter piping is generally installed with expansion joints. As shown in Figure E.1, the control loops consist of 90° offsets to the main pipe run so that they provide an open-ended box configuration. For purposes of design, a 90° change of direction or an offset can be considered as the equivalent to a control loop when the offset length is at least three times Dimension A in Figure E.1. Some form of thermal expansion control shall be provided for each 100 ft (30 m). For example, a 200 ft (61 m) length needs to be anchored in the centre between each loop. An offset or 90° bend should have its anchor not closer than 10 ft (3 m) from the bend to permit expansion. Suitable pipe supports are commercially available to permit the free movement of piping when it expands and contracts.

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A

A

Iron pipe size, in

Wall thickness (Schedule 40), in (mm)

Dimension A, ft (m)

3/4

0.113 (2.87)

4.5 (1.4)

1

0.133 (3.38)

5.0 (1.5)

1-1/4

0.140 (3.56)

5.5 (1.6)

2

1.154 (29.31)

6.5 (2.0)

Figure E.1 Expansion control loop (See Clauses 7.19.4.2 and E.2.)

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Annex F (informative) Reference diagram for electrical classification Sphere having radius of 15 ft (4.5 m) — Zone 2 Sphere having radius of 5 ft (1.5 m) — Zone 1

Horizontal equator of sphere Point of connection or source of excessive release of liquid or gas

Grade level

Cylindrical volume — Zone 2 (includes bottom half of 15 ft (4.5 m) radius sphere)

Figure F.1 Electrical classification (See Table 7.6.)

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Annex G (informative) Sizing of dip tube length Note: This informative Annex has been written in normative language to facilitate adoption where users of the Code or regulatory authorities wish to adopt it formally as additional requirements to this Code.

Sizing of dip tube length shall be undertaken as follows: (a) Where the cylinder has a dip tube marking, install a dip tube whenever a cylinder valve is replaced. (b) To ensure that the correct dip tube length is selected, match the dip tube length stamped on the cylinder with the dip tube length provided on the replacement valve. (c) After selecting and installing the replacement valve equipped with the correct dip tube, weigh the cylinder and compare the tare weight to the tare weight stamped on the cylinder. (d) Where a variance is noted, stamp out the incorrect tare weight on the cylinder and re-stamp with the correct tare weight. (e) To ensure that the correct dip tube length has been installed, prior to returning the cylinder to service, purge the cylinder of air and moisture, then with the fixed-liquid-level gauge in the open position, fill the cylinder. (f) When liquid is observed at the fixed-liquid-level gauge, discontinue filling and weigh the cylinder to ensure that the correct fill level has been achieved. (g) Where the dip tube marking on a cylinder is missing or cannot be determined and the information is not readily available from the manufacturer, install a standard cylinder valve that does not contain provisions for a fixed-liquid-level gauge. (h) Prior to returning to service, confirm the correct tare weight.

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Propane storage and handling code

Annex H (informative) Guide for underground tank installations 12 in (300 mm)

3 in (75 mm) – 6 in (150 mm) above ground surface Riser collar

Back fill tamped sand 6 in (150 mm) 3 ft (1 m) max

6 in (150 mm) – 12 in (300 mm) tamped sand

12 in (300 mm)

Sacrificial anode (magnesium bag) locate below tank 12 in (300 mm)

Insulated solid copper wire

12 in (300 mm)

12 in (300 mm)

Locate sacrificial anode below and away from tank

12 in (300 mm)

12 in (300 mm)

Notes: (1) Overall depth of burial calculated using maximum 12 in (300 mm) bottom fill tamped sand and 6 in (150 mm) maximum above ground surface slope, originating at riser collar. (2) Where flooding conditions can occur, an underground tank shall be securely anchored or weighted to prevent flotation.



Figure H.1 Underground tank diagrams (See Clause 7.8.)

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Annex I (informative) General information Note: This Annex is not a mandatory part of this Code.

I.1 Abbreviations I.1.1 The following abbreviations of names of organizations apply in this Code: ASTM

American Society for Testing and Materials

CGA

Compressed Gas Association, Inc.

CGSB

Canadian General Standards Board

CSA

Canadian Standards Association

DOT

Department of Transportation

NFPA

National Fire Protection Association

NRC

National Research Council Canada

CPA

Canadian Propane Association

TC

Transport Canada

UL

Underwriters Laboratories Inc.

ULC

Underwriters’ Laboratories of Canada

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I.1.2 The following abbreviations of words and phrases apply in this Code: B&SG

— Brown and Sharpe gauge

Btuh

— British thermal unit per hour

°C

— degree Celsius

cfm

— cubic foot per minute

dm

— decimetre

°F

— degree Fahrenheit

ft

— foot

g

— gram

gal

— gallon

GPH

— gallon per hour

GSG

— galvanized sheet gauge

h

— hour

kg

— kilogram

kJ

— kilojoule

kPa

— kilopascal

kW

— kilowatt

L

— litre

lb

— pound

mA

— milliampere

MAWP — maximum allowable working pressure min

— minute

mm

— millimetre

MSG

— manufacturers standard gauge

N

— newton

No.

— number

NPS

— nominal pipe size

oz

— ounce

Pa

— pascal

ppm

— parts per million

psig

— pound per square inch gauge

pt

— pint

s

— second

scf

— standard cubic feet

SI

— International System of Units

SWG

— steel wire gauge

USWG

— United States water gallon

V

— volt

W

— watt

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w.c.

— water column

WC

— water capacity

wt

— weight

I.2 Propane and butane: properties and combustion data The following properties and combustion data have been taken from various sources, and the values shown are for an average commercial grade of propane and butane. It should be kept in mind that the commercial grades vary, and, therefore, the values in the tables can also vary.

Table I.1 Properties of commercial propane and butane (a) Imperial Property

Propane

Butane

Chemical formula

C3H8

C4H10

Molecular weight

44.06

58.10

Freezing point, °F, at atmospheric pressure

–310

–260

Boiling point, °F

– 44

32

Normal state, at 60°F, atmospheric pressure

Gas

Gas

Relative density of gas (air = 1)

1.52

2.00

Relative density of liquid (water = 1)

0.51

0.58

Mass per gal of liquid at 60°F, lb

5.1

5.8

Btu/ft (vaporized)

2520

3260

Btu/lb (vaporized)

21 622

21 190

Btu/gal (vaporized)

3

109 956

122 900

3

8.5

6.5

3

ft of vapour from 1 gal of liquid at 60°F

44

38

Latent heat of vaporization at boiling point, Btu/lb

185

166

Latent heat of vaporization at boiling point, Btu/gal

944

968

Specific heat of vapour, Btu/lb/°F at 60°F

0.405

0.385

Specific heat of liquid, Btu/lb/°F at 60°F

0.590

0.550

Mass density of vapour, lb/ft

0.116

0.153

Mass density of liquid, lb/ft3

31.7

36.0

ft of vapour from 1 lb of liquid at 60°F

3

(Continued)

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Table I.1 (Concluded) (b) Metric Property

Propane

Butane

Chemical formula

C3H8

C4H10

Molecular weight

44.06

58.10

Freezing point, °C, at atmospheric pressure

–190

–162

Boiling point, °C

– 42

0

Normal state, at 15 °C, atmospheric pressure

Gas

Gas

Relative density of vapour (air = 1)

1.52

2.00

Relative density of liquid (water = 1)

0.51

0.58

Mass per L of liquid at 15.5 °C, kg

0.51

0.58

kJ/m3 (vaporized)

93 800

121 500

kJ/kg (vaporized)

49 700

49 400

kJ/L (vaporized)

24 700

27 600

m3 of vapour from 1 kg of liquid at 15 °C

0.53

0.41

m of vapour from 1 L of liquid at 15 °C

0.265

0.22

Specific enthalpy, kJ/kg

430

386

Specific enthalpy, kJ/L

219

225

Specific heat of vapour, J/kg/°C at 15 °C

1695

1610

Specific heat of liquid, J/kg/°C at 15 °C

2470

2300

Mass density of vapour, kg/m3

1.86

2.45

Mass density of liquid, kg/L

0.51

0.58

3

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Table I.2 Combustion data (a) Imperial Property

Propane

Butane

23.5

30.0

ft of oxygen required to burn 1 ft of gas

5

6.25

ft3 of air required to burn 1 lb of gas

200

195

Ignition temperature, °F

920–1020

900–1000

Maximum flame temperature, °F

3600

3625

Percentage of gas in air for maximum flame temperature

4.4

3.5

Maximum rate of flame propagation in 1 in tube, in/s

32

33

Percentage of gas at lower limit

2.4

1.9

Percentage of gas at upper limit

9.5

8.5

Percentage of gas at maximum rate of flame propagation

4.8

3.8

Octane number (iso-octane 100)

125

91

ft3 of carbon dioxide (CO2)/ft3 of gas

3.0

3.9

ft3 of water vapour/ft3 of gas

4.0

5.0

ft of nitrogen (N2)/ft of gas

18.5

23.6

lb of water (H2O)/lb of gas

1.6

1.5

lb of nitrogen (N2)/lb of gas

12.0

11.8

Ultimate carbon dioxide (CO2) percentage by volume

13.9

14.1

3

3

ft of air required to burn 1 ft of gas 3

3

Limits of flammability, percentage of gas in air mixture:

Products of complete combustion:

3

3

(Continued)

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Table I.2 (Concluded) (b) Metric Property

Propane

Butane

23.5

30.0

5

6.25

m of air required to burn 1 kg of gas

12.3

11.7

Ignition temperature, °C

493–549

482–538

Maximum flame temperature, °C

1982

1996

Percentage of gas in air for maximum flame temperature

4.4

3.5

Maximum rate of flame propagation in 25 mm tube, mm/s

813

838

Percentage of gas at lower limit

2.4

1.9

Percentage of gas at upper limit

9.5

8.5

Percentage of gas at maximum rate of flame propagation

4.8

3.8

Octane number (iso-octane 100)

125

91

3.0

3.9

m of water vapour/m of gas

4.0

5.0

m3 of nitrogen (N2)/m3 of gas

18.5

23.6

kg of water (H2O)/kg of gas

1.6

1.5

kg of nitrogen (N2)/kg of gas

12.0

11.8

Ultimate carbon dioxide (CO2) percentage by volume

13.9

14.1

3

m of air required to burn 1 m3 of gas 3

3

m of oxygen required to burn 1 m of gas 3

Limits of flammability, percentage of gas in air mixture:

Products of complete combustion: m3 of carbon dioxide (CO2)/m3 of gas 3

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Table I.3 Temperature vs. pressure Temperature

Vapour pressure, psig (kPa)

°F

(°C)

Propane

– 45

(–43)

0 (0)

——

– 40

(–40)

1.5 (10.3)

——

–35

(–37)

3.4 (23.4)

——

–30

(–34)

5.6 (35.6)

——

–25

(–32)

8.0 (55.2)

——

–20

(–29)

10.7 (74)

——

–15

(–26)

13.6 (94)

——

–10

(–23)

16.7 (115)

——

–5

(–20)

20.0 (138)

——

0

(–18)

23.5 (162)

——

5

(–15)

27.2 (188)

——

10

(–12)

31.3 (216)

——

15

(–9)

35.9 (248)

——

20

(–7)

40.8 (281)

——

25

(–4)

46.2 (319)

——

30

(–1)

51.6 (356)

——

35

(2)

57.3 (395)

1.3 (9.0)

40

(4)

63.3 (437)

3.0 (20.7)

45

(7)

69.9 (482)

4.9 (33.8)

50

(10)

77.1 (532)

6.9 (47.6)

55

(13)

84.6 (583)

9.1 (62.7)

60

(16)

92.4 (637)

11.6 (80)

65

(18)

100.7 (694)

14.2 (98)

70

(21)

109.3 (754)

16.9 (117)

75

(24)

118.5 (817)

19.8 (137)

80

(27)

128.1 (883)

22.9 (158)

85

(29)

138.4 (954)

26.2 (181)

90

(32)

149.0 (1027)

29.8 (205)

95

(35)

160.0 (1103)

33.5 (231)

100

(38)

172.0 (1186)

37.5 (259)

105

(41)

185.0 (1276)

41.7 (288)

Butane

(Continued)

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Table I.3 (Concluded) Temperature

Vapour pressure, psig (kPa)

°F

(°C)

Propane

110

(43)

197.0 (1358)

46.1 (318)

115

(46)

211.0 (1455)

50.9 (351)

120

(49)

225.0 (1551)

56.1 (357)

125

(52)

239.0 (1648)

61.3 (423)

130

(54)

257.3 (1774)

66.7 (460)

135

(57)

273.3 (1884)

72.3 (498)

140

(60)

290.3 (2002)

77.9 (537)

165

(74)

——

145.3 (795)

180

(82)

——

145.3 (1002)

Butane

Table I.4 Burner port capacities Port size, drill no. (diameter, mm)

August 2015

Average recommended input per port, Btuh (kW)

Recommended port spacing, in (mm)

54

(1.4)

72

(0.021)

—

—

52

(1.61)

88

(0.026)

3/16

(4.8)

50

(1.78)

98

(0.029)

—

—

48

(1.93)

108

(0.032)

—

—

46

(2.06)

114

(0.033)

1/4

(6.5)

44

(2.18)

120

(0.035)

—

—

42

(2.37)

130

(0.038)

—

—

40

(2.49)

134

(0.039)

5/16

(7.9)

38

(2.58)

142

(0.042)

—

—

36

(2.71)

150

(0.044)

—

—

34

(2.82)

162

(0.047)

3/8

(9.5)

32

(2.95)

174

(0.051)

—

—

30

(3.26)

204

(0.06)

—

—

28

(3.57)

246

(0.072)

7/16

(11)

26

(3.73)

270

(0.079)

—

—

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Table I.5 Orifice capacity table Drill size (diameter, mm)

Orifice capacity, Btuh (kW) Propane

Butane

80

(0.343)

1 248

(0.366)

1 409

(0.413)

79

(0.358)

1 448

(0.413)

1 635

(0.479)

78

(0.406)

1 769

(0.518)

1 998

(0.585)

77

(0.457)

2 275

(0.666)

2 570

(0.753)

76

(0.508)

2 842

(0.83)

3 215

(0.94)

75

(0.533)

3 120

(0.91)

3 544

(1.04)

74

(0.572)

3 624

(1.06)

4 095

(1.2)

73

(0.61)

4 152

(1.22)

4 690

(1.37)

72

(0.635)

4 510

(1.32)

5 100

(1.49)

71

(0.66)

4 880

(1.43)

5 508

(1.61)

70

(0.711)

5 660

(1.66)

6 395

(1.9)

69

(0.743)

6 156

(1.8)

6 950

(2.0)

68

(0.787)

6 940

(2.0)

7 834

(2.3)

67

(0.813)

7 382

(2.2)

8 340

(2.4)

66

(0.838)

7 853

(2.3)

8 865

(2.6)

65

(0.889)

8 841

(2.6)

9 975

(2.9)

64

(0.914)

9 350

(2.7)

10 570

(3.1)

63

(0.94)

9 877

(2.9)

11 160

(3.3)

62

(0.965)

10 420

(3.1)

11 780

(3.5)

61

(0.991)

10 986

(3.2)

12 400

(3.6)

60

(1.02)

11 540

(3.4)

13 030

(3.8)

59

(1.04)

12 115

(3.5)

13 700

(4.0)

58

(1.07)

12 720

(3.7)

14 375

(4.2)

57

(1.09)

13 355

(3.9)

15 080

(4.4)

56

(1.18)

15 600

(4.6)

17 600

(5.2)

55

(1.32)

19 550

(5.7)

22 120

(6.5)

54

(1.4)

21 960

(6.4)

24 820

(7.3)

53

(1.51)

25 630

(7.5)

29 000

(8.5)

52

(1.61)

29 220

(8.6)

33 060

(9.7)

51

(1.7)

32 630

(9.6)

36 840

(10.8) (Continued)

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Propane storage and handling code

Table I.5 (Concluded)

Drill size (diameter, mm)

August 2015

Orifice capacity, Btuh (kW) 11 in w.c. (2.75 kPa) Propane

Butane

50

(1.78)

35 730

(10.5)

40 340

(11.8)

49

(1.85)

38 950

(11.4)

44 100

(12.9)

48

(1.93)

42 375

(12.4)

47 860

(14.0)

47

(1.99)

45 560

(13.3)

51 500

(15.1)

46

(2.06)

48 900

(14.3)

55 250

(16.2)

45

(2.08)

50 440

(14.8)

56 830

(16.6)

44

(2.18)

55 500

(16.3)

62 650

(18.4)

43

(2.26)

59 440

(17.4)

67 160

(19.8)

42

(2.37)

64 620

(18.9)

74 160

(21.7)

41

(2.44)

69 175

(20.2)

78 150

(22.9)

40

(2.49)

72 000

(21.1)

81 400

(23.8)

39

(2.53)

74 380

(21.8)

84 000

(24.6)

38

(2.58)

77 400

(22.7)

87 400

(25.6)

37

(2.64)

81 125

(23.8)

91 640

(26.9)

36

(2.71)

85 170

(25.0)

96 150

(28.3)

35

(2.79)

90 600

(26.6)

102 700

(30.1)

34

(2.82)

92 500

(27.1)

104 500

(31.0)

33

(2.87)

96 000

(28.1)

108 300

(31.7)

32

(2.95)

100 900

(29.6)

114 000

(33.4)

31

(3.05)

108 125

(31.7)

122 130

(35.8)

1/64

(0.397)

1 686

(0.492)

1 897

(0.556)

1/32

(0.794)

7 030

(2.1)

7 935

(2.3)

3/64

(1.19)

15 960

(4.7)

17 970

(5.3)

1/16

(1.59)

28 320

(8.3)

32 000

(9.4)

5/64

(1.98)

45 150

(13.2)

51 000

(14.9)

3/32

(2.38)

65 920

(19.3)

74 500

(21.8)

7/64

(2.78)

89 825

(26.3)

101 500

(29.7)

1/8

(3.18)

117 150

(34.3)

132 400

(38.8)

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Table I.6 Volume* and relative density† correction factors for propane and butane Temperature °F

(°C)

Propane 0.510

Butane 0.580

–50

(–46)

1.153

1.111

– 40

(–40)

1.140

1.101

–30

(–34)

1.128

1.092

–20

(–29)

1.114

1.082

–10

(–23)

1.100

1.072

0

(–18)

1.088

1.063

4

(–16)

1.082

1.059

8

(–13)

1.077

1.055

12

(–11)

1.071

1.051

16

(–9)

1.066

1.046

20

(–7)

1.061

1.042

24

(–4)

1.055

1.038

28

(–2)

1.049

1.034

32

(0)

1.043

1.030

36

(2)

1.037

1.025

40

(4)

1.031

1.021

44

(7)

1.025

1.017

48

(9)

1.019

1.013

52

(11)

1.012

1.009

56

(13)

1.006

1.004

60

(16)

1.000

1.000

64

(18)

0.994

0.996

68

(20)

0.987

0.991

72

(22)

0.981

0.987

76

(24)

0.974

0.982

80

(27)

0.967

0.978

84

(29)

0.960

0.974

88

(31)

0.953

0.969

92

(33)

0.946

0.964

96

(36)

0.939

0.959 (Continued)

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Propane storage and handling code

Table I.6 (Concluded) Temperature °F

(°C)

Propane 0.510

Butane 0.580

100

(38)

0.932

0.954

110

(43)

0.913

0.943

120

(49)

0.894

0.931

130

(54)

0.873

0.918

140

(60)

0.852

0.905

*A volume of propane measured at –50°F (– 46 °C) corresponds to the volume × 1.153 at 60°F (15 °C). †Propane at –50°F (– 46 °C) has a relative density of 0.510 × 1.153 = 0.588.

I.3 Estimation of total customer load The best way to estimate total customer load is as follows: (a) Determine the Btuh (kW) input from the appliance nameplates or from the manufacturer’s catalogue. (b) Add the input of all the appliances for the total load. (c) If the load in cubic feet is desired for propane, divide the load in Btuh by 2500. If the load in cubic metres is desired for propane, divide the load in kW by 26. (d) If specific information on appliance input is not available, consult Table I.7. Remember always to allow for the future installation of other appliances. The total load is the one to use in sizing storage requirements and piping. The actual load will depend on the weather, the size of the family, and family habits.

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Table I.7 Propane required for average appliances, boilers, and internal combustion engines* (See Clause I.3.) Propane Appliance or service

Btuh

(kW)

Domestic gas range (4-burner top)

65 000

(19)

Domestic gas range (6-burner top)

105 000

(31)

Domestic built-in oven or broiler unit

25 000

(7)

Domestic built-in top unit

40 000

(12)

Domestic hot plate, per burner

9000–12 000

(2.6–3.5)

Domestic room heater, single radiant

12 000

(3.5)

Domestic room heater, double radiant

10 000–85 000

(3–25)

Water heater, storage type, slow recovery

2000–10 000

(0.7–3)

Water heater, storage type, fast recovery

15 000–75 000

(4.4–22)

Domestic clothes dryer

35 000

(10)

Conversion burner

25 000–750 000

(7–220)

Refrigerator

2000– 4000

(0.6–1.2)

Floor furnace

10 000–85 000

(3–25)

Warm-air furnace

40 000–300 000

(12–88)

Steam boilers, per boiler horsepower (kW)

60 000–75 000

(17.6–22)

Internal combustion engines, per horsepower (kW)

9000–10 000

(3.5–3.9)

*For accuracy, the manufacturer’s Btuh rating should be used.

Table I.8 Number of cylinders required to meet Btuh demand

Required demand, Btuh

Install at least this number of 100 lb cylinders when lowest outdoor temperature (average for 24 h period) is 32°F

20°F

10°F

0°F

–10°F

–20°F

–30°F

25 000

1

1

1

1

1

1

2

62 500

1

1

1

2

2

3

4

125 000

2

2

3

3

4

5

9

250 000

4

4

5

6

7

10

20

Note: If a changeover system is being used, each bank should include the number of cylinders shown in the Table. This Table is based on cylinders being at least 33% full.

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Propane storage and handling code

Table I.9 Size of tank in USWG required to meet Btuh demand (without vaporizer)

Required demand, Btuh

Make certain tank has at least this capacity USWG when lowest outdoor temperature (average for 24 h period) is 32°F

20°F

10°F

125 000

115

115

115

250 000

250

250

375 000

300

500 000 750 000

0°F

–10°F

–20°F

–30°F

250

250

400

600

250

400

500

1000

1500

400

500

500

1000

1500

2500

400

500

750

1000

1200

2000

3500

750

1000

1500

2000

2500

4000

5000

Note: Too large a tank does no harm. Too small a tank can lose a customer. Make sure that the delivery schedule is such that the tank is kept as full as possible during severe weather. This Table is based on the tank being at least 33% full.

Table I.10 Determining propane vaporization capacity of a tank — “Rule of thumb” guide for propane storage tanks Percentage of tank filled

K* equals

Propane vaporization capacity at 0°F (–18 °C), Btuh (kW)†

60

100

D‡ × L§ × 100

D × L × 100 2 200 000

50

90

D × L × 90

D × L × 90 2 200 000

40

80

D × L × 80

D × L × 80 2 200 000

30

70

D × L × 70

D × L × 70 2 200 000

20

60

D × L × 60

D × L × 60 2 200 000

10

45

D × L × 45

D × L × 45 2 200 000

*K = constant for percentage volume of liquid in tanks. †These formulas allow for the temperature of the liquid to refrigerate to –20°F (–29 °C), producing a temperature differential of 20°F (–7 °C) for the transfer of heat from the air to the tank’s “wetted” surface and then into the liquid. The vapour space area of the tank is not considered. Its effect is negligible. ‡D = outside diameter, in (mm). §L = overall length, in (mm).

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Table I.11 Vaporizing capacities for other air temperatures Multiply the results obtained from the formulas in Table I.12 by one of the following multipliers for the prevailing air temperature Prevailing air temperature °F

(°C)

Multiplier

–15

(–26)

0.25

–10

(–23)

0.50

–5

(–21)

0.75

0

(–18)

1.00

5

(–15)

1.25

10

(–12)

1.50

15

(–9)

1.75

20

(–7)

2.00

Table I.12 To convert volumes of one kind of gas to volumes of a different kind of gas passing through an orifice or regulator (See Table I.11.)

96

If you have a volume of natural gas and want to know equivalent volume of

Propane: Butane: Air:

Multiply by 0.63 Multiply by 0.55 Multiply by 0.77

If you have a volume of butane and want to know equivalent volume of

Propane: Natural gas: Air:

Multiply by 1.15 Multiply by 1.83 Multiply by 1.42

If you have a volume of air and want to know equivalent volume of

Propane: Butane: Natural gas:

Multiply by 0.81 Multiply by 0.71 Multiply by 1.29

If you have a volume of propane and want to know equivalent volume of

Butane: Natural gas: Air:

Multiply by 0.87 Multiply by 1.58 Multiply by 1.23

August 2015

© 2015 CSA Group

Propane storage and handling code

Table I.13 Conversion table

August 2015

Multiply

By

To obtain

Btuh

0.00029295

kilowatts

cubic feet

28.31685

cubic decimetres

cubic feet

0.028317

cubic metres

degrees Fahrenheit

(temp in °F – 32) × 5/9

degrees Celsius

feet

0.3048

metres

inches

25.4

millimetres

inches water column

249

pascals

inches water column

0.249

kilopascals

pounds force

4.44822

newtons

pounds per square inch

6.894757

kilopascals

square inches

645.16

square millimetres

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Annex J (informative) Two-stage regulation Note: This informative Annex has been written in normative language to facilitate adoption where users of the Code or regulatory authorities wish to adopt it formally as additional requirements to this Code.

J.1 General Two-stage regulation is required on all permanent propane installations. (See Clause 5.2.2.2 of CSA B149.1.) In the two-stage regulation system shown in Figure J.1, the first stage regulator is mounted on the supply container and reduces the container pressure in the line to a range of 5 to 10 psig (35 to 70 kPa). The second stage regulator is mounted at the building wall and further reduces the regulated line pressure to 11 in w.c. (2.7 kPa) prior to entering the building. Advantages are (a) stable pressure at the appliance; and (b) ability to use reduced size piping and reduction of regulator freeze-up. Caution shall be exercised in sizing regulators. Inlet pressure, outlet pressure, and capacity shall be considered. Regulator flow curves produced by regulator manufacturers are of great assistance in the proper selection of regulators.

First stage

Second stage

5 to 10 psig (35 to 70 kPa)

Figure J.1 Two-stage regulation system (See Clause J.1.)

J.2 Entering a propane tank Entry into tanks can be necessary to perform tasks that cannot be accomplished from the outside. From experience, it is well known that entry into a tank can present hazards to the person entering the tank. Precautions shall be taken when entering a tank, and adequate steps to control or eliminate potential hazards shall be taken before and during this type of operation.

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Any person undertaking work where entry into a tank is involved shall be familiar with the requirements covering entry into confined spaces and shall be prepared to comply with these requirements.

J.3 Proper use of excess-flow valves The primary purpose of an excess-flow valve shall be to protect against excessive flow when breakage of pipe lines or hose rupture takes place. When referring to breakage or rupture, a clean and complete separation shall be assumed. It is obvious that if the damage is only a crack or if the piping is crushed at the point of failure, the escaping flow will be restricted and sometimes it cannot pass sufficient vapour or liquid to cause the excess-flow valve to close. An excess-flow valve, while in its normal open position, shall permit the flow of liquid or gas in either direction. Flow shall be controlled in one direction only. Each excess-flow valve shall be stamped with an arrow showing the direction in which the flow is controlled. If the flow in that direction exceeds a predetermined rate, the valve automatically closes. Manufacturers’ catalogues show the closing flow rating both in terms of liquid and vapour. Since excess-flow valves depend on flow for closure, the line leading away from the excess-flow valve should be large enough to ensure that it will not excessively restrict the flow. If the pipe run is unusually long or restricted by numerous elbows, tees, or other fittings, consideration should be given to the use of large pipe and fittings. A pipe size smaller than that of the excess-flow valve shall never be used. It is considered good practice to select an excess-flow valve with a rated closing flow approximately 50% greater than the anticipated normal flow. This is important because valves that have a closing flow very close to the normal flow can chatter or slug closed when surges in the line occur either during normal operation or due to the rapid opening of a control valve.

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Annex K (informative) Hose connector lengths Note: This Annex is not a mandatory part of this Code.

Table K.1 Hose connector lengths Inside diameter

Minimum length*

in

in

(mm)

(mm)

1/4

(6.4)

6

(150)

1/2

(12.7)

8

(200)

3/4

(19.1)

8

(200)

1

(25.4)

10

(250)

1-1/4

(31.8)

10

(250)

1-1/2

(38.1)

10

(250)

2

(50.8)

12

(300)

3

(76.2)

14

(350)

4

(101.6)

16

(400)

*The above lengths represent the exposed portion of hose between the end fittings of the hose connector.

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Propane storage and handling code

Annex L (informative) Risk and safety management plans Note: This Annex is not a mandatory part of this Code.

L.1 General Risk and safety management plans (RSMPs) are formal plans that are used to manage risks of incidents that could result in negative consequences to life and property. They specify the approach, the management components, and the resources to be applied to the management of risk. There are four primary elements in risk and safety management plans: hazard analysis, risk assessment, risk mitigation and control, and emergency response and preparedness. Several guidelines, including those developed by the US National Academy of Sciences and Health Canada, and international standards such as CSA Q850, CSA ISO 31000, ISO 14971, and ISO 17776, etc., provide broad guidance in applying risk management principles. Specific standards developed by the United Kingdom Health and Safety Executive, Government of Netherlands, and the Major Industrial Accidents Council of Canada, and standards including ISO 31010 and ISO 14121, provide risk assessment guidance. The four elements of an RSMP are detailed below. In order for an RSMP to be effective, the data collected must be specific to the individual situation. Affected stakeholders, both internal and external, should be consulted. The data must be reviewed on a regular basis. If there are any changes, they will need to be addressed, and the resulting risk profile will need to be compared to the acceptance criteria. In Canada, the acceptance criteria are the Modified MIACC Guidelines.

L.2 Hazard analysis Hazard analysis focuses on failures associated with design, equipment, instrumentation, utilities, human actions (routine and non-routine), and external factors that can affect the safety of a propane facility. Hazard analysis should not focus exclusively on random failures of hardware, but should also consider all types of operator error that can result in undesirable consequences. There are several methods of analysing the various events that could cause failure, such as failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA), what-if analysis, and hazard and operability analysis (HAZOP). There are various standards for these methods, such as IEC 60812, Analysis techniques for system reliability — Procedure for failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) (International Electrotechnical Commission), Centre Guidelines for Hazard Procedures with Worked Examples for Chemical Safety (American Institute of Chemical Engineers), and IEC 61882, Hazard and operability studies: Application guide (International Electrotechnical Commission). In all cases, the work should be done by personnel who are trained in the appropriate techniques, knowledgeable about propane, and familiar with the facility under review.

L.3 Risk assessment Risk assessment combines the effect of the frequency of the event and the severity of the event identified in the hazard analysis. In all RSMPs, the worst-case scenario should be evaluated, as well as others. Typically, the most likely event would also be evaluated, as a minimum. The worst-case scenario is defined, for propane, as the release of all the propane, from the single largest tank. This propane is then ignited, which results in a vapour cloud explosion. The hazard distance is the distance to a 1 psi overpressure (the pressure at which glass may fracture and injure someone). This distance can be estimated using the following formula from 40 CFR 68): D = 17 × [0.1 × Wf × HCf /HCTNT]1/3

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where D

= distance to an overpressure of 1 psig (meters)

0.1

= fraction of propane that participates in the vapour cloud explosion

Wf

= weight of the propane in the single largest tank in kilograms

HCf = heat of combustion for the flammable substance (KJ/kg) (Propane = 46,333 KJ/kg) HCTNT = heat of explosion of trinitrotoluene (TNT) (4,680KJ/kg) Typically, if no public receptors are within the hazard distance, then no further assessments need to be carried out. However, if public receptors are identified within the hazard distance, a detailed risk assessment needs to be undertaken. Specific standards developed by the United Kingdom Health and Safety Executive, Government of Netherlands, and the Major Industrial Accidents Council of Canada, and standards including ISO 31010 and ISO 14121, provide risk assessment guidance. Any individual within this hazard distance would have a probability of injury or death. The probabilities of death at a given distance are calculated and then combined with the frequency of the event to give the location risk at a given distance. This location risk would then be compared to the Modified MIACC Guidelines to determine acceptability.

L.4 Risk mitigation and control This is a plan to review the various risks in the facility, either to reduce the frequency of the event or to reduce the consequences of the event if the risks were determined to be unacceptable. By reducing either of these two factors, the location risk is reduced. The quantitative risk analysis will determine the effect of various combinations of events and consequences. These are usually the ones addressed first in the planning. This process must continue until the location risk has been reduced below the risk acceptance criteria, such as the Modified MIACC Guidelines for the associated land use. These mitigation and control factors can be either physical or administrative. Examples could include such items as burying or mounding tanks, spray monitor systems, audited inspection procedures, deleting or modifying a process, enhances/automatic shutdown systems, etc.

L.5 Emergency response and preparedness plan The emergency response and preparedness plan outlines the responses and procedures for when an event occurs. The function of this plan is to either stop or modify the chain of events to minimize the consequences. There are both internal and external elements to these plans. They should also include elements of communication, internally within the company, and externally with emergency responders and with the general public. Typically, the internal plans are developed by the company and the external plans are developed by the local emergency response providers, in consultation with the company and with the municipality, township, or region.

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Annex M (informative) Direct-fired vaporizer installation Note: This Annex is not a mandatory part of this Code.

Note: 10 . min (≤ 2000 gal.) 15 . min (> 2000 gal. ≤ 5000 gal.) 25 . min (>5000 gal.)

Tank vapor pressure regulator (Ref. Clause 5.4)

Isolaon valve Fill opening (if present) (Vapor) to load Isolaon valve

Storage tank

Emergency shut-off valve (Ref. Clause 7.3.4 and 9.1.10) and internal valve (Ref. Clause 7.4.4) Strainer Container shut-off valve

Internal valve (Ref. Clause 7.4.4)

Isolaon valve w/ hydrostac relief (Ref. Clause 5.6) (Liquid)

1st Stage regulator (Ref. Clause 5.4)

Property line or a building

Vapor by-pass line (if used)

Heavy ends trap (on permanent installaons) (Ref. Clause 9.1.11)

Isolaon valves Direct fired vaporizer (source of igniton) (Ref. Clause 9.3)

Emergency shutdown

Vaporizer base (Ref. Clause 9.1.11) Remote truck fill connection points (Ref. Clause 5.2)

Drain/sewer/pit Support if above grade

25  min (Ref. Clause 9.1.11)

See Note,(Ref. Table 7.4)

See Note (Ref. Table 7.4)

103

Propane storage and handling code

25  min (Ref. Clause 9.3.2) 25 . min (Ref. clause 7.12.4)

Annex N (informative) Propane dispensing system

B149.2-15

104

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Note: This Annex is not a mandatory part of this Code. Supply tank

Propane dispenser (cylinder cabinet)

Supply tank Vehicle fuel dispenser

© 2015 CSA Group

August 2015

Annex O (informative) Propane industry application map

© 2015 CSA Group

August 2015



Note: This Annex is not a mandatory part of this Code.

PROPANE INDUSTRY – APPLICATION MAP PRO D U C TI O N

R E FI N I N G

TR A N S P O R TATI O N

S TO R AG E

CSA STANDARDS CODES

B149.2

Natural gas processing

Z662

CAN/CGSB 43.147

Pipeline Systems

Railway Tank Cars and Ton Containers

Crude oil refining

CSA B149.1

Natural Gas and Propane Installaon Code

CSA B149.2

Propane storage and handling Code

CSA B149.3

Code for the field approval of fuel-related components on appliances and equipment

CSA B149.5

Installaon code for propane fuel systems and tanks on highway

CSA B339

Cylinders, spheres and tubes for the TDG

CSA B340

Selecon and use of cylinders, spheres, tubes, and other containers for the TDG, Class2

CSA B341

UN pressure receptacles and mul-element gas containers for the transport of dangerous goods

CSA B342

Selecon and use of UN pressure receptacles and mul-element gas containers for the transport of dangerous goods, class 2

CSA B620

Highway Tanks and Portable Tanks for the TDG

CSA B622

Selecon and use of Highway Tanks, Mul-unit Tank Car Tanks, and Portable Tanks for the TDG, Class 2

CSA B625

Portable Tanks for the Transportaon of Dangerous Goods

CSA B51

Boiler, Pressure Vessel, and Pressure Piping Code

S TO R AG E - H A N D LIN G - TR A NS FE R

CSA Z240 MH Manufactured Homes: Installaon requirements for gas-burning appliances in manufactured homes

LOADING & UNLOADING

B149.2 Forkli Cylinder & Storage

B149.5

B149.5

Motor Fuel

Motor Fuel

B149.2

B340

B149.2

Storage Oil Patch Users

B51

105

Tank Fabricaon

B149.1 Storage Agricultural Users

B339

B340

B341

B342

Cylinder Fabricaon

B149.5

B620

B622

B625

Tank Truck Fabricaon

Tank Manufacture

Portable Tank Fabricaon

Storage Residenal Users

B149.2

LESS THAN 5000 USWG

CSA Z662

Oil and gas pipeline systems

B149.2

APPLIANCES & PIPING INSTALLATIONS

B149.2

Storage Commercial Users

B149.5

B149.2

Motor Fuel

Vehicle Refill Centres

Motor Fuel Container Refill Centres

CSA Z240 RV Recreaonal Vehicles: Installaon requirements for propane appliances and equipment in recreaonal vehicles

B149.5

Underground Tank Installaon

Storage Industrial Users

Z240 RV

B340

Recreaonal Vehicles

Cylinder

Propane Vaporizer Installaon

Propane storage and handling code

B149.2

B339

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