Risk Management – Technical Guidance Note

Small Bulk LPG Storage at Fixed Installations

Introduction

This technical guidance note is to provide information regarding safe storage arrangements
for bulk liquefied petroleum gas in domestic or similar small locations. The guidance is
applicable for installations of 75 kgs to 2 tonnes LPG capacity where LPG is stored under
pressure at ambient temperature in single fixed vessels.

The recommendations are intended to minimise the risk of fire or explosion due to LPG
escaping or the effects of fire at or near a bulk tank.

The information is based on extracts from the UKLPG Code of Practice 1 Part 2:2000
amended January 2003 that should be consulted for further information.

General

Accessibility and Layout of Vessels

All above ground items of LPG plant should be readily accessible for normal use,
maintenance and in an emergency situation.

Each tank should be located so as to be accessible for tank delivery and installation.

There should be adequate free ventilation.

There should be access for fire fighting and an available water supply for the fire brigade to
use.

A person should be able to see the bulk tank fill point or the vessel and the delivery vehicle
whilst controlling the transfer of LPG.

The filling hose should have a satisfactory route to avoid damage from walls, fences etc.

Buried storage vessels should not be sited in areas prone to flooding.

Safety & Security

Separation
Bulk vessels should be spaced and located as indicated in the table below:

Minimum separation distances from buildings,

Capacity
boundary or fixed source of ignition
Above ground
LPG Capacity Typical Water Buried or mounded vessels
vessels
(tonnes) Capacity (litres)
Vessel outline Valve assembly Vessel outline
m m m
0.075 to 0.25 150 to 500
2.5 2.5 1

February 2009
 >0.25 to 1.1 >500 to 2500 3 3 1
>1.1 to 2 >2500 to 4500 7.5 7.5 3

The distances are the minimum permitted unless a firewall is provided.

Storage vessels should never be installed inside buildings or in open pits, or directly beneath
any part of a structure nor beneath overhanging tree branches. The separation distance
should be free from pits, depressions etc. Drains, gullies, ducts etc. located within the
separation distance must be suitably sealed.

For above ground vessels weeds, long grass, deciduous shrubs and trees, and any
combustible materials should be kept away from the vessel by the separation distance (see
table above) for vessels not exceeding 1.1 tonnes or by 6 metres for larger vessels.

Visual screening is permitted 1 metre from vessels provided it is on one side only, does not
interfere with ventilation and is made from evergreen shrubs or trees or a non- flammable
ranch type fence.

Security

It should not be possible to reach vessel valves and fittings without the use of a key. Covers
should be kept locked except when access is required.

Bollards, barriers or similar means should be provided where it is necessary to protect

vessels from damage from vehicles.

The area over buried or mounded vessels may be turfed, shingled etc. Where concrete or
tarmac is placed over the vessel, it should be load bearing or means should be provided to
prevent loads being placed on it. Vessels should not be located under public rights of way.

Trees or deep routed shrubs should not be permitted within the separation distances.

Notices
Bulk LPG vessels or access covers (buried/ mounded vessels) should display notices to
indicate:
ƒ LPG (propane or butane) is stored in the vessel;
ƒ The contents are highly flammable;
ƒ Smoking & naked flames are prohibited
ƒ Actions to follow in the event of a fire.

Signs should be durable, clearly visible and legible.

Electrostatic and Electrical Precautions

Means should be provided to ensure that no electrostatic potential exists between the tanker
delivery connection and the static vessel fill connection, which could cause a spark.
Depending on the bulk vessel size, permanent or temporary effective ground earthing/
bonding is provided which is kept free of corrosion and not painted.

Vessels should not be located directly under electrical power cables. Vessels should be
located at least 1.5 metres from a plane drawn vertically downwards from power cables of
voltages less than 1.0 kV. For cables operating at voltages of 1.0 kV or greater, distances
should be increased to 10 metres.

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Emergency Situations

Appropriate people on the premises should be trained in the emergency procedures and this
training should be refreshed at appropriate intervals.

Gas Leakage or Suspected Gas Leakage

Consumers of LPG should have instructions to follow in the event of an emergency, which
should include a 24- hour emergency service telephone number and the procedure for calling
the local fire service.

It is advisable to
ƒ Extinguish all naked flames and ignition sources;
ƒ Turn off gas appliances; do not turn on or off electrical equipment;
ƒ Turn off the gas supply at the gas emergency control or the storage tank;
ƒ Open doors and windows if the leak is inside; and
ƒ Immediately notify the gas supplier or 24- hour emergency service.

Fire Emergency
Call the emergency services immediately and inform them there is an LPG vessel on the
premises.
Turn off the gas supply if practicable and safe to do so.

Further Information

The UKLPG Code of Practice 1 Part 2:2000 amended January 2003 contains additional
information on design of installations and equipment, installation and commissioning etc. not
covered in this technical guidance note. Further advice should be sought from UKLPG, the
LPG vessel supplier or Wilby Risk Management.

Additional information is available on www.uklpg.org and www.hse.gov.uk/

February 2009