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SOUTH CAROLINA LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS PROGRAM
(LP-GAS)
Presented by the Division of Fire & Life Safety Office of State Fire Marshal
January – March 2013
S. C. Office of State Fire Marshal
BASIS FOR PROGRAM
• S. C. Code of Laws –
– Title 40
– Chapter 82
• S. C. Code of
Regulations –
– Chapter 71
– Article 8
– Subarticle 5
BASIS FOR PROGRAM
• NFPA 58
Liquefied Petroleum
Gas Code
2008 Edition
BASIS FOR PROGRAM
BASIS FOR PROGRAM
• NFPA 54 National Fuel Gas Code 2009 Edition
• NFPA 59 Utility LP-Gas Plant Code 2008 Edition
• Statute 40-82-10 creates the LP-Gas Board
– Comprised of 7 members appointed by the Governor
• 1 member of the Fire Service
• 2 members specifically licensed as LP-Gas dealers
• 1 member licensed by under this chapter in any other classification
• 1 member of the insurance industry
• 2 members of the public not connected to the industry
LP-GAS BOARD
• Term of office is for two years and until successors are appointed and qualify
• Chairman is elected for one year term
• Must meet at least annually, but not more than monthly
• Office of State Fire Marshal provides admin support as required
• State Fire Marshal is official consultant to Board
LP-GAS BOARD
• Board Powers and Duties – Ensure laws governing LP-Gas are executed – Institute proceedings for violation of laws – Promulgate and enforce regulations covering:
• Design, Construction, Location, Installation, and Operation of equipment for:
• Storing, handling, transporting by tank truck or tank trailer, and utilizing LP-Gas and specifying odorization of gases
• Must be not less than requirement of NFPA 54, NFPA 58, and NFPA 59
LP-GAS BOARD
• International
Fire Code
2006 Edition
NOT SPECIFICALLY ADDRESSED
HARMONIZING OF CODES
Variations exist between the 2006 IFC and NFPA 58
Proposed 2012 IFC adoption includes numerous state-
wide modifications to bring IFC more inline with NFPA 58
• Establishes and defines LP-Gas Board
• Authorizes promulgation of Regulations
• Outlines requirements for investigations
• Establishes Sanctions and Disciplinary Actions
• Establishes Licensing Requirements
• Inspections by State Fire Marshal or agent
• Reporting of fires and explosions within 24 hrs
STATUTE 40-82
• Authorizes Licensing & Permitting Fees
• Establishes Testing Criteria and Procedures
– Businesses are licensed
• Each company must be licensed
• Licenses must be conspicuously displayed at business
– Employees are permitted
• Each site must have at least one permitted employee
• Permit must be in employee’s possession when supervising LP-Gas operations
STATE REGULATION 71-8304
• Dealer
– A person engaged in the installation of LP-Gas systems or in the manufacture, distribution, sale, storing, or transporting by tank truck, tank trailer, or container of liquefied petroleum gases or engaging in the installing, servicing, repairing, adjusting, disconnecting, or connecting appliances to LP-Gas systems or containers.
LICENSE CLASSIFICATIONS
• Installer
– A person engaged in the business of installing, servicing, repairing, adjusting, disconnecting, or connecting appliances to LP-Gas systems or containers
LICENSE CLASSIFICATIONS
• Reseller
– A person engaged in the resale of LP-Gas by filling cylinders of not more than one hundred pounds capacity of LP-Gas and who owns and operates this business separate and independent of a dealer except that the reseller may purchase LP- Gas from a dealer as an independent contractor
LICENSE CLASSIFICATIONS
• Transporter – A person engaged in the transportation of LP-Gas
for hire only in quantities greater than three thousand five hundred water gallons from pipeline terminals to bulk plants
• Utility Gas Plant – A fuel gas distribution facility owned or operated
by a public utility or municipal or local government authority that uses LP-Gas to supplement natural gas supplies when necessary
LICENSE CLASSIFICATIONS
• Cylinder Exchange Facility – A business which provides filled LP-Gas cylinders
for purchase or exchange • Note: This is the company that provides the cylinders
and racks typically found at retail facilities such as home center stores, convenience stores.
– The retail establishment selling prefilled cylinders of twenty-five pounds or less does not require a license or trained employee.
LICENSE CLASSIFICATIONS
SAMPLE LP-GAS LICENSE
SAMPLE LP-GAS PERMIT
REAR OF CARD FRONT OF CARD
COMMON PROBLEMS TO WATCH FOR
Lack of Vehicle Impact Protection
NFPA 58 requires protection against vehicle impact in accordance with good engineering practice where vehicular traffic is expected at the location. IFC Section 312.1 gives guidance on “good engineering practices” for Vehicle Impact Protection.
SECTION 312 VEHICLE IMPACT PROTECTION
312.1 General. Vehicle impact protection required by this code shall be provided by posts that comply with Section 312.2 or by other approved physical barriers that comply with Section 312.3.
312.2 Posts. Guard posts shall comply with all of the following requirements:
1. Constructed of steel not less than 4 inches (102 mm) in diameter and concrete filled.
2. Spaced not more than 4 feet (1219 mm) between posts on center.
3. Set not less than 3 feet (914 mm) deep in a concrete footing of not less than a 15-inch (381 mm) diameter.
4. Set with the top of the posts not less than 3 feet (914 mm) above ground.
5. Located not less than 3 feet (914 mm) from the protected object.
IFC SECTION 312
312.3 Other barriers. Physical barriers shall be a minimum of 36 inches (914 mm) in height and shall resist a force of 12,000 pounds (53 375 N) applied 36 inches (914 mm) above the adjacent ground surface.
NOTE: South Carolina allows the use of Jersey Barriers (similar to the concrete barriers used in highway construction). Contact the OSFM Engineering Section for additional details if interested.
IFC SECTION 312
COMMON PROBLEMS TO WATCH FOR
Inadequate Vehicle Impact Protection
Bollards must be spaced not more than four feet between posts on center
COMMON PROBLEMS TO WATCH FOR
Damaged Vehicle Impact Protection
One post has been bent and the second post has pulled from the ground
COMMON PROBLEMS TO WATCH FOR
Improperly Installed Vehicle Impact Protection
Posts shall be set no less than three feet deep in a concrete footing of not less than a fifteen inch diameter
COMMON PROBLEMS TO WATCH FOR
Lack of Vehicle Impact Protection and Fire Extinguisher
When storage exceeds 720 pounds, NFPA 58 requires at least one portable fire extinguisher with a capacity of at least 18 lb of dry chemical with a B:C rating within 50 feet (ABC is permitted)
COMMON PROBLEMS TO WATCH FOR
No Security Fence
NFPA 58 requires security and protection against tampering such as a 6 foot chain link fence unless devices are provided that can be locked in place to prevent unauthorized use of valve, equipment, and appurtenances.
COMMON PROBLEMS TO WATCH FOR
Improper Installation of Piping
Aboveground piping shall be supported and protected from physical damage
COMMON PROBLEMS TO WATCH FOR
Lack of Vehicle Impact Protection and Less Than 20 feet from Gas Pump
COMMON PROBLEMS TO WATCH FOR
Pitting & Corrosion of Tank
COMMON PROBLEMS TO WATCH FOR
Missing Screen on Fill Intake
COMMON PROBLEMS TO WATCH FOR
Cylinder Providing Pressure to Emergency Valve Closed or Empty
When pressurizing cylinder fails, the emergency shut off valves are frequently held open with a screwdriver or other “device” so that gas transfer is possible. This prevents shutdown in the event of an emergency.
COMMON PROBLEMS TO WATCH FOR
Remote Emergency Release Damaged
This emergency release has pulled from the stanchion and the cable will not pull properly to shut the emergency valve.
• Be alert to changes in LP-Gas facilities in your area.
• During new construction or renovations of facilities such as home improvement centers, convenience stores, mini-marts, grocery stores, camping centers, or rental centers, watch for cylinder exchange racks being installed.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
• Feel free to conduct inspections of LP-Gas facilities and become familiar with the code requirements.
• For dealer locations with bulk storage tanks, check to see that FD Operations personnel have worked with the facility in the development of a Fire Safety Analysis.
• Check for valid LP-Gas Licenses whenever you are inspection a location with dealer or reseller equipment.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
• If you have any questions or concerns about an LP-Gas facility in your jurisdiction, please feel free to contact the Deputy State Fire Marshal assigned to your area.
• You may also feel free to contact the Division of Fire & Life Safety, Licensing & Permitting Section at 803-896-9913 or by email at:
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
