SGLPG Technical Standard One Storage of LPG in Bulk (HSE-03-10)

The Storage of LPG
in Bulk at Marketing
Operations and
Customers Premises
Standard 1
Version 2.0
March 2008
Uncontrolled When Printed
Shell International Petroleum Company Limited
The Storage of LPG in Bulk at Marketing

Operations and Customers Premises
This document is an uncontrolled version of the Shell Gas (LPG) standard concerning the storage of LPG in bulk at
marketing operations and customers premises for use by all staff that prefer to print a copy than referring to the
controlled version on the SWW. Readers are advised to consult the controlled SWW version to ensure they are
using the most recent edition of this document. The controlled version is on the Shell Gas (LPG) website at:
http://sww.shell.com/downstream/lpg/functions/hse/controlled_docs.html
AUTHORISATION FOR ISSUE

Approved by:
Paul Merridan, Head of HSE and Technical, Shell Gas

(LPG)
Authorised for issue by:
Erwin Friederich, VP, Shell Gas (LPG)
Date:
March 2008
REVISION HISTORY
September 1999
Version 1.0
Publication of the first version of the standard.
June 2002
Version 1.1
Re-issued with the SWW version as the controlled

document. No changes introduced to the original text.
October 2002
Version 1.2
Re-issued as an evergreen document. No changes

introduced to the original text.
March 2008
Version 2.0
Separation distances now local regulatory with

minimum distances compliant with NFPA 58. Main
requirements for hazardous areas zoning now in
Standard 7. Requirements for liquid withdrawal valves
added. Changes to fire fighting requirements. Advice
on Written Schemes of Examination.
Significant changes made in this version appear in red, bold text and are further indicated by a line in the
left hand margin of the page. In addition, minor editorial changes may have been made, ither to correct
grammatical errors or to improve clarity; such changes are not highlighted.
Contents
1. Introduction ........................................................................................................................................ 5
1.1
About this standard.................................................................................................................................... 5
1.2 Scope.......................................................................................................................................................... 5
1.3
LPG properties and hazards...................................................................................................................... 5
Chart 1: Propane & Butane Characteristics...................................................................................................... 6
1.4
Legal requirements .................................................................................................................................... 7
1.5
Basic principles.......................................................................................................................................... 7
1.6
Safety data sheets ..................................................................................................................................... 7
2. Tanks ..................................................................................................................................................... 8
2.1
Location, grouping & separation................................................................................................................ 8
Chart 2 Separation Distance for Single Above-Ground Tanks......................................................................... 9
Chart 3: Separation distances - flammable liquids and LPG tanks .................................................................. 9
flammable liquids .............................................................................................................................................. 9
Chart 4:Separation distance - liquid oxygen and LPG tanks ............................................................................ 9
2.2
Fire walls.................................................................................................................................................. 10
2.3
Design...................................................................................................................................................... 11
Chart 5: Developed pressure......................................................................................................................... 12
2.4
Mounded & underground tanks ............................................................................................................... 12
2.5
Skid mounted and mobile tanks .............................................................................................................. 13
2.6
Tanks on roofs ......................................................................................................................................... 13
2.7
Vacuum protection................................................................................................................................... 13
2.8
Identification and marking........................................................................................................................ 14
2.9
Destenched / odourless LPG................................................................................................................... 14
3. Tank fittings.................................................................................................................................. 15
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
General requirements .............................................................................................................................. 15

Pressure relief valves .............................................................................................................................. 15
Drain Connections ................................................................................................................................... 16
Liquid withdrawal connections................................................................................................................. 16
1.1 ....................................................................................................................................................................... 16
3.5
Contents gauges...................................................................................................................................... 16
3.6
Filling connections ................................................................................................................................... 17
3.7
Service valves.......................................................................................................................................... 17
3.8
Emergency shut down valves.................................................................................................................. 17
3.9
High and low pressure alarms ................................................................................................................. 18
3.10
Electrostatic precautions ...................................................................................................................... 18
3.11
Lightning protection.............................................................................................................................. 18
4. Pumps, compressors and vaporisers ........................................................... 19

4.1
4.2
4.3
Pumps...................................................................................................................................................... 19
Compressors ........................................................................................................................................... 19
Vaporisers................................................................................................................................................ 19
5. Pipework and pressure regulators ................................................................... 21

5.1
5.2
5.3
6.1
Pipework .................................................................................................................................................. 21
Pressure regulators ................................................................................................................................. 22
Identification and marking........................................................................................................................ 23
Zone classification ................................................................................................................................... 24
7. Security ............................................................................................................................................. 25
7.1
7.2
General .................................................................................................................................................... 25
Preventing damage by vehicles............................................................................................................... 25
8. Fire precautions ...................................................................................................................... 26

8.1
General .................................................................................................................................................... 26
8.2
Fire protection.......................................................................................................................................... 26
8.3
Other installations where fire protection is required ................................................................................ 27
8.4
Portable fire fighting equipment............................................................................................................... 28
Chart 7: Fire precautions summary .............................................................................................................. 28
THE STORAGE OF LPG IN BULK AT MARKETING OPERATIONS

AND CUSTOMERS PREMISES
VERSION 2
UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED
9. Transfer operations.......................................................................................................... 29
9.1
9.2
9.3
General.................................................................................................................................................. 29
Road tanker loading / unloading ........................................................................................................... 29
Rail tanker loading / unloading.............................................................................................................. 30
10. Commissioning and de-commissioning ............................................... 32

10.1
10.2
10.3
10.4
General.................................................................................................................................................. 32
Commissioning...................................................................................................................................... 32
De-commissioning................................................................................................................................. 32
Certification ........................................................................................................................................... 32
11. Training ....................................................................................................................................... 33

11.1
11.2
General.................................................................................................................................................. 33
Fire instruction and training................................................................................................................... 33
12. Written operating and emergency procedures............................ 34

12.1
12.2
Operations............................................................................................................................................. 34
Customer sites ...................................................................................................................................... 34
13. Maintenance and examination ....................................................................... 35

13.1
General.................................................................................................................................................. 35
Appendix 1 Written Scheme of Examination .......................................... 36

Appendix 2 - Definitions ........................................................................................................ 38
Appendix 3 References .................................................................................................... 39
DATE ISSUED: March 2008

DOCUMENT REFERENCE: HSE-03-10
Page 4 of 39

VERSION 2
1. Introduction
1.1
About this standard
1.1.1
This standard describes general safe practice in

handling and storing LPG (liquefied petroleum
gas) in bulk at fixed installations for Shell Group
marketing operations who store and use LPG. It
is applicable to commercial, industrial and
domestic installations. The standard is designed
for marketing operations installations, and if the
installation forms part of a shared facility such as
a fuels depot or a refinery then additional factors
may need to be considered.
managed by current practices to a level that is as

low as reasonably practicable. In such cases a
formal derogation must be obtained in
accordance with the process described in the
document Process for Issuing Derogations from
Shell Gas (LPG) Standards (HSE-03-50).
1.2
1.2.1
What this standard covers - This guide covers

LPG storage at ambient temperatures in fixed
cylindrical tanks with over 150 litres and up to
135,000 litres individual water capacity, at
cylinder filling plants, bulk distribution depots
and customer premises. It applies whether or
not the LPG is temporarily stored or stored for
use on site. It covers design, construction and
inspection of LPG storage tanks plus
precautions for loading and unloading of road
and rail tankers.
1.2.2
What is not covered This guide does not

cover LPG cylinders or cartridges, transportable
tanks, spheres or larger scale LPG storage or
refrigerated storage.
This version of the standard replaces Version

1, which in turn superseded the previous Shell
LPG Manual, Section 6, of February 1995.
1.1.2
1.1.3
The majority of the requirements of this standard

are mandatory, that is to say, the requirements
must be complied with without exception. Where
the words must, shall, requires or required
are used they imply a mandatory requirement.
Except in the particular circumstances described
in 1.1.5 below, mandatory requirements must be
considered the minimum standard that is to be
applied.
For advice on refrigerated or larger scale LPG

storage contact the Regional Operations and
Technical Manager (ROTM) or DIG/3.
The requirements of this standard are not

retrospective. From the date of issue of the
standard all existing installations must either:
The general principles of this standard apply

to autogas installations. For specific Autogas
site guidance refer to the Autogas Installation
Design Guide which can be found on the
Shell
Gas
(LPG)
website
at:
or
http://sww.shell.com/downstream/lpg/functions/hse/uncontrolled_docs.html
contact your ROTM or DIG/3.
Comply with the previous version of the

standard, or.
Comply with local legislation as applied to LPG
installations (if local legislation does not exist the
previous version of this standard must be
applied), or
Comply with this standard
1.1.4
1.1.5
1.1.6
Advice on the storage and use of LPG in

cylinders at depots, distributors, dealers,
retailers and customers premises can be
found in SGLPG Standards 2 and 3:
A transitional period of 12 months from the date

of issue of this standard is permitted. During that
period all new installations must comply with
1.1.3 above. After the transitional period all new
installations must comply with this standard.
The
standard
also
contains
optional
requirements and recommendations on good
practice.
Optional
requirements
and
recommendations must be applied when
assessed as necessary for operational reasons
or where deemed necessary as a result of a risk
assessment carried out by a competent person.
In general, optional requirements are explicitly
identified as such within this standard; in
addition, where the word should is used, it
implies
an
optional
requirement
or
recommendation.
Deviation from the mandatory requirements of
this standard will be considered in exceptional
circumstances, that is to say, where existing
practices are demonstrated by a documented
risk assessment to ensure that risks are being

Scope
http://sww.shell.com/downstream/lpg/functions/hse/controlled_docs.html.
1.3
LPG properties and hazards
1.3.1
Composition LPG comprises Commercial

Propane, Commercial Butane and mixtures
thereof. They are hydrocarbon gases that can
be changed into a liquid and changed back into
a gas by the simple application and release of
pressure.
(See Chart 1 for Propane and
Butane Characteristics).
1.3.2
Density - LPG vapour is at least 50% heavier

than air and does not dissipate well. Being
heavier than air, it sinks when released and
gathers in drains, pits, cellars and other
depressions. As a colourless liquid, LPG
occupies around 0.4% of its vapour volume, but
is about half the density of water and will float
on water before vaporising.
Page 5 of 39

VERSION 2
1.3.3
Cooling effect LPG vaporises and cools

rapidly; it can therefore inflict severe cold burns
if spilt on the skin or if some types of LPG
equipment are touched without protective
gloves and goggles being worn.
1.3.4
Risk to breathing LPG has an anaesthetic

effect when mixed in high concentrations with
air. The greater the concentration (i.e. as
available oxygen declines), the greater the risk
of suffocation.
1.3.5
Smell - What people know and recognise as

the LPG smell is usually added to LPG before
distribution. This smell must be detectable if
the LPG content of air is as little as 0.4% (or
just 20% of the lower limit of flammability).
However, odour is not the only means of
detection. Large leaks will also be obvious
through hissing, condensation or frosting
around the leak; small leaks will show up as
bubbles if detergent mixed with water is applied
to the suspected leak area. NEVER try to
detect leaks with a naked flame or other
kinds of ignition!
1.3.6
Flammability LPG can ignite when it forms

between 2 and 10% of a vapour / air mixture,
so the risks associated with poor handling,
storage or usage should be obvious.
Uncontrolled ignition of LPG can cause serious
fires or explosions (i.e. if ignited within a
confined space). A fire started some distance
from an LPG leak can very quickly travel back
to the source of the leak itself. An LPG tank
involved in a fire may overheat and rupture
violently. The power and intensity of an LPG
fire
or
explosion
should
never
be
underestimated.
1.3.7
Empty tank risk LPG tanks can be

dangerous when they are nominally empty.
This is because air can seep into them via an
open or leaking valve and mix with an LPG
residue to form a flammable vapour and an
explosion risk. At the same time, if a valve is
leaking, or has been left open, the residue of
LPG can diffuse out of the tank into the
immediate storage area.
1.3.8
Expansion LPG liquid has a high coefficient of

thermal expansion. Storage tanks, pipelines and
equipment must be protected against the high
pressure resulting from liquid expansion with
temperature rise.
CHART 1: PROPANE & BUTANE CHARACTERISTICS

PHYSICAL PROPERTY
COMMERCIAL
COMMERCIAL
PROPANE
BUTANE
1,957 2,019
1,723 1,760
Relative density (to water) of liquid at 15.6oC

Ratio of gas to liquid volume at 15.6oC and 1015.9 mbar
0.50 - 0.51
0.57 - 0.58
274
233
Relative density (to air) of vapour at 15.6oC and 1015.9 mbar

Volumes of gas/air mixture at lower limit of flammability from 1 volume
of liquid at 15.6oC and 1015.9 mbar
Boiling point oC
1.40 - 1.55
1.90 - 2.10
12,450
12,900
-45
-2
Litres / tonne of liquid at 15.6oC
Vapour pressure at 50oC

Vapour pressure at 20oC
Upper limit of flammability
Lower limit of flammability
psi g
bar g
psi g
bar g
% V/V
% V/V
283
100
19.6
130
7
40
9
10.0
2.2
2.5
9.0
1.8
Source: LP Gas Association (UK).

Page 6 of 39

VERSION 2
1.4
1.4.1
1.5
1.5.1
Legal requirements
1.5.2
In many countries most aspects of LPG storage

are governed by some kind of national or local
legislation. All LPG storage owned by Shell
Gas (LPG) must, as a minimum, comply with
the national regulations. It is a duty of any
operator / owner of an LPG storage site to
research and maintain knowledge of the
legislation which applies in their country and
then communicate this information to those
involved in the management and operation of
such sites. Where the requirements of this
standard exceed the requirements of national
regulations, this standard must be applied.
1.6
1.6.1
Basic principles
Principles - The underlying basic principles for
all bulk storage and its safe operation are:
All equipment used in LPG service must be

suitable for use with LPG, preferably type
approved, meeting recognised standards and
suitable for all operating conditions the
equipment is likely to encounter during its
service life.
All fire safe, fail safe or
electrical equipment and pipework must be
procured with relevant material certificates
which must be kept as a matter of record.
Safety data sheets

Information - Safety data sheets incorporating
the following information must be made
available to employees covering the range of
substances used e.g. jointing compounds,
paint, lubricants and cleaning materials etc.:
Identification.
Composition.
Sound design and construction.
Hazards.
Consideration of usage of adjacent land and

property.
First aid measures.

Fire fighting measures.
Good housekeeping.
Accidental release measures.
Minimum stocks held.
Handling and storage.
Trained staff.
Exposure controls/Personal protection.
Minimum number of joints and potential leak

paths
Physical and chemical properties.
Clearly displayed work instructions.
Stability/Reactivity.
Non-combustible construction materials.
Toxicological information.
Clear of other flammables and combustibles etc.
Ecological information.
Easy access.
Disposal considerations.
Adequately separated from residential

accommodation, commercial and industrial
development, vulnerable populations, etc.
Transport information.
Regulatory information.
Other information.
No cellars, open drains etc.

Open area with good ventilation.
Good security (vandalism and theft).
1.6.2
Availability - The following Shell Group safety

data sheets are available from DIG/3:
Access to authorised personnel only.
Commercial propane SDS No. DMC04022
Clearly visible hazard/warning notices.
Commercial butane SDS No. DMC04023/24
Emergency procedure and telephone number

displayed.
Safety data sheets for other products must be

obtained from the supplier.
Appropriate fire fighting equipment.

No smoking or naked lights.
Appropriate electrical equipment for hazardous
areas..
Safeguarding and mitigation systems.
Rigorous asset integrity regime in place
Issued: September 1999

VERSION 2
2.
Tanks
2.1
Location, grouping & separation
2.1.1
General In considering location and separation

distances the principle must be considered that a
well designed and operated installation is
unlikely to create a hazard.
Separation
distances are measured from the surface of the
vessel to any building or property boundary.
They are provided to reduce the impact of an
incident and current research indicates that the
risks to the immediate surroundings from an LPG
tank are from a gas cloud or jet flame. Good
design can substantially reduce these risks by
reducing the potential leak points and ensuring
that all leak sources can be rapidly shut down in
the event of an incident.
The worst case
scenario for an LPG tank is the BLEVE (Boiling
Liquid Expanding Vapour Explosion) and this can
only occur when the tank has a jet flame directly
impinging on it or when the tank is engulfed in a
pool fire.
Again, good design, where no
pipework joints or equipment are located where a
failure could result in a jet flame impinging on the
tank or a pool fire occurring under the tank, will
achieve significant risk reduction. This standard
provides separation distances for LPG storage
from boundaries and buildings (chart 2)
flammable liquids storage (chart 3) and liquid
oxygen storage (chart 4) for an LPG storage
quantity up to 120 tonnes
2.1.2
2.1.3
Locate above ground tanks in the open air

according to the separation distances required in
local legislation, but with a minimum separation
distance as listed in Chart 2. If local legislation
does not exist apply the separation distances in
Chart 2. Ensure that there is a good airflow
around the tank. Where more than one vessel is
installed they must be separated by a distance of
of the sum of the diameters of adjacent
vessels with a minimum distance of 1 metre.
Locate mounded or underground tanks in a way
that maximises the ventilation around the
pressure relief valves and manhole, according to
the separation distances required in local
legislation, but with a minimum separation
distance of 3 metres from any vessel fitting and a
minimum distance of 1 metre between vessels.
All separation distances in Chart 2 are based on
tank installations that are fully compliant with this
standard with the minimum of joints and flanges
in pipework and a rigorous asset integrity
management regime applied.
depressions, pits, culverts or drains. Never site

LPG tanks on top of each other. If all
connections are grouped at one end of the tank,
it may only be necessary to compact or concrete
under the connections
The ground inside the required separation
distances must be substantially level and as flat
as possible (except under the tank where it must
be sloped away approximately 1:50 such that
any spillage of LPG can evaporate and disperse
safely in an area not under the tank).
Care must be taken to avoid siting tanks in
locations where the surrounding ground slopes
towards vulnerable features e.g. other tanks,
buildings, houses, drains etc., even though these
may be outside normal separation distances.
Adjacent tanks must be spaced according to
specific site conditions and what is necessary for
safe installation, testing, maintenance and
removal.
If the frequency of delivery to a customers
premises is high e.g. autogas or fork lift truck
installation, consideration must be given to
increasing the separation distances and/or
providing additional fire protection.
2.1.4
Screening If trees or shrubs are planted to

screen LPG tanks, they must not obstruct
airflow, i.e. locate them only on one side of the
tanks. See 2.1.3 for guidance on larger tanks.
Take care to plan too for:
The eventual size of the trees/shrubs.
The capacity of tree roots to interfere with
underground pipes, foundations or concrete
footings.
The chance of tree branches breaking off in high
winds and falling onto the tank or associated
pipes and fittings.
Access needs for maintenance purposes.
.
2.1.5
Flammable Material - Remove any long grass,

weeds, deciduous trees or shrubs and trees plus
any combustible material from within 3 m of any
2,500 litre water capacity or smaller LPG tank
and within 6m of larger tanks. Never use sodium
chlorate or other chemicals which present a fire
risk to clear weeds near LPG tanks
The ground underneath or next to connections

into LPG tanks or LPG ancillary equipment must
be concreted or compacted and free from

Page 8 of 39

VERSION 2
CHART 2 SEPARATION DISTANCE FOR SINGLE ABOVE-GROUND TANKS

Tank Water Capacity (litres)
0-7600
7601- 114000114001-265000
265001 upwards
Minimum Separation
Distance to a Building,
Boundary or
Permanent Source of
Ignition
3.0
Notes
7.5
23
Perform full risk
assessment
1,3
1
1,2
Note 1 Based on NFPA 58 Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code, by the National Fire Protection Association. This edition of NFPA58 was
approved as an American National Standard on January 16, 2004. Table 6.3.1 refers to minimum separation distances and the
column for aboveground containers is used here.
Note 2 In NFPA 58 this separation distance is modified by par 6.3.3 to the distance shown in chart 2 where the tank is at least 7.6 metres
from another tank, otherwise tanks from 1900-7600 litres capacity must have a separation distance of 7.6 metres from a
boundary etc.
Note 3 In NFPA 58 this separation distance is modified by par 6.3.2 to the distance shown in chart 2 where the integrity of the tank conforms
to this standard
CHART 3: SEPARATION DISTANCES - FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS AND LPG TANKS

FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS
MINIMUM SEPARATION DISTANCE
Flashpoint less than 32oC
6 m to bund wall
Flashpoint 32oC to 65oC

Tank size up to 3,000 litre
Separation distance for LPG tank or 3 m to the tank/bund

which ever is the lesser.
Flashpoint 32oC to 65oC

Tank size over 3,000 litre
3 m to bund wall or diversion wall and 6 m to tank.
CHART 4:SEPARATION DISTANCE - LIQUID OXYGEN AND LPG TANKS

LPG TANK WATER CAPACITY LPG TANK NOMINAL
LIQUID OXYGEN CAPACITY
SEPARATION DISTANCE
CAPACITY
up to 265,000 litres
Up to 60 tonnes
Up to 566,000 litres
6m
up to 4,500 litres
from 4,500 to 265,000 litres
Up to 2 tonnes
2 to 120 tonnes
More than 566,000 litres

More than 566,000 litres
7.6 m
15 m
Above 265,000 litres
Above 120 tonnes
All capacities
Perform full risk

assessment
Note: from NFPA 58 Table 6.4.5.8

.

Page 9 of 39

VERSION 2
2.1.6
Spillage planning LPG spillage containment

e.g. evaporation areas) must be installed for:
2.1.10
Propane tanks of 56,250 litres water capacity or

greater, with connections below the liquid level,
unless plugged or blanked off.
10 m from above ground tanks
Butane tanks of 11,250 litres water capacity or

greater, with connections below the liquid level,
unless plugged or blanked off.
Spillage containment areas must be safely

sited away from boundaries, occupied buildings
and ignition sources. The ground below the
tank and its connections must slope and be
compacted or concreted so as to avoid pools of
liquid building up and to direct escaping LPG to
the safe evaporation area which must never be
closer to LPG tanks than 3 m. Low walls
(usually 500 mm or less) can also act as an
effective channel.
2.1.7
5 m from underground tanks.
2.1.11
Tank numbers Not more than 6 above ground

LPG tanks must be in a single group. Any tank in
one group must be separated from the nearest
tank in another group by the separation distance
to a public place in Chart 2.1, unless a fire wall is
built between the two groups. Within a group of
tanks the distance between adjacent tanks must
be (D1 + D2)/4 where D is the diameter of the
vessel, with a minimum separation distance of
1.5 metres.
2.1.13
Overhead electric power cables LPG tanks,

vaporisers, pumps and gas/air mixing plant etc.
must not be located directly beneath electrical
power cables. LPG tanks must be sited:
Lightning Protection is not usually needed in

temperate countries, but may be required in
tropical countries or those with a high frequency
of lightning strikes.
Flooding Try to avoid siting tanks where there

is a known flood risk. Prevent flotation by
securely anchoring tanks. Underground tanks
must be securely anchored where there is a high
water table.
At least 1.5 m from a line drawn vertically down

from a cable carrying less than 1 kV.
This distance must be increased to 7.5 m for
cables carrying 1 kV or more.
Hurricanes Where prevalent, consideration must be

given to the effect of high wind loading.
2.1.8
Bunded enclosures LPG tanks must not be

sited inside the bunded enclosure of tanks
holding:
Any flammable liquid.
Or a competent engineer, usually from the local

electricity supplier judges each installation on its
own merits.
2.1.14
Flammable Liquids Tanks containinga

flammable liquid with a flashpoint of 65oC or less
must be sited not less than the separation
distances given in Chart 3.
2.1.15
Liquid oxygen / other dangerous substances

LPG and liquid oxygen tanks must be sited
according to the separation distances in Chart 4.
Separate LPG tanks from other tanks holding
toxic or dangerous liquids stored under pressure
by at least 15 m.
2.2
Fire walls
Heated liquids such as heavy fuel or bitumen.

Liquid oxygen or cryogenic substances.
Or any other hazardous substance.
2.1.9
Siting cylinders near to tanks In general,

LPG cylinders must not be stored close to bulk
tanks to avoid any unnecessary restrictions to
access. However, if it is necessary for overriding
security reasons or a bulk reserve supply for
short-term use, then these conditions apply:
Less than 50 kg may be stored adjacent to the
tank.
If storing cylinders with horizontally venting
PRVS with a total quantity in excess of 50 kg
separate by 7.5 m from tanks of over 5,000 litres
water capacity or 3 m from tanks below this size.
2.2.1
Purpose Fire walls shield the public and

other vulnerable equipment from thermal
radiation caused by fire and ensure an
adequate vapour dispersion distance to
boundaries, buildings and sources of ignition in
the event of an LPG leak occurring. They also
enable the use of shorter separation distances
than would be normally possible.
2.2.2
Siting Fire walls must not be used on more
If storing vertically venting cylinders (e.g. for

forklift trucks) separate by at least 1m from the
tank and do not exceed 300 kg stored this close
to the tank.

These distances do not apply if the quantity of

LPG in cylinders is less than 300 kg (e.g. fork lift
truck supply)
.
Horizontal tank direction Where possible,
arrange horizontal LPG tanks so that they are in
parallel and do not point towards other tanks
containing dangerous substances, nearby
occupied buildings or important equipment
2.1.12
Natural phenomena Local rules must be

applied to safeguard against natural
phenomena, including:
Earthquakes Supports and foundations must

meet local design requirements.
Separation from cylinder filling plant When

LPG or other flammable liquid cylinders are filled
in structures or buildings close to LPG tanks the
following separation distances must apply:
Page 10 of 39

VERSION 2
colour, preferably white, to increase reflection

and minimise the temperature rise of the
contents from solar heat gain.
than two sides or where the ventilation would

be impaired and normally only be used on one
side of a tank or tank grouping. In exceptional
circumstances fire walls may be used along
one long side and two short sides of a tank
installation if a risk assessment shows that
measures have been taken to bring the risk to
As Low As Reasonably Practicable (ALARP)
Also:
In determining the maximum design safe

operating pressure, the assessed temperature
will either be established by national and/or local
regulations or by the design code for the location
or Chart 5 can be used for guidance for tanks
which are painted white.
If the product to be contained in the tank is
butane and the atmospheric temperature at its
intended site may fall below zero then the tank
must be capable of withstanding negative
pressure. See 2.7 for protection against vacuum
conditions.
They must be sited no closer than 1.5m from the

nearest point of the tank.
Separation distances may be reduced to the
distance around the ends of the fire wall to a
public place as defined in Chart 2.
A fire wall for a tank up to 2,500 litre water
capacity may form part of a building.
2.2.3
Construction Fire walls must be solid,

without any openings and made of brick,
concrete or other suitable non combustible
material. They must also be:
Capable of resisting fire for 60 minutes.
2.3.2
Filling capacity - The maximum quantity of

LPG which must be filled into any tank must be
such that the tank will not become liquid full
due to expansion of its contents to the
assessed temperature.
2.3.3
Corrosion protection The tank and tank

supports must be adequately protected against
corrosion by zinc metal spraying and painting,
after suitable preparation such as grit blasting
or chemical treatment. Any form of corrosion
protection
must
allow
for
tank
expansion/contraction occurring with changes in
temperature and internal vapour pressure.
Attention must be given to the protection of the
internal faces of flanges and flange studs/bolts
against corrosion.
2.3.4
Tank supports Design for tank supports

must comply with the relevant tank construction
code of practice. In particular, supports must:
Totally within the boundary of the LPG storage

area.
For tanks up to 2,500 litres water capacity, as
high as the top of the tank or highest piece of
high pressure or liquid pipework or fitting
connected directly to the tank and may form part
of a building or site boundary
For tanks over 2,500 litres water capacity, at
least 2 m high or as high as the top of the tank,
or highest piece of high pressure or liquid
pipework or fitting connected directly to the tank,
whichever is the greater
2.3
2.3.1
Design
Standards LPG tanks must be designed,
manufactured, inspected and tested in
accordance with a recognised design code.
Specifically they must comply with or exceed
the following:
Where tanks will be used for both butane ,
propane and mixtures thereof at different times,
the standards shown for propane must be
followed EXCEPT for minimum safe operating
pressure, which must follow the butane
recommendation.
Welded steel construction. Cylindrical with semiellipsoidal or hemispherical ends.
A hinged, lockable hood on tanks up to 2,500
litres water capacity to protect fittings.
There should be no thickness allowance for
corrosion.
Steel used for construction of the tank must have
properties suitable, particularly with regard to
impact resistance for operation over a range of
o
o
temperatures between 20 C and 50 C.
Allow the tank to move within the range of

temperature change.
Permit the drainage of any water.
Located (for horizontal tanks) to give minimum
deflections and moments to the tank shell.
Be reinforced with extra supports where
appropriate.
Supports may not be necessary for

underground tanks, but may be required where
it is necessary to anchor the tank because of
potential flotation.
Tanks must be installed on structural steel,
concrete or brick supports, with solid
foundations. Supports must be fire resistant to
a standard of at least 2 hours (except 460mm
high or smaller feet, tank saddles or skirts for
vertical tanks). The supports must be of
sufficient strength to support the tank when full
of water.
Designed to safely contain the vapour pressure

of the contained product at the assessed
temperature for the location where the tank will
be installed, and dependent on the reflectivity of
the tank.
Vertical tanks must have an open support

structure that encourages effective airflow and
provides explosion relief. Where cylindrical
supporting skirts are used, pipes from the tank
within the skirt must have welded or welded
flanged joints.
Above ground tanks must be painted a light
If piers form part of the supports for horizontal

Page 11 of 39

VERSION 2
tanks of over 5,000 litres water capacity, allow

one end of the tank to be free to move but
secure the end to which the main liquid and
vapour pipework is joined. Supports such as
saddles must be welded to and form an integral
part of the tank.
2.3.5
tank cannot be guaranteed unless it complies

with the approved design standards and reflects
the intended usage i.e. environmental conditions,
process needs, vacuum and low temperature
use etc.
Documentation - Detailed records of all tanks

must be held indefinitely and include:
Design specification.
Test certificates.
Approvals.
As built drawings.
2.3.6
Summary The mechanical integrity of an LPG
CHART 5: DEVELOPED PRESSURE

LOCATION
Temperate climates
Tropical climates
Desert climates
TANK WATER
ASSESSED
CAPACITY
LITRES
TEMPERATURE
OC
<7,000
>7,000
<7,000
>7,000
<7,000
>7,000
DEVELOPED PRESSURE (WHITE TANKS)

BAR GAUGE
Butane
6.5
5.5
7.2
6.2
7
6
35
40
45
Propane
16
15
18
17
20
19
Note: In practice many tanks are manufactured to standard design pressures.
2.4
2.4.1
2.4.2
2.4.3
2.4.4
Mounded & underground tanks
Non-abrasive and free of particles likely to

damage the tank coating.
Separation distances - Mounded (partially

buried) and underground (totally buried) tanks,
may in certain circumstances have reduced
separation distances and relief valve capacity,
due to their inherent safety.
Design Horizontal, cylindrical tanks must be
used, designed, fabricated, inspected and
tested in accordance with a recognised
pressure vessel code. Consideration must be
given to the additional stress caused by the
pressure of the covering and any other
superimposed load such as differential
settlement etc.
The design of mounded and large underground
tanks must reflect the installation and operating
conditions detailed in this Section. Special
requirements for small (primarily domestic)
underground tanks are shown at the end of the
Section.
Location Mounded and underground tanks
must be located in ground that is well drained
and not prone to flooding.
Covering Mounded tanks must be covered
and underground tanks back-filled with a
material that is:
Inert and non-corrosive.

Resistant to thermal radiation.

A consistent minimum of 300 mm in depth (when
compacted) for tanks up to 13,000 litres water
capacity. For larger tanks this must be increased
to 500 mm.
Robust enough to resist jet flame impingement.
In the case of underground tanks protected by an
impact resistant coating to a relevant standard,
some of the earth removed to install the tank
may be used to back-fill the installation..
The area above the tank may be turfed or

covered in shingle.
2.4.5
Installation This must include:

A solid foundation for the tank, protected from
scouring and erosion by storm waters and
flooding. Underground tanks may be placed in
excavated ground without additional added
foundations where ground conditions are
appropriate.
Measures to avoid flotation or movement.
Excavation large enough to allow for easy
installation and a gap of at least 1m between the
tank and the walls before back-filling.
2.4.6
Inspection A manhole of minimum 575 mm

internal diameter must be fitted to mounded
Page 12 of 39

VERSION 2
and underground tanks to provide access for

inspection. If this is not done, it may be
necessary to excavate the tank when
inspection is due (when tank fittings are
attached directly to the tank and not via a
manhole).
2.4.7
mobile tank incorporating a tank designed for

static use be used for delivery operations.
2.5.3
Corrosion protection This must include:

A suitable system of cathodic protection (typically
sacrificial anode for small installations and
impressed current for large installations.
Appropriate current and voltage readings must
be taken periodically, recorded and analysed to
ensure that the condition of the vessel is
effectively monitored
External surfaces of the tank suitably prepared
and treated with a coating manufactured and
applied in accordance with a recognised
standard, to both protect against chemical and
mechanical damage and minimise cathodic
protection current drain..
2.6
2.6.1
2.7
Locate such that vehicular traffic does not

pass over underground tanks, unless a
load bearing structure has been
constructed to prevent any load being
transferred to the tank.
May be installed in open ground without
supports on a bed of sand or other
suitable material provided that account is
taken of the need to avoid uneven
stressing of the tank shell and flotation
and movement.
Means of removing liquid product must be
located in the top section of the tank, with
an internal pipe to the bottom of the tank.
Protective valve cover need not have a
hole for relief valve discharge.
2.5
Preclusion - This practice is not acceptable

because of the inherent hazards/high risks
associated with fire, leakage and access.
Vacuum protection
Vacuum creation - In colder climates during
extended cold weather, the contents of an LPG
tank can drop below 0oC. In some tanks e.g.
those holding an LPG composition such as
commercial butane the vapour pressure
inside the tank would then fall below
atmospheric pressure, creating a vacuum,
which could cause the tank to fail unless it had
been designed for vacuum operation.
2.7.2
Vacuum prevention - Tanks must be designed

to an appropriate vacuum rating (applicable to
new tanks), or the system must be such that
unacceptable vacuum conditions can not occur
in the tank (applicable to existing tanks). A
competent person must check existing tanks to
ensure compliance with these standards.
Small tanks Special requirements for tanks

below 5,000 litres water capacity are as
follows:
Manhole to facilitate internal periodic
inspection is not needed, provided a
cathodic protection system is fitted and
the effectiveness of the protection is
monitored and recorded at intervals no
longer than a year. If the effectiveness of
the cathodic protection is proved to
continue to be satisfactory the
maintenance interval may extended and
the tank may remain in service
underground for up to 20 years.
Tanks on roofs
2.7.1
Avoidance of damage to the tank coating during

installation, use of fault detection equipment to
check that the coating is intact and rectification of
any damage before back-filling is completed.
2.4.8
Separation distances - Comply with the fixed

tank separation distances in Chart 2 for all skid
mounted and mobile tanks. Preference must be
given to fixed tank installations, as skid
mounted and mobile tanks are not as safe,
being temporary and uncontrolled in nature.
If deficiencies are found, the tanks affected

must be modified, or one of the following
vacuum prevention systems adopted with
adequate safeguards:
Propane vapour pressurisation - the tanks
vapour space is linked with the vapour space in
another propane tank or propane cylinders (via
appropriate double stage regulators where the
tank is butane pressure rated).
Hot vapour return warm LPG vapour is
recycled from a vaporiser to the tanks vapour
space.
LPG composition modification the LPG supplier
agrees to modify the regulated composition of
the butane so that the vapour pressure at the
lowest operating temperature is above the tanks
minimum safe operating pressure.
Skid mounted and mobile tanks
2.5.1
Skid mounted tanks - Normally fixed in a

static frame e.g. ISO frame, for ease of
transportation and installation.
2.5.2
Mobile tanks - Normally mounted on their own

wheels or a trailer and must be designed and
operated in accordance with road transport
specifications. In no circumstances must a

Page 13 of 39

VERSION 2
2.8
2.8.1
Identification and marking
2.8.4
Purpose Any identification and marking

must:
Highlight the hazard associated with the
product.
Emergency contact telephone numbers must

be displayed or readily available at customer
sites.
Prevent confusion at any time during normal

operations or an emergency, which may either
precipitate or aggravate an incident.
To do so it must be clear and durable, using

tags or plates securely fixed to the part to which
it relates, or directly marked on it. Never use
paper labelling.
2.8.2
2.8.3
Stamping Stamp markings onto tanks must

only be permitted in accordance with the design
code. Any other stamping must be on tank
supports, providing their integrity will not be
affected by the stamping process and if the
marking will remain legible after over-painting
or general wear and tear.
Specific information If not a design code
requirement already make sure the following
specific information is:
Available in tank documentation:
Maximum acceptable load on tank

supports.
Maximum acceptable LPG contents.

Plated on the tank:
Serial number.
Manufacturing date.
Manufacturers identity.
Design code.
Water capacity.
Minimum safe operating pressure (If not

atmospheric assume atmospheric if
nothing marked).
Maximum safe operating pressure.
Test pressure.
Date of pressure test.
Minimum safe operating temperature.
Maximum safe operating temperature.
Inspection authority.

Signs Mark the tank clearly with Liquefied

Petroleum Gas or, if there is any risk of
confusion, a more detailed description of tank
contents; the words Highly Flammable or a
suitable visual symbol must also be added.
2.9
Destenched / odourless LPG
2.9.1
Special precautions - These are needed when

LPG is supplied or used after destenching or
with a low odour. e.g. For use in aerosols as a
pressurising agent.
2.9.2
Additional measures - The following additional

measures must be taken:
Clearly mark tanks to indicate contents are
destenched or odourless.
Fit pressure gauges to all tanks.
Identify pipework as carrying odourless products.
Where practicable pipework must be welded and
flanged.
Provision of sampling points, drain connections
and means of isolating plant sections where
quality is a consideration.
Filling connections on the tank installation and
delivery vehicle hose end must have left hand
screw threads or alternative distinctly different
connections to those used for stenched product,
to prevent the delivery of odourless product into
stenched storage or vice versa.
A competent person familiar with the product
must carry out regular visual inspections for
leaks.
Gas detection.
Page 14 of 39

VERSION 2
3.
Tank fittings
3.1
General requirements
3.1.1
underground tanks, the full flow capacity of

pressure relief valves may be reduced to a
value that can be shown to adequately protect
the tank. Calculation of this value must also
consider whether the relief valves are required
to prevent overpressure of the tank by
overfilling and may therefore require a capacity
to relieve liquid LPG at the maximum filling
rate.
Every tank must have at least one of each of

the following:
A pressure relief valve directly connected to the
vapour space and usually used in conjunction
with a suitable automatic shut-off valve to enable
removal for testing and servicing. No other
fittings to be positioned between the PRV and
the tank.
A drain connection, or some other way of
draining liquid from the tank.
3.2.4
A maximum liquid level indicator and,

normally, a contents gauge. Where both are
installed they must be independent of each other.
A filling connection.
A service outlet connection(s) for vapour
and/or liquid duty if required.
A vacuum prevention measure where
necessary.
A pressure gauge connected directly to the
tanks vapour space for tanks over 5,000 litres
water capacity or valved tapping in the vapour
space or adjacent pipework for smaller tanks.
Manual isolation valves must not be fitted

between the tank vapour space and a single
pressure relief valve.
With single relief valves Install an automatic
shut-off valve to allow for the removal of the relief
valve for servicing / testing to take place; this
must be fully open when the relief valve is in
place and closed before the relief valve is
removed. The tank must never be left
unprotected and a replacement relief valve must
be fitted immediately.
A temperature gauge may be required if stock

reconciliation has to be carried out.
3.1.2
3.2
3.2.1
Suitability Fittings used in LPG tanks must

be designed to cope with the pressures and
temperatures that will occur in service.
Minimising direct connections (ideally, only one,
excluding drain lines) below liquid level to lower
the risk of leaks. All other connections must
terminate in the vapour space.
Where multiple pressure relief valves are fitted

with provision to allow for the removal and
servicing of individual pressure relief valves, the
remaining pressure relief valves must have
adequate capacity to provide full protection for
the tank.
Pressure relief valves

General All above ground tanks must be
fitted with one or more pressure relief valves, in
compliance with a recognised code of practice,
which will protect the tank in the event of a fire.
The setting and sizing of the pressure relief
valve(s) must protect the tank from
overpressure of more than 120% of the design
pressure, which could be generated under fire
exposure conditions.
3.2.2
Isolation check valves Care must be taken

to ensure that the design and certified
discharge capacity of pressure relief valves are
not restricted by the introduction of check
valves etc. which may be used to facilitate
exchange whilst the tank remains in service, i.e.
the relief valve(s) may have to have more
capacity than that calculated without the checkvalve in order to deliver the correct amount of
LPG when a check-valve is used (seek
manufacturers data for flow reduction).
Markings Permanently mark each valve

with:
o
The certified capacity in terms of air at 15.6 C

and 1 bar pressure.
3.2.5
Vent pipes Vent pipes must be fitted to the

pressure relief valves on above-ground tanks
over 1,500 mm internal diameter and greater
than 5,000 litre water capacity. Specifically:
Vent pipes must be designed to prevent ignited
LPG flames impinging on the tank, pipework,
equipment or nearby tanks.
Vent pipes must be adequately supported, with
outlets at least 1.8 m above the tank to which
they are fitted.
Vent pipes must be carefully designed to avoid
the risk of mechanical damage to the relief
valve(s).
Vent pipes must be protected against corrosion
and be fitted with loose-fit rain caps, with
provision for water drainage.
The manufacturers name and reference (i.e.

type or catalogue reference).
Vent pipes may need protection in high wind

areas.
The pressure at which the relief valve starts to

discharge.
The date when it was last set or inspected.
3.2.3
Underground
tanks

On
mounded
or
Page 15 of 39

VERSION 2
3.3
3.3.1
No new or refurbished vessels shall be fitted with

a Chek-Lok liquid withdrawal valve on the
bottom.
Drain Connections
Where the plug on a Chek-Lok adaptor is opened

by turn and indicates a leakage of LPG the
plug must be immediately and securely screwed
back into place and other means used to remove
the LPG from the vessel. Under no
circumstances may a leaking Chek-Lok valve be
used.
Specification - These must, as a minimum,

comply with the following rules:
Diameter The drain connection must be not
greater than 50 mm nominal bore diameter and
fitted with two shut- off valves.
Shut-off valves The drain must be fitted with
two, fire safe, quick acting ball valves in series,
together with a means of actuation on both
valves which cannot be readily removed or
accidentally switched open.
Where a Chek-Lok valve is currently fitted to the

bottom of an existing in-service vessel it may
only be used once to remove the LPG from the
vessel under a strict procedure and with the
appropriate competence and equipment., When
the vessel has been emptied the Chek-Lok must
then be replaced with an appropriate plugged
liquid withdrawal valve with integral excess flow,
or the tank must be removed from service and
either scrapped or modified to have a top liquid
withdrawal facility..
Distance between valves The valves must be

separated by at least 500 mm to avoid freezing
water present in the LPG obstructing both valves
at the same time, but close enough to allow
operation of both valves by a single person.
Second valve The second valve must not be
greater than 25 mm nominal bore diameter and
must be of the spring-loaded dead man operation
type. The second valve and piping must be
adequately fixed in place to prevent breakage by
vibration and jet forces or mechanical damage
and must not discharge under the tank.
Chek-Lok valves may continue to be used on the

top of vessels and may be specified on new or
refurbished vessels for this application. The
correct liquid withdrawal adaptor must be used
and the only suitable adaptors currently
approved are the Clesse ECG K 20 and K 10
and the Butagaz drw no.15208 MAJ C adaptor.
The Clesse adaptor has some advantages in
ease of use. Clearly defined procedures,
competence and equipment requirements must
be defined in each LOU.
At customer premises the drain pipe and second

valve must be removed and the primary valve
plugged or flanged off. When draining is
performed by trained personnel they must bring
with them the required drain pipe and second
valve. At depots the entire drainage assembly
must remain in place. Small tanks may
alternatively be fitted with a check valve and
internal dip tube.
3.3.2
No modifications may be made to the Clesse

adaptor or any additional fittings or spacers used
between the Clesse adaptor and the Chek-Lok
valve.
It remains the preferred option that the customer
be encouraged to use the remaining liquid in the
vessel prior to emptying the vessel for removal.
Further, where local laws and regulations permit
it, consideration should also be given to moving
the vessel with up to 50kg of liquid content rather
than engaging in liquid transfer operations at the
Draining tanks in service Special care must

be taken to minimise LPG escape when
draining tanks in service. Both drain valves
must never be opened simultaneously. The
procedure to be followed is:
Fully open the drain valve closest to the tank first
and allow pipe to fill. Close the valve.
Then control draining by gradually opening the
second valve. if no draining occurs, close the
valve immediately and investigate.
Repeat this procedure until all water has been
drained.
3.3.3
Safety distance Drain lines must discharge

more than 6 m away from any system of
surface water drainage.
3.4
Liquid withdrawal connections
3.4.1
Emptying of some smaller LPG vessels and

many underground vessels is often performed
using Chek-Lok adaptors fitted to the vessel.
The procedure in Shell Gas (LPG) Technical
Bulletin 12 must be used:
customers premises.
3.5
Contents gauges
3.5.1
Purpose - Content gauges must indicate

accurately when a tank is full at its maximum
normal capacity.
Gauges that operate by
releasing LPG into the atmosphere must have a
maximum opening diameter of 1.5 mm.
3.5.2
Fixed liquid level devices - These indicate

when the maximum liquid level is reached
during filling by allowing vapour or liquid to
discharge to atmosphere from a valve attached
to a dip tube, the design length of which must
be determined by the maximum permissible fill
for the grade of LPG stored.
Where possible bleed jets from fixed liquid level
gauges must be fitted so that the discharge jet
is vertical. This enables the most rapid dilution
of the vapour cloud and the least possible size
of flammable cloud.
3.5.3
Tanks below 5,000 litre water capacity - will

normally be fitted with a simple magnetic float
http://sww.shell.com/downstream/lpg/functions/hse/standards/comms/technical_bulletins.html
The following mandatory requirements are

contained in this procedure together with
guidance on the liquid transfer process:
Page 16 of 39

VERSION 2
gauge in addition to the mandatory fixed liquid

level device
3.5.4
Tanks above 5,000 litre water capacity - Will

normally be equipped with a contents gauge
which may be a simple magnetic float gauge,
capacitance gauge or rotary gauge etc., in
addition to a fixed liquid level gauge.
3.5.5
Slip tube gauges - These are not

recommended and must be replaced when the
tank is next gas free..
3.5.6
3.6
3.6.1
3.6.2
3.6.3
3.6.4
3.6.5
3.6.6
3.7
3.7.1
Requirement - All tank vapour and liquid

service outlet connections must have a
service/isolation valve, except where pressure
relief valves are fitted or tank connections are
less than 1.5 mm in diameter. They must be
suitable for LPG and be fitted directly to the
tank or immediately after the first flange.
3.7.2
Protection - Vapour connections greater than

8 mm diameter and liquid connections
(including drains) greater than 3 mm diameter
must be protected with an excess flow valve,
non return valve or a remotely operated
emergency shut down valve.
3.7.3
Multivalves - Vapour service valves on small

tanks (typically up to and including 9,000 litre
water capacity) may be incorporated in either
individual or combination brass multivalves.
3.7.4
Liquid service valves - Shall be fire safe,

quick acting ball valves. For tanks up to and
including 9,000 litre water capacity a
specifically designed LPG liquid offtake valve
incorporating an excess flow valve may be
used.
Sight glasses - Must not be used as a method

of measuring LPG liquid level in tanks and must
be withdrawn from service immediately if found
on an LPG vessel.
Filling connections
Direct connection - Tanks must be equipped
with a liquid fill connection, which connects
directly with the vapour space of the tank. The
filling connection must be positioned for easy
access to connect the filling gun. It is preferable
on larger vessels for the liquid fill connection to
enter vessel at a convenient point for filling via
a welded boss and internal pipe to the vapour
space. This removes the need to drag a hose
up access steps.
Spray filling - The internal discharge from fill
connections must form a liquid spray in the
vapour space of the tank to facilitate rapid
transfer. Such arrangements must be designed
with care to avoid liquid spray entering the
vapour service connections.
Manual shut-off - The filling connection must
be equipped with a manual shut- off valve and
automatic back check valve. On tanks below
5000 litres capacity where a manual shut-off
valve is not fitted, the delivery tanker shall use
a filling gun adaptor with an additional backcheck valve. If the automatic filler valve on the
vessel fails to close, the adaptor on the end of
the filling gun can be left in place and capped to
seal off the leakage until the valve on the tank
can be replaced.
The road tanker must
therefore carry a spare adaptor if it is to
continue making deliveries to similarly equipped
tanks.
Thread type - The liquid fill coupling must
normally be Right Hand Acme threaded for
commercial grades of odorised LPG.
Vapour balance - Vapour balance connections
are not recommended for metered customer
deliveries, but they may be used for internal
depot transfers etc.
Adapters - Filling systems must be designed
and installed to avoid the use of adapters
during normal operations.

Service valves
3.8
Emergency shut down valves
3.8.1
Type Emergency shut down (ESD) valves

are remotely operated, positive, fail closed,
shut-off valves, used to isolate tanks and
sections of piping/equipment in emergency
situations.
3.8.2
Automatic operation - ESD valves should

preferably be actuated automatically, e.g. by a
fusible link in the energy supply to the actuator,
by the plant alarm system and/or gas detection
system, or by manual control. They should
preferably be pneumatically actuated and
designed to operate in a controlled manner (not
snap action) to avoid pressure surges which
could lift hydrostatic relief valves, or on opening
cause inadvertent operation of excess flow
valves etc.
3.8.3
Installation - ESD valves must be installed in

all liquid service connections from tanks having
a nominal internal diameter greater than 25 mm
and where:
There are routine LPG depot operations such as
cylinder filling and tanker transfer activities, or
The public has unrestricted access to the activity
e.g. hospitals or school, or
Where there are people not familiar with the
emergency procedures and prompt evacuation
would be difficult e.g. retail autogas and fork lift
truck facilities.
Consideration must be given to installing ESD

Page 17 of 39

VERSION 2
valves in smaller sized liquid services or even

vapour services at strategic points in critical
locations such as cylinder filling plants to
ensure overall emergency control.
3.8.4
3.8.5
3.8.6
3.8.7
3.9
3.9.1
Location - Careful attention must be given to

the location of the remote controls for ESD
valves, and to the number of ESD valves
included in a single shut-down system. For
example, in a small depot or customer
installation it may be considered safer to
include all ESD valves in a single system, such
that all ESD valves in the system are closed
simultaneously, whereas in other plants it may
be necessary to use several ESD systems.
3.10
3.10.1
Provision must be made to ensure that no

electrostatic potential exists between the tanker
delivery connection and the static tank fill
connection which could generate a spark when
the connection is made, or broken.
3.10.2
The following must apply:

All tanks except those whose capacity does not
exceed 2,500 litres water capacity, must be
permanently bonded to an effective grounded
earthing point to prevent any build up of any
static electricity. The earthing point must be
situated so that it is readily available for the
tanker to discharge any static electricity by
means of its earthing cable before the delivery
hose connection is made.
The shutdown controls shall be located at

various positions over the site and shall be
clearly indicated with an appropriate notice. The
location of the controls for opening ESD valves
will depend on the manner in which the plant is
supervised and operated, but the number of
positions from which the ESD valves can be
activated shall be limited to the minimum
required for safe operation.
Automatic trip - The shutdown system design
must include automatic trips on the LPG pumps
activated by ESD valve closure. The closure of
ESD valves must be automatically linked to the
emergency alarm and water fire protection
system.
Manual override - ESD valves must not be
provided with hand wheels or operating levers,
unless there are specific local requirements to
provide manual override. A notice warning of
remote actuation must be located on or near
any valve with a manual override facility.
For tanks up to and including 2,500 litres water

capacity, a bonding connection may be provided
on the tank to allow the direct attachment of the
tanker earthing/bonding cable before making the
delivery hose connection.
Underground tanks which are not fitted with
cathodic protection require an earthing rod.
Underground tanks which are fitted with cathodic
protection and do not require an earthing rod
must have a bonding connection on the tank to
allow direct connection by the delivery vehicle
earthing lead.
3.10.3
There must be electrical continuity between the

tank transfer connection(s) and the earthing
point or bonding connection, through the tank.
Earthing or bonding connections must always
be kept clean, unpainted and free from
corrosion to ensure a good electrical
connection.
3.10.4
At LPG depots, the interlinking of a permissive

system to tanker bonding, where transfer of
LPG can not take place until bonding is
continuous, is recommended.
3.10.5
Earthing points must have low electrical

resistance to earth and never greater than 1 x
106 ohms to ensure the satisfactory dissipation
of static electricity.
High and low pressure alarms

Use - Alarms may be fitted to monitor:
Abnormally low tank pressure; possible fault in
the pressure control apparatus.
The effectiveness of a vacuum protection
system.
Abnormally high tank pressure.
3.9.2
Setting - Low-pressure alarms must be set

above the tanks minimum safe operating
pressure.
High-pressure alarms must be set below the
tanks pressure relief valve setting. These are
often used to trigger integrated water sprays.
3.9.3
Electrostatic precautions
3.11
3.11.1
Lightning protection
Lightning protection is often not required on
LPG tanks, but local requirements must be
checked and applied, particularly in respect of
vertical tanks.
Sensor location - The pressure sensors in

high and low-pressure alarms must measure a
tanks vapour pressure.
Using pressure
sensors in pipework may not give a true
reading of the tank pressure.

Page 18 of 39

VERSION 2
4.
Pumps, compressors and vaporisers
4.1
Pumps
4.1.1
4.1.2
centrifugal pumps must be fitted with a bypass

back to the LPG storage to prevent excessive
pressure developing.
Specification The design and materials

used in their construction must be suitable for
the safe handling of LPG over the range of
service pressures and temperatures.
A suitable strainer/filter must be fitted on the

pump inlet.
A flameproof isolation lockout must be fitted
adjacent to the pump set, to prevent remote
starter operation during maintenance shutdown.
Types - The types of pumps used for typical

liquid off-take installations include:
Hazardous areas must be correctly

classified.(See Section 6).
Centrifugal.
Rotary positive displacement. e.g. vane or gear.
4.2
Compressors
Metering.
4.1.3
Design and materials Pump sets must

comply with the following requirements:
Pressure containing castings must be of suitable
carbon steel and have an adequate ductility and
resistance to brittle fracture.
4.2.1
Specification The design and materials

used in their construction must be suitable for
the safe handling of LPG over the range of
service pressures and temperatures.
4.2.2
Types Compressors will typically be of the

reciprocating type with single or two-stage
configuration, depending on the service
requirement.
4.2.3
Design and materials Compressors must

Flange face finishes must be suitable for the type

of gasket to be used.
Seal gasket material must be suitable for the
grade of product and range of operating
temperatures.
Direct drives must be used wherever possible.
Pumps and drivers must be supplied as a
matched integrated unit.
Pressure containing castings must be of suitable

carbon steel and have an adequate ductility and
resistance to brittle fracture.
Only pumps with mechanical seals must be used

in LPG service.
Oil free compressors must be specified to ensure

acceptable product quality.
Pumps must have an internal bypass.
A liquid trap must be fitted in the suction piping to

prevent liquid entering the compressor.
Guard must be weatherproof and such that no

part of the transmission is left exposed, to avoid
personnel coming into contact with moving parts.
Canned or magnetic drive pumps are the best for
LPG service as they have no shaft seal and
hence no potential to leak through the seal and
must be strongly considered as a measure to
reduce risk. They are rarely used at present in
marketing installations as they are more
expensive than the equivalent pump with a shaft
and sealing arrangement. These magnetic drive
pumps transfer the drive between the motor and
the impellers of the pump using magnets to
transfer the drive through the pump casing. The
absence of the seals for a shaft entering the
pump removes the risk of seal leakage
completely.
4.1.4
A pressure-relieving device must be fitted on the

delivery side of the compressor.
A high-pressure shut-off switch (or similar) must
be fitted on the discharge side.
A motor suitable for operating in a potentially
flammable atmosphere according to the zone if
located within a hazardous area zone 1 or 2.
A flame proof means of isolation with lockout
must be fitted into the compressor motor supply
to protect personnel and equipment against
inadvertent operation.
4.2.4
Located in the open air, with good ventilation, at

least 1.5 m from buildings, boundaries and any
LPG tanks.
Installation Pump installations must meet

the following requirements:
Located in buildings only if they are purpose-built

(and used) and made of non-combustible
materials, with good (especially low level) natural
ventilation and a lightweight roof.
Pumps must not be located under tanks

Flange connections must be arranged such that
a gasket failure would not result in direct flame
impingement on LPG tanks.
Pump sets must be installed rigidly on suitable
foundations.
4.3
Flexible connections must not be used.
4.3.1
Suction piping must be as short and direct as

possible.
Installations Compressor installations must

meet the following requirements:
Vaporisers
Specification A relevant design code must
be used when designing, constructing and
testing vaporisers.
Positive displacement pumps and ideally

Page 19 of 39

VERSION 2
4.3.2
Types There are five basic types of

vaporiser, all of which must be capable of
vaporising LPG at the maximum offtake rate
needed from the installation:
4.3.4
To prevent the accumulation of condensate in all

pipelines carrying LPG vapour. This may take the
form of insulation or heat tracing. Drain pots
must be provided and all horizontal pipe runs
must incline slightly rising away from the
vaporiser so that any condensate runs back to a
drain pot.
Low pressure steam-heated.

Hot water heated.
Electrically heated.
Direct gas fired (This type of vaporiser must not
be used and must be removed if present at the
next major inspection period for the installation).
To avoid freezing of the steam condensate or

water associated with steam or hot water
vaporisers.
Atmospheric.
4.3.3
Design and materials Vaporisers must

4.3.5
Heat exchangers must be designed and

constructed in accordance with an approved
pressure vessel code.

The serial number and manufacturer.
Year of manufacture.
Shell and tubes in contact with LPG must be of

steel.
The vaporiser capacity must be not less than that

required for the conversion of liquid to vapour at
a temperature above dew point at the maximum
first stage regulator inlet pressure and maximum
offtake rate.
The vaporiser and all piping components and
relief valve up to and including the discharge
valve must be designed for the same conditions
as the inlet pipework.

Markings If not a design code requirement

already, the following information must be
marked on vaporisers (via metal plate or
included in easily accessible documentation):
Minimum and maximum safe operating
temperature.
The design pressure must be not less than 17

bar or the set pressure of the relief valve
whichever is the greater. In all cases the design
pressure must be at least that of the LPG liquid
installation.
The design of hot water and steam units must

ensure that there is no risk of water (or steam
condensate) freezing during periods of high
offtake or low ambient temperature conditions.
Precautions Precautions must be taken:
The design code it complies with.
4.3.6
Location - Vaporisers must be sited such that

the minimum distance from the nearest
important building or line of property is as
follows:
3 m up to 36 kg/h capacity.
7.5 m from 37 to 227 kg/h capacity.
15 m over 227 kg/h capacity.
Vaporisers may be mounted on the wall of a

building if it can be considered to be a fire wall,
with a defined fire resistance and no openings.
Page 20 of 39

VERSION 2
5.
Pipework and pressure regulators
5.1
Pipework
5.1.1
5.1.2
Design Pipework and fittings must comply

with the relevant standards and be of a
material suitable for LPG, the proposed
conditions of service and the extremes of
pressure and temperature likely to be
encountered.
The number of joints in pipework must be
minimised.
In steel pipework over 50mm
nominal bore it is particularly important to
minimise the number of flanges. Pipework
must be welded where possible and flanges
must never be orientated in a position where
the failure of a gasket could result in an ignited
leakage causing a jet flame to impinge on an
LPG tank or other pressurised equipment. In
addition remember that one release if ignited
may cause a cascade effect by impinging on
another fitting and eliminate this possibility by
good design.
Screwed joints may be used for pipework with an

outside diameter of 50mm or less.
Welded or flanged joints (except when attaching
to equipment with screw fittings) must be used
for outside diameters greater than 50 mm and
must be of an appropriate class and be raised
face weld neck type.. Spiral wound graphite filled
metal gaskets (ASME B16.20) must be used for
flanges in pipework carrying liquid LPG. It must
be noted that on established installations gaskets
may be made of compressed asbestos fibres and
appropriate PPE must be worn when breaking
joints. Jointing compounds for screwed
connections, flanged gaskets and any other
component parts must be suitable for use with
LPG.
Heat fusion or mechanically jointed fittings may
be used for copper or polyethylene pipe. The
latter must be designed to resist the pipe pulling
out.
5.1.5
Installation Pipework must be routed above

ground and in the open air where practicable. It
may be buried underground providing it is
inherently resistant
to corrosion.
e.g.
polyethylene or adequately protected by
cathodic
protection,
bitumen/tar
wraps,
impregnated tape etc.
5.1.6
Supports - The design, spacing and fixing of

supports must be:
Materials - Materials commonly in use are:

Carbon steel Seamless pipe to an acceptable
thickness or galvanised heavy/medium weight
welded seam pipe. All carbon steel pipework
used at vapour pressure or in liquid service must
be accompanied by a national certificate which
must be retained with the installation records.
Similarly, any welding must be carried out by
certified welders to an appropriate code and
records maintained.
Copper - Half hard or annealed solid drawn
copper. The risks of work hardening must be
considered. Not suitable for pipework carrying
liquid LPG.
Appropriate for the configuration of the pipes

Capable of resisting guide friction and anchorage
forces.
5.1.7
Polyethylene (PE) - This type of pipe, if to a

suitable standard, can be used for LPG vapour
and LPG/air mixtures, providing it is mostly
buried. In general, medium density PE is suitable
for use with LPG vapour at pressures up to 4 bar
o
o
and a temperature range of - 20 C to 40 C.
Minimise risks of vehicle damage (e.g. avoid site

roads or protect with bollards).
Preferably run above ground.
Corrugated Stainless Steel Proprietary

brands of flexible stainless steel pipe may be
used for underground liquid LPG service at Retail
forecourts and similar installations.
5.1.3
To carry vapour at full tank pressure i.e. above 5

bar. Seamless carbon steel to an acceptable
thickness or copper up to 15 mm diameter may
be used.
To carry liquid. Seamless carbon steel to an
acceptable thickness must be used.
Over 50 mm nominal bore. Seamless carbon
steel to an acceptable thickness must be used.
5.1.4
Avoid or protect from extremes of cold or heat.

Avoid running through buildings if carrying liquid
LPG or vapour pressure above the national
standard low-pressure. Where this is impractical,
pipe length must be minimised, protected from
physical damage and ventilation around the pipe
maximised within the building.
Types of pipework These include pipework:

To carry vapour below 5 bar. Carbon steel,
copper up to 35 mm diameter or PE may be used
underground.
Types of fittings These include:

Routing - The routing of piping must be

designed to minimise pipe contents and
thereby reduce the potential hazard. The
chosen pipe route must:
5.1.8
Electrical continuity - Piping must be

electrically continuous so that the resistance to
6
earth of the installation does not exceed 10
ohms in order to avoid the build-up of static
electricity. Achieving a value of no more than
100 ohms should not be difficult and, unless the
pipes suffer significant corrosion, this is unlikely
to degrade over time to levels above 106 ohms.
It is not usually necessary to bridge flanges with
bonding straps to achieve an acceptable level
of continuity, however it may be necessary to
bridge certain types of valve with a bonding
Page 21 of 39

VERSION 2
strap to obtain continuity.
Isolation valves must be fitted at both ends of

the underground length of pipe.
Pipelines, fittings and hoses used for liquid

phase LPG transfer must have electrical
continuity and be reliably connected to earth. It
may be necessary to fit electrical bonding
straps across connecting joints.
Pipes carrying flammable or inert liquids may be

laid in the same trench but NOT pipes carrying
toxic or corrosive materials.
Do not run in the same trench as electric cables
unless an outer sleeve or pipe insulates them.
Electrical cables must be separated at least 300
mm from LPG pipework.
Ball valves must not disrupt electrical continuity

in the pipeline.
Where cathodic protection is used on LPG

pipework seek specialist advice from DIG/5.
More detailed information on static electricity

may be found in national standards, Institute of
Petroleum Codes, etc.
5.1.9
Flexible connections - Flexible connections

must be suitable for the required duty and
comply with a relevant design code. In addition:
A plan must be made to record the pipe layout

and, if possible, permanently mark the route
above ground
5.1.12
Must be well supported and installed.
They must also be as short as practicable and

used only where necessary.
Either load-bearing covers or exclusion fencing

must be installed. Pipework must be run in a
shallow brick or concrete lined trench covered
with open grids where appropriate for safe
pedestrian access.
Where used for conveying liquid, the internal

pressure in hoses must be restricted by a
hydrostatic relief valve to the lower of the fixed
pipe operating pressure or the design maximum
for the hose.
As an alternative to using a brick or concretelined trench, liquid-containing pipe may be run

inside an outer sleeve pipe. Ensuring that this is
sealed at both ends (with at least one end
accessible for inspection) and the space between
inner and outer pipes is monitored for leaks (e.g.
by detecting pressure changes).
Emergency isolation in the form of an excess

flow valve, remotely operated valve or non
return valve must be fitted to prevent the risk of
LPG leaking from a failed hose.
5.1.10
Above ground PE pipework Where PE

terminals are brought above ground at tanks or
premises, the exposed pipework must be
shielded from mechanical or ultra violet
damage by sleeving, and normally limited to no
more than 2m and in any case as short as
practicable. Alternatively, a suitable fitting may
be used below ground to achieve the transition
to metal pipework on either or both terminal
transitions.
5.1.11
Underground pipework - Pipework buried in

an open trench, which is back-filled with noncorrosive material must meet the following
requirements:
Backfill must contain no abrasive and potentially
damaging particles.
For metal pipes anti-corrosion measures must
be used, e.g. cathodic protection, bitumen / tar
overwraps, proprietary wax impregnated tape
etc.
In general underground liquid or tank pressure
pipework must be avoided. Where this is
unavoidable, pipework must be protected from
vehicular loading by installing either load-bearing
covers or exclusion fencing. Pipework must be
run in a shallow brick or concrete lined trench
covered with open grids where appropriate for
safe pedestrian access.
Design must compensate for any extra constraint
or loading or constraint due to backfill or
underground siting.
Where any kind of superimposed load may
occur, the pipe affected must be protected with
covers or well-supported load-bearing slabs.

Pipework used to carry liquid or vapour at

tank pressure:
Hydrostatic relief valves must be fitted in any

pipework in which liquid LPG may be trapped
(e.g. between shut off valves) to protect against
excessive pressure. Where possible do not fit
these valves beneath tanks. Valves fitted under
tanks must not allow LPG to escape across the
tank surface or nearby access points.
Atmospheric discharges must be to the open air
and must not pose any danger to life or
equipment. Where possible hydrostatic relief
valves must be orientated to discharge upwards
to maximise dispersion of the LPG vapour.
5.2
Pressure regulators
5.2.1
Specification Pressure regulators control

wide variations in tank pressure and deliver the
required outlet pressure despite a variable gas
flow caused by intermittent use.
5.2.2
Types There are three basic types of

regulators:
First stage (highpressure) Designed to
reduce vapour supply pressure to the required
intermediate high pressure. Used as a first
stage regulator in a two-stage system or where
a high outlet pressure is required.
Second stage (low-pressure) - Designed to
reduce intermediate pressure to the required
final operating pressure.
Single-stage - Designed to reduce vapour
pressure down to final operating pressure in a
single stage.
Although single-stage, low-pressure regulators

have been used in some countries with bulk
Page 22 of 39

VERSION 2
tanks (and they are usually the norm with

simple LPG cylinder usage) they must not be
used with bulk supply systems as they are
more susceptible to freeze ups. Two stage
systems
give
better
pressure
control
performance and enable the use of small bore
piping.
5.2.3
5.2.5
Regulators are adequately supported and

correctly orientated in accordance with
manufacturers instructions.
First stage regulators are located as close as
practicable to the tank/vaporiser connection.
Second stage regulators are located on the
exterior wall of the supplied premises. They must
not be installed inside buildings other than in
exceptional circumstances, and in such
circumstances the vent and any relief valve etc.
must be piped to the outside of the building.
Design Regulators must comply with a

recognised standard. The design, materials
and construction must be suitable for the full
range of operating conditions.
Consideration is given to the security of

regulators if unauthorised interference is a
possibility.
Additional safety controls such as pressure

relief valves and high/low pressure cut-offs may
be specified depending on the application.
5.2.4
Selection - Regulators suitable for LPG must

be selected by an assessment of the following
factors:
Climatic conditions - must be suitable for ambient
temperature range in country of use, designed to
prevent the ingress of rain/snow and insects etc.,
resistant to corrosion (especially in marine
environments) etc.
Flow capacity - must be big enough for highest
demand of equipment (but avoid excessive over
capacity to ensure good control performance
under low flow conditions).
Inlet pressure - anticipated range.
Delivery pressure - specific or range.
Gas demand - the total gas requirement for all
the equipment being supplied.
Regulator setting point and performance curves to match the requirements of the installation.
Installation Ensure that:
5.3
Identification and marking
5.3.1
Use logical markings or colour codes or both to

communicate the contents and whether vapour
or liquid.
5.3.2
Valves and connections - The following must

be clearly marked and identified for each valve
/ connection:
How to operate manual isolation valves.
How/where to operate remote isolation valves.
How/where to operate manual fixed water drench
systems.
Adjacent connections for propane and butane
loading and unloading.
Pressure relief valve set pressure.
Connections - inlet and outlet thread or flange

size and form.
Additional safety controls - such as under/over
pressure shut-off, partial pressure relief etc.
Installation conditions, e.g. underground and
mounded tanks - perhaps additional corrosion
protection measures may be necessary, or if the
location could be flooded then breather and relief
vents must be extended to a point where water
ingress can be prevented etc.

Page 23 of 39

VERSION 2
6. Hazardous area classification for electrical equipment

6.1
Zone classification
6.1.1
SGLPG Standard 7 covers the requirement to

manage potential explosion risk from LPG at:
Cylinder Filling Plants
Rail tanker loading and unloading.facilities
Ship and barge loading and unloading facilities
Road tranker loading and unloading facilities
Cylinder storage facilities such as dealers,
distributors or stockists.
Terminals and depots including all storage and
transfer facilities

At all other sites including domestic

installations, commercial installations such as
restaurants, hotels, factories and LPG fuelling
locations, local regulations will apply to
installation of electrical equipment. Where local
regulations do not exist, no electrical equipment
shall be installed within 2.5 metres of any LPG
filling point, connection point, fixed ullage
gauge, pump, compressor, vaporiser or relief
valve unless it complies with the requirements
of Standard 7 par. 4.1.3.1 for a zone 1.
Appropriate measures must be taken to ensure
that equipment that might provide a source of
ignition is not within the hazardous zone during
connection and disconnection of LPG supplies,
or maintenance work involving the opening of
any part of the LPG system.
Page 24 of 39

VERSION 2
7.
Security
7.1
General
7.1.1
General All tanks, fittings and equipment

must be protected from accidental damage or
vandalism.
7.1.2
Domestic Sites These sites will not normally

need individual fencing, provided tanks are
fitted with a lockable cover and there is little
risk of unauthorised access and interference.
7.1.3
7.1.4
Sites with restricted public access These

sites may not need individual fences for tanks,
pumps and vaporisers if the tanks are smaller
than 9,000 litres water capacity and valves and
fittings are inaccessible, e.g. using open mesh
wire fencing between the support pillars, or
using a lockable cover. As long as the key is
available in an emergency and the cover is
locked at all other times except during tank
filling.
Large tanks, pumps & vaporisers These all
normally require security fencing no less than
1.5 m away from any aboveground tank,
vaporiser or underground tank valves and no
less than 1.8 m high. There must be two nonadjacent, outward-opening escape gates that
are unlocked when the site is in use, but NOT
self-locking (for exceptions, see 7.1.6 and
7.1.7).
7.1.5
Security fence construction Security fence

design must not significantly impair ventilation
across the site; Never use wooden designs
they burn easily and obstruct ventilation. A
strong industrial grade wire mesh is
recommended, e.g. 12 gauge chain link or 12
gauge 52 mm x 55 mm mesh welded panels
fixed to concrete pillars.
7.1.6
Industrial sites with perimeter fences

These sites may not need individual fences for
tanks, pumps and vaporisers if there is
continuous surveillance, but if there is any risk
of trespass, or if the surveillance is not
continuous or cannot be followed up quickly,
then individual fences must be used.

7.1.7
Where the public has unrestricted access

e.g. Open plan industrial sites or housing
estates; a security fence must be used for
these sites, according to the following
guidelines:
Up to 2,500 litre water capacity tanks fence
must be at least 1.5 m from the tank.
Above 2,500 litre water capacity tanks fence
must be at least 3 m from the tank.
Arrangements must also prevent the build-up of
combustible materials and uncontrolled siting of
ignition sources within the separation area.
7.2
Preventing damage by vehicles
7.2.1
Location Do not site tanks, pipes and

associated equipment in areas used by
vehicles; if this cannot be avoided, install
strong bollards or crash barriers appropriate to
the size and weight of vehicles likely to use
roads in the area. Never rely simply on the
security fence or the use of warning signage or
road marking.
7.2.2
Vehicle parking distances Guidelines for the

separation of vehicles from tanks, according to
type of vehicle being parked, are as follows:
Vehicles controlled by the site operator must be
parked no closer than 3 m, providing that
ventilation around the tank is not obstructed.
Vehicles not controlled by the site operator (e.g.
driven by the public), must not be parked any
closer than 3 metres or the separation distances
in Chart 2, whichever is the greater.
Page 25 of 39

VERSION 2
8.
Fire precautions
8.1
General
8.1.1
Principles Minimise major fire risks

(including escalation) through installation
design, layout and resourcing that both
complies with all relevant local legislation and
codes of practice, and specifically optimises:
Best practice in engineering.
The implementation and enforcement of sound
operating procedures.
Emergency procedures.
Staff training (both routine and emergency
procedures).
Location of water supplies.
Location and marking of shut-off valves.
Access, protection and equipment for fire
fighters.
Contingency plans and drills for fire incidents.
Arrangements to call fire brigade promptly in the
event of a fire.
Prevention or shutdown of any release of LPG is
the most effective way of controlling an incident
8.1.2
Responsibility Where the local fire authority

is responsible for organising, equipping and
maintaining a fire brigade and managing fire
fighting operations, any fire which may threaten
stored LPG must be attended by the fire
brigade, who will take control of fire fighting
operations on arrival, even if they involve site
fire teams in their efforts.
8.1.3
Planning The local fire authority may want to

be involved in the planning of any new LPG
storage facilities; if, during planning, further
guidance on fire precautions is needed and
cannot be found in this standard, consult the
enforcing authority (see definitions).
8.1.4
Access All sites must at all times be

accessible without hindrance to fire fighters.
8.2
8.2.1
8.2.2
Fire protection
General The most effective form of fire
protection is for there to be no release of LPG
or if a release occurs, to detect it immediately
and shut it down. The use of gas and fire
detection and shutdown systems must
therefore be strongly considered where a risk
assessment indicates that this approach would
bring the risk to ALARP. It must be noted that
such systems can only be effective if a rigorous
regime of maintenance and testing is in place
and their reliability can be demonstrated from
comprehensive records.
Research and subsequent advice from Shell
Global Solutions regarding fire protection of

LPG tanks once a fire is in progress has led to

the following conclusions:
The only sources of heat that threaten the
integrity of an LPG tank are jet flames or
pool fires
Water sprays are ineffective against a jet
flame and only a suitably positioned fire
water monitor will deflect the jet flame from
the surface of a tank
Good design will significantly reduce the
probability of a pool fire engulfing a tank,
by directing any LPG spillage away from
beneath the tank.
Fires adjacent to an LPG tank which do not
engulf the tank in flames are unlikely to
cause failure of the tank, however
increased pressure can lead to additional
release of LPG through relief valves.
Underground or mounded tanks are much
less at risk from radiant heat and will only
require protection for any exposed parts.
Whilst fixed water sprays have been
specified to deliver cooling water to LPG
vessels to protect against radiant heat,
reliability has proven problematic. Systems
have failed to deliver water to the full
volume, reliably, in a number of emergency
cases. Nozzles get blocked with scale, or
pipes on the vessels have failed.
Water monitors positioned to deliver the
equivalent volume of water and set in an
appropriate pattern to cover all parts of the
vessels in a dense water spray are
considered more reliable than spray
systems when needed.
Monitors have the additional advantage
that should a jet flame impinge on a
vessel, water monitors can be redirected
and adjusted to a narrower jet, to provide
greater protection against this risk.
Given the foregoing this standard no longer
mandates the use of spray systems for large bulk
intallations:
For existing installations: Fixed water spray
systems that perform reliably when required do not
need to be replaced. However for any major facility
refurbishment or if there are known problems with
existing spray systems replacement with fixed water
monitors delivering the same equivalent water
volumes should be strongly considered.
For new installations:
Fixed monitors must be

Page 26 of 39

VERSION 2
installed whenever possible. Some spray systems

may still be required dependent on site layout if, for
example monitors cannot be set to provide the
required water coverage to all parts of all tanks. (for
example the tops of spheres may best be covered
using a water deluge system)
demanded by enforcing authorities. Additional

precautions may be necessary under certain
conditions such as slow fire brigade response
times, remotely located water supplies or high
fire risks in adjacent sites.
8.2.6
Tanks up to 56,250 litres water capacity

Domestic and small commercial and industrial
installations may be required to have a water
supply sufficient for use by the fire brigade,
easily accessible and no more than 100 m from
the tank; e.g. hydrants, rivers, canals, ponds,
except for liquid offtake tanks with a water
capacity greater than 15,750 litres (See 8.2.7);
however, balance this with other advice in this
standard plus the likely fire brigade response
and area evacuation times.
8.2.7
Remote sites with low, easily evacuated

adjacent populations Distance from the
water supply to the tanks may be over 100
metres, subject to agreement with the local fire
authority and the existence of a detailed, fully
publicised (i.e. to local residents) and tested
evacuation plan.
8.2.8
Liquid offtake tanks greater than 15,750

litres water capacity Minimum fire
protection must be an appropriate fire fighting
water supply plus, where liquid outlet
connections have no remotely operated
emergency valves, some form of tank radiation
protection e.g. fixed/portable monitors or
intumescent coating.
8.2.9
Total tank inventory of 56,250 litres water

capacity but less than 112,500 litres water
capacity Minimum fire protection must be an
appropriate fire fighting water supply plus some
form of tank radiation protection, e.g. fixed /
portable monitors or intumescent coating
8.2.10
Total tank inventory of 112,500 litres water

capacity or more Minimum fire protection
must be an appropriate fire fighting water
supply plus fully automatic water delivery
system triggered by a fire detector capable of
detecting a fire threatening the tanks (i.e. not
just an excess tank pressure sensor). Manual
systems are only acceptable where there is 24
hour supervision, and these may be
configured to target individual rather than all
tanks; however, such systems must be
activated remotely (See 8.2.3).
All local operational staff must be trained in the use

of the fire protection system including the
adjustment of the monitors.
8.2.3
Methods of protecting tanks from jet flames or

pool fires include:
Fire monitors Sufficient water supply, storage
and numbers of monitors must be provided to
enable any area of tank shell to receive a direct
jet of water.
Intumescent Coating Above ground tanks and
exposed portions of mounded or buried tanks
may be protected from radiant heat by
intumescent coating. This will provide protection
for a time stipulated in the design and application
data for the coating.
8.2.4
Water supplies Where water is the chosen

medium for prevention of radiation effects there
must be enough water available for emergency
use, specifically:
Standard fire protection the supply must be
able to apply sufficient water for any tank at a
rate of at least 9.8 litres per m2 per minute over
the entire tank surface for no less than an hour.
Sites with no reserve water supplies nearby
plan for standard fire protection plus extra
capacity.
Water re-circulating systems - the storage
reservoir must hold 30 minutes supply without recirculation.
Power failure - Plans must be prepared for what
must happen in the event of a local power failure
during fire fighting efforts.
Drainage The drainage on site must be
capable of handling the likely flow of water during
fire fighting or fire protection, and install watersealed interceptors where necessary to prevent
LPG entering storm drains and sewers.
Control of water flow The design of fixed
drench and hydrant systems must allow control
of water flow from the safety of distances greater
than specified in Chart 2 for distance to a public
place. Additionally, the water supply to fixed
drench systems must incorporate connections for
fire fighting use, at safe locations agreed with the
local fire authority.
8.2.5
Fire protection equipment - The need for fire

protection equipment at LPG storage sites
depends on:
The size of individual tanks.
The sites maximum storage capacity.
The frequency of tanker deliveries.
The calculated fire risk according to site
conditions (e.g. higher for a cylinder filling facility)
See 8.2.5 to 8.2.9 for standards generally

8.3
Other installations
protection is required
8.3.1
where
fire
Cylinder filling sites Tanks at these, and

similar sites (e.g. aerosol filling sites), must be
protected by fixed monitor systems or
intumescent coating, unless the operation is
very small (e.g. cylinder filling only for fork lift
trucks).
Page 27 of 39

VERSION 2
8.3.2
Where storage capacity exceeds 56,250

litres water capacity ensure the road tanker
bay has fire protection equal to that of the
tanks.
8.3.3
Where road tanker filling/deliveries average

twice or more per week - (i.e. averaged over
6 months, including winter) consider extra
tanker bay fire protection.
8.3.4
Rail loading / unloading gantries - install

fixed monitors or comparable fire protection.
8.3.5
Individual vs. groups of tanks In sections

8.2.5 to 8.3.2 tanks may be treated individually
if they are spaced apart by a distance equal to
the sum of the separation distances in Chart 2
to a public place
8.4
Portable fire fighting equipment
8.4.1
General All LPG storage sites must have

enough of the correct portable fire fighting
equipment to extinguish fires next to LPG tanks
and prevent escalation of any incident. The
correct
equipment
comprising
fire
extinguishers and access to water will be
defined by local or national fire protection
standards or codes of practice, which will also
specify an appropriate mix of equipment, plus
location, maintenance and levels of capability.
8.4.2
Specification The following must be installed

at all fixed LPG storage sites storing more that
4,000 litres of LPG:
As standard equipment - at least two LPG compatible fire extinguishers (See 11.2.1) e.g. 9
kg capacity dry powder.
At domestic installations - no requirement for dry
powder extinguishers (since users are usually
untrained in LPG fire fighting)
CHART 7: FIRE PRECAUTIONS SUMMARY

INSTALLATION CAPACITY
PRECAUTIONS
REF.
Water Capacity
Litres
Nominal LPG
Capacity Tonnes
Less than 150 4,000 (Domestic tank

capacity)
Less than 1.1
Water supply for fire brigade use up to 100m away.
Less than 150 4,000

Less than 1.1
(Commercial & Industrial tank capacity)
Water supply for fire brigade use up to 100m away

Two 9kg dry powder extinguishers.
Greater than 4,000 to 56,250
Greater than 2 to 25
Water supply for fire brigade use up to 100m away.

8.2.2,
8.2.4
8.4.2
Greater than 15,750

(Liquid offtake tank capacity with
remotely operated shutoff)
Greater than 7
Water supply.
8.2.2
8.4.2
Greater than 15,750

Greater than 7
(Liquid offtake tank capacity without
remotely operated shutoff)
Water supply.
Fixed and / or portable monitors.
8.2.2
8.2.7, 8.2.
8.4.2
56,250 to less than 112,500
25 to less than 50
112,500 or more
50 or more
Water supply.
Fixed and / or portable monitors..
Water supply.
Fixed and / or portable momitors.
8.2.2
8.2.8
8.4.2
8.2.2
8.2.9
8.4.2
Water supply.
Automatic fixed water sprays.
8.2.2
8.3.1
8.4.2
Cylinder filling
8.2.3,
8.2.4
Note: In all tank protection cases above, the requirement for water for tank cooling may be replaced
with intumescent coating of the tank with a coating certified for one hour and applied and maintained in
accordance with the manufacturers instructions

Page 28 of 39

VERSION 2
9.
Transfer operations
9.1
General
9.1.1
9.1.2
Jetty hoses may be repaired by qualified

personnel when this is assessed as appropriate
by a competent person.
Operating procedures All staff who take part

in loading / unloading must be issued with
written procedures that clearly specify their
responsibilities.
Staffing Whilst staffing on LPG loading /
unloading will depend on site size or type, there
must never be less than two trained people
involved, e.g. a site employee plus the road
tanker driver/rail tanker operator. The only
exceptions to this rule are:
Flexible transfer hose lengths must be kept to

the absolute minimum, to avoid hoses having
to be dragged long distances.
9.1.7
Loading arms / flexible hoses protection If

there is any likelihood of liquid LPG becoming
trapped between the shut-off valves in loading
arms/flexible hoses, they must be protected
against excess pressure due to thermal
expansion of the liquid, e.g. by design or the
use of hydrostatic relief valves.
9.1.8
Static electricity protection The transfer

procedure must include the following as a
minimum:
Domestic or very small sites, where having any

additional staff would be impractical.
Automated depots designed for one man
operation.
9.1.3
Pre transfer check The quantity and type of

LPG must be checked by someone in authority
to confirm its suitability for transfer to the
intended tank. In addition:
Discharge to earth of any accumulated static

electricity from the road/rail tanker before
connecting the transfer hose, by bonding the
tanker to an earthing point or to the tank to be
filled.
Check the contents gauge before and frequently

during transfer.
Bonding the tanker to the tank being filled before

connecting the hose coupling and maintaining
this bond throughout the transfer.
Use maximum fill devices to prevent overfilling.
9.1.4
Ventilation All transfer points (where tankers

connect / disconnect) must be sited in a wellventilated location.
9.1.5
Overfilling In the event of overfilling, excess

LPG MUST be removed from overfilled tanks
or tankers immediately in a safe way. Failure
to do so may contribute to a serious incident.
9.1.6
Detachment of the electrical bond only after the

liquid and where used the vapour balance
connection have been disconnected.
9.2
9.2.1
Flexible transfer hoses (See SGLPG

Standard 5) The design and construction of
flexible LPG transfer hoses must be to an
appropriate standard. These hoses must also
be:
Siting The following precautions against

accidental road tanker movement during
transfer operations must be taken:
Siting of transfer points on well-drained
essentially level ground, preferably with a slight
slope or camber in one direction to take any
spillage away from the tanker and prevent it from
flowing and collecting under any fixed tanks or
pipework.
Properly identified.
Place wheel chocks against all wheels (or

provide other means to prevent vehicle
movement) before transfer begins and remove
only after transfer ends.
Protected from damage to or intake of foreign

matter through their end fittings.
Protected against external damage (where this is
likely) .
Protected in transit, storage or when not in use
from weathering or other physical damage.
Road tanker loading / unloading
9.2.2
Tanker position The following criteria must

be applied during transfer operations:
Jetty hoses must be tested hydraulically at least

every year, and records maintained.
Tanker should preferably be positioned off the

public highway whilst unloading.
Road and rail tanker loading and unloading

hoses must be visually examined for kinks,
cracks and abrasion at least once every 6
months and ACME couplings must be checked
for wear using appropriate GO/NO-GO thread
gauges. Records must be kept and hoses with
visual damage must be destroyed
Where off-road parking is impossible (e.g. at

domestic sites), clear guidance on parking
procedures to avoid causing obstruction to other
road users, pedestrians etc. and to comply with
legal requirements must be provided.
Checked at least every year for electrical

continuity, and records maintained.
Checked for wear or kinks (together with all
associated fittings) before every transfer.
During unloading the tanker must be positioned a

minimum of 2 m from the tank at customers
premises to provide an adequate working space.
At cylinder filling plants and bulk distribution
depots this must be increased to 15 m. Wherever
possible the tanker parking position should not
be within the separation distances in Chart 2.
Page 29 of 39

VERSION 2
least 15 m away from other fixed tanks, ignition

sources, boundaries and buildings, in a location
with good ventilation. Wherever possible the
rail tanker parking position must not be within
the separation distances in Chart 2.
All shut-off valves on both the tanker and the

tank must be readily accessible during transfer
operations.
Tanker access to the discharge position should
avoid the need for reversing. If necessary
arrangements must be made for the tanker to be
reversed in and driven out in the forward
direction.
9.3.2
During transfer operations the tanker must be

positioned so that it can be readily driven away in
an emergency.
There must be a clear line of sight between the
tanker and the tank being filled, and at all times
during the operation the driver must be able to
immediately stop the transfer, either normally
when the tank is full or in an emergency. If there
is no clear line of sight, a second trained person
must assist during the transfer operation or a
remote tanker control system capable of shutting
down the pump and foot-valve on the road tanker
must be used.
9.2.3
Transfer points must be sited on well-drained

essentially level ground. A slight gradient of less
than 1:250 is permissible so long as this is away
from the main line or towards the buffers, to take
any spillage away from the tanker and prevent it
from flowing and collecting under any fixed tanks
or pipework.
9.3.3
Physical barriers must be provided where there

is the risk of a rail tanker being damaged by a
road vehicle.
Driveaway protection /prevention One or

more
driveaway
protection/prevention
measures such as the following must be used:
A barrier gate and other positive isolation means

must be provided to protect against the risk of
the train being accidentally moved whilst the rail
tank wagons are still connected to the LPG
reception facilities. Such measure could include
removal of the locomotive, application of rail
tank wagon hand brakes, locked points, removal
of the towing cable or isolation of the capstan
motor etc.
A self-seal breakaway coupling.

Brake flap that locks on the vehicle brakes when
moved aside to access the filling connection.
A trip switch that locks on the vehicle brakes
when the flexible hose is unloaded from its
normal stowage position.
Positive interlocks incorporating the product

transfer pumps or compressors, isolation valves,
etc. must be considered to ensure the rail tank
wagons have been correctly positioned before
transfer operations are commenced.
Interlocked physical barrier or similar system on

either road tanker or fixed installation.
9.2.5
9.2.6
9.3
9.3.1
Operating restrictions Loading / unloading

operations must only be carried out when safe
to do so and preferably be separated from
other traffic movement. Diversions for passing
vehicles and pedestrians (e.g. barriers,
warning signs) must be used.
Signals may provide additional protection.
9.3.4
Rail tanker loading / unloading

Location All rail loading / unloading activities
well clear of other rail traffic (e.g. in a siding), at

Emergency shutdown valve protection

The following protection must be used for
transfer points:
Remotely operated, fail safe, fire safe emergency
shutdown valves on the reception facilities and,
where appropriate, for vapour lines.
Remote power shut-off A remote switch

must be fitted to tankers that rely on engine
power to drive pumps or other equipment,
allowing emergency engine shut-down from
outside the cab.
Hose routing Hoses must not be routed
across public areas such as pavements or
footpaths unless it clearly will not endanger the
public or there is absolutely no alternative, in
which case warning notices must be placed on
both sides of the hose.
These must be
readable from 6m and carry warnings such as:
DANGER - NO SMOKING OR NAKED FLAMES.
WARNING LP GAS TRANSFER IN PROGRESS.
Rail operations - The following must be

observed:
Rail tankers containing LPG must not be shunted
when separated from the locomotive or train.
A system of simultaneously activating emergency

isolation valves on both tanker and tank.
9.2.4
Siting The following precautions against

accidental rail tanker movement must be taken:
Manual shut-off valves on every liquid LPG

branch pipe, fitted with dedicated handles / keys
for quick use.
Non-return valves on common manifolds to
prevent liquid back flow during transfer.
9.3.5
9.3.6
Extra pullaway protection Additional

measures against pullaways must be provided,
such as self sealing break away couplings,
isolation valves/rail tanker wagon movement
interlock systems or other comparable
systems.
Rail movements - A simple communication
system similar to a Permit to Work must be in
place between the rail service operator and the
LPG storage operator, to ensure a clear handover and hand-back of the tank wagons and to
prevent entry of a locomotive into the tank area
while discharge or filling is taking place.
Page 30 of 39

VERSION 2
9.3.7
Rail to Road transfers Where transfer of LPG

takes place between rail tank wagons and road
tankers with no fixed LPG storage on the site, all
of section 8 on firefighting shall apply and the
other requirements of this section 9 on transfer
operations. Where separation distances cannot
be met, a firewall must be used to provide the
separation distance around the wall. Where the
installation is operated by a road tanker driver
only, remote monitoring must be provided. For
very remote locations where there are normally
no people in premises, no major roads or
passenger rail routes within 100metres of the
installation and all other requirements above are
met, a risk assessment may be performed to see
if the local emergency service response would
provide adequate water cooling in an emergency
instead of an installed system.

Page 31 of 39

VERSION 2
10. Commissioning and de-commissioning

10.1
General
10.1.1
Only fully competent, trained staff familiar with

LPG
tank
commissioning
and
decommissioning
must
carry
out
these
procedures.
10.1.2
For tanks up to 5,000 litres water capacity, the

preferred approach is for most commissioning
and decommissioning procedures to be carried
out under controlled conditions at the LPG
Company (or contractor) depot, using
appropriate handling/transportation systems
and methods, rather than at the customers
premises.
Tanks above 5,000 litres water capacity would
normally be dealt with at the customers
premises using specialised equipment and
personnel.
10.2
10.2.1
10.2.2
10.2.3
10.2.4
10.2.5
Commissioning
10.2.6
Water purging If using water as a purge

medium, check before starting that the tank
and its supports will be capable of holding the
full weight of water. After purging, ensure that
all the water is removed from the tank.
10.2.7
Evacuation If using evacuation as the purge

method, check before starting that the tank is
designed to sustain full vacuum conditions.
10.3
10.3.1
Isolation Tanks and fittings to be decommissioned must be isolated from any

process, tank or equipment, usually by
disconnecting and removing adjoining pipework
or blocking it off with spades or blanks.
Closing shut-off valves is not enough.
10.3.2
Preparation Prior to de-commissioning:

Remove as much liquid LPG from the tank as
possible via normal use or through controlled
transfer to other tanks, or by flaring. If it is
necessary to vent residual vapour this must be
kept to the absolute minimum possible.
Leak testing / purging conditions During

leak testing and purging the tank must not be
subjected to pressures, temperature or vacuum
conditions for which the tank is not designed.
Purge with inert gas until the LPG content

remains less than 4 %.
Testing All tanks and associated equipment

must be tested and certified fit for purpose prior
to filling.
Purging All tanks and associated fittings
must be purged until there is insufficient
oxygen inside to support combustion. To do so,
the air must be either evacuated or replaced
with inert gas, water or LPG.
Inert gas purging If inert gas is used, this
needs to be removed from the tank with LPG,
taking care to direct the purged gas / LPG
mixture safely away from other tanks, ignition
sources, boundaries, buildings or public places
or to a flare stack. Care must be taken during
purging to ensure the safe dispersion of
unignited purge gases. If purge gases are
flared this must be outside the normal
separation distances.
LPG vapour purging When LPG vapour is
used to replace air, the tank and fittings will for
a period of time contain a flammable mixture. A
competent person must vent to atmosphere in
a safe manner. A flame arrestor must be fitted
in the vent line to prevent flashback should the
LPG/air mixture ignite.

De-commissioning
Purge by displacement with water or other

suitable method.
Care must be taken to ensure that no flammable
vapours are generated from residual heavy ends.
10.4
10.4.1
Certification
Pre-fill inspection A competent person must
inspect tanks following installation, but before
filling and carry out any appropriate additional
testing / inspection, so that they can certify the
installation as fit-for-service, specifically in
respect of its:
Installation fittings, site loading, tank foundations
and supports and protective devices.
Safe operating limits for loading, temperature
and pressure.
Tank siting in relation to buildings, property line,
boundary or fixed ignition source.
The inspection must take place before mounding
or back-filling mounded or underground tanks.
Page 32 of 39

VERSION 2
11. Training
11.1
11.1.1
11.1.2
General
Training is an essential element of an effective
HSE management system. All those that work
in HSSE Critical Activities must be properly
trained and competent for the activities
undertaken. A sufficient number of people must
be appointed and trained to carry out and
supervise procedures and operations.
Training programme It is the responsibility
of management to make sure that all staff
involved in LPG operations clearly understand
the characteristics of LPG and its associated
risks.
Staff must be regularly trained and
assessed in the knowledge and practice of
normal operations, including as appropriate:
Company safety policy, drugs and alcohol policy.
Product knowledge.
Safety in day to day operations.
Use of personal protective equipment.
First aid.
Loading / unloading.
Emergency procedures and shut-down.
11.1.3
Change control Any changes to plant,

fittings or equipment or operating procedures
must be correctly assessed for risks, authorised
and communicated to those affected. If
necessary retraining may be required.
11.1.4
Individual staff training records giving details of

initial induction training and periodic refresher
training must be kept.
11.2
11.2.1
Fire instruction and training

All staff involved in LPG operations must clearly
understand the fire / leakage precautions and
emergency procedures.
Staff at operational
sites must be regularly trained and assessed to
ensure their knowledge and practice of actions
to be taken in an emergency, including:
Emergency shut-down procedures.
Dealing with LPG releases.
Fire fighting.
The nature of LPG fires.
Fire-fighting.
Inspection and maintenance.
To be effective, training must be continuous,

with a rolling schedule of refresher courses and
where appropriate at least an annual
emergency procedure practice.

Page 33 of 39

VERSION 2
12. Written operating and emergency procedures

12.1
12.1.1
Operations
12.1.3
Operations Employees and contractors must

be instructed to act only within their defined
responsibilities. Any deviations from the written
procedures must be supported by written
authority, which may include a permit to work,
from the relevant responsible person.
Are issued in part or in full to site staff, as well as

visiting contractors.
12.2
Customer sites
Are regularly reviewed to check that they reflect

current operating methods.
12.2.1
All bulk customers must be provided with bold

and clear emergency procedure notices
displayed near all storage tanks. The user must
be provided with full documentation including
information on the action to be taken in an
emergency.
12.2.2
Industrial/commercial customers must be

encouraged to incorporate plans for dealing
with LPG incidents into their overall emergency
plan.
Scope Each LPG storage site must have a

set of written operating procedures that:
Clearly detail the tasks of each employee
involved with LPG on site.
Cover both normal and emergency activities.
Are amended to reflect changes or alterations to

the plant or site.
12.1.2
Specifics Activities that must be covered in

detail by written procedures include:
LPG transfers to or from the site.
LPG deliveries to customer sites or other
locations.
Emergency procedures.
Plant maintenance and modification, including
electrical equipment.
Permit to work system.

Page 34 of 39

VERSION 2
13. Maintenance and examination

13.1
13.1.1
General
13.1.3
Records Detailed records must be

maintained of all inspections, tests, and repairs
or replacement of tanks, equipment or fittings.
13.1.4
Controls - Maintenance must be carried out

under the control of a permit to work system.
Where temporary changes have to be made, a
change control procedure must be applied.
13.1.5
Inspection reports Where inspections reveal

defects or significant deterioration, this must be
recorded and the inspection methods used plus
any remedial action taken must be detailed.
The competent person must also assess the
effect of such deterioration, defect or repair and
either endorse or revise the safe working limits
of the tank or equipment.
Installations must be maintained:

In accordance with a written scheme of
examination which has been prepared and
authorised by a competent person.
To preserve established safe operating limits,
emphasis being given to features affecting the
integrity of the tanks and equipment and the
ability to react in an emergency.
Competent people with appropriate supervision

must carry out all maintenance work.
13.1.2
Maintenance scheme Each LPG storage

installation must have a maintenance scheme,
which includes the protective equipment and
instrumentation relevant to the scale and
complexity of the installation. For a depot or
large installation this will be a site specific
written scheme of examination (see appendix 1
for more detail) produced and authorised by a
competent person. For smaller customer
installations a generic scheme may be applied.
Dependent upon the equipment on site the
maintenance scheme must include:
Frequency of periodic tank and fittings
inspection.
Inspection of tank supports, foundations and
holding down arrangements.
Direct heated vaporiser inspection at a frequency
of not more than one year.
Integrity and corrosion inspections of
underground liquid LPG pipes in back-filled
trenches at least every ten years.
Specifically, the following must be recorded:

Minimum safe operating temperature.
Minimum safe operating pressure.
Maximum permissible loading on supports.
Date of next inspection.
13.1.6
Repair standards The standard of any

modifications or repair work must be at least
equivalent to the original design and
manufacturing standard. If installation integrity
may be affected by such work, it must be
supervised and certified by a competent
person, who must endorse or revise the safe
operating limits.
Above ground/ under ground pipework.

Page 35 of 39

VERSION 2
Appendix 1 Written Scheme of Examination

A Written Scheme of Examination (WSE) must be produced prior to commissioning of any LPG installation under the
operational control of SGLPG. The scheme for customer installations may be generic, i.e. one WSE describes the method of
assuring the integrity for all of this class of installation. At depots, terminals and plants a specific written scheme of
examination must be prepared which covers the following items
identification of the items of plant or equipment within the system;
those parts of the system which are to be examined;
the nature of the examination required, including the inspection and testing to be carried out on any protective
devices;
the preparatory work needed for the item to be examined safely;
where appropriate, the nature of any examination needed before the system is first used;
the maximum interval between examinations;
the critical parts of the system which, if modified or repaired, should be examined by a competent person before the
system is used again;
the name of the competent person certifying the written scheme of examination;
the date of certification.
Therefore in order to prepare a WSE:
the system design criteria must be established, i.e. what pressure must each part withstand
a drawing of the system must show the items of equipment that are under pressure and number them for reference
in an equipment list
the list of equipment must show the pressure ratings of the equipment and test certificates for each item must be
held on an a system integrity file
where the history of the installation has lead to the loss of certificates for components of the LPG system, the
integrity can be verified by reference to marking on the items and by a pressure test at which point the integrity of
the system can be certified.
A competent person must decide:
which parts of the system are going to be inspected and /or tested,
what inspection/testing is to be done
how the system is to be safe while the inspection/testing is done
how often the parts of the system are to be inspected/tested and how it is to be done
what independent inspection is required from a notified body
A defined person must be responsible for each LPG system and for ensuring that the WSE is applied and that records are
kept for the design, and maintenance of the system integrity. He must appoint or may be the competent person who creates
the WSE. A competent person must have the necessary knowledge, experience and independence to undertake the
functions required of them.
The WSE must be periodically reviewed for suitability by a competent person.
In many countries the scope and period of examination and testing of the LPG system will be defined in local legislation. For
those countries where this is not the case the following guidance is provided.
Above-ground LPG tanks should have:
Annually - visual examination for corrosion, leakages, damage to fittings and surrounding conditions such as rubbish or
vegetation that could affect the safety of the tank and remedial action should be planned where necessary
10-yearly relief valves replaced with new or reconditioned units that have been tested and certified. (On smaller tanks up
to 2 tonnes capacity consideration should be given to removing the tank to a workshop where it can be completely
refurbished). Repainting should be done if corrosion is present. Regulators should be replaced. On tanks exceeding 4
tonnes capacity where manholes are present, a notified body should perform internal NDT on the vessel and certify it for
continued use. On smaller vessels external visual examination should take place and where there is any sign of corrosion, it
should be cleaned back to sound metal and ultrasonic thickness measurements performed to ensure that there is no loss of
wall thickness.
20-yearly the scope of the ten-year inspection should be performed and additionally all tank fittings should be replaced,
including shell-mounted valves
Undergound tanks should have:
Annually visual examination of the manhole areas for corrosion, leakages, damage to fittings and surrounding conditions
such as rubbish or vegetation that could affect the safety of the tank and remedial action should be planned.
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VERSION 2
Checking of the cathodic protection performance using a copper/copper sulphate reference electrode and multimeter to
determine the off-voltage and current, comparing the readings against the historical readings for the tank and planning
remedial action if the voltage reading has a numeric value of less than 850mV (on vessels with passive cathodic protection
the remedial action may involve disconnecting the existing anodes at the tank and using an auger, placing new anodes and
connecting to the tank).
20 yearly replace tank fittings, valves and regulators. Review cathodic protection records for continuous readings of at
least 850mV and if there is any period where the reading has been less, expose a sample area of tank to ensure that
corrosion has not taken place. Take remedial action on any non-conformances.
Pipework should have:
Annually a full visual inspection for corrosion, damage and leakage with appropriate remedial action, with particular
emphasis on undersides of pipe and areas in contact with supports. Thread gauging of all depot and terminal ACME
couplings and replacement if worn. Recording cathodic protection voltage for protected underground pipework , comparing
with previous results and taking appropriate remedial action. Checking that insulating flanges and couplings are not bridged
and that they are providing isolation of cathodically protected parts of the system from above ground parts.
Five-yearly as for annual plus replacement of hydrostatic relief valves in pipework.
Ten-yearly - pressure test of pipework and checking of end-to-end electrical continuity of depot and terminal pipework, with
the exception of cathodically protected sections.
20-yearly renewal or refurbishment and testing of all safety critical valves (ESD, tanker loading/offloading)
Other equipment such as pumps and compressors should be inspected and tested according to the manufacturers
instructions.
Emergency, overfill prevention, gas detection and fire water systems should be tested at least monthly and where standby
power generation is part of the potential response to an emergency it should also be tested under load at least monthly.

Page 37 of 39

VERSION 2
Appendix 2 - Definitions
The authority responsible for
Enforcing authority
enforcing national and local health and safety legislation
and other relevant statutory requirements. (Can either be
a national body or a local authority).
Evaporation area Safe ground adjacent to LPG storage
tank(s) where LPG can evaporate and disperse safely.
Fire wall A screen, wall, or dividing partition set up in
open air to protect LPG tanks, pipes or equipment from
radiated heat and to ensure enough dispersion distance in
the event of a leak from a protected tank.
Fire resisting The ability of materials to resist a fire for
specific periods of time, if tested from either side, whilst
still retaining properties of insulation, integrity and stability.
Mounded tank A storage tank partly buried or above
ground and covered by a mound of earth or other inert
material.
Material which will not support
Non-combustible
combustion when tested in accordance with recognised
standards.

Point of liquid transfer The point at which liquid transfer

connections and disconnections are made.
Remotely operated emergency shut down valve
shut-off valve that can be activated remotely
automatically shut when engulfed by fire, deprived
actuating power or some other hazardous condition
detected.
A
to
of
is
Separation distance The horizontal distance between a

specified feature and the nearest part of a storage tank.
Tank A container or vessel of over 150 litres water
capacity, designed and manufactured to a recognised
pressure vessel code.
Water capacity The water volume (in litres of water) that
will completely fill a tank.
Underground tank A storage tank buried below ground
level.
Page 38 of 39

VERSION 2
Appendix 3 References
Technical Standards: http://sww.shell.com/downstream/lpg/functions/hse/controlled_docs.html
- SGLPG Standard 5 on LPG Transfer Hoses for Road, Rail, Cylinder Filling and Autogas Dispensing.
- SGLPG Standard 7 on Hazardous zones for LPG marketing operations.
Best Practice Guides: http://sww.shell.com/downstream/lpg/functions/hse/uncontrolled_docs.html
- Best Practice in LPG Cylinder Management Shell International Petroleum Company 1997
- Best Practice in LPG Plant Management Shell International Petroleum Company 1997
External standards: http://sww.shell.com/downstream/lpg/functions/hse/standards/external/other_standards.html
NFPA 58 Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code, 2008 Edition

Page 39 of 39

SGLPG Technical Standard One Storage of LPG in Bulk (HSE-03-10)

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The Storage of LPG

The Storage of LPG in Bulk at Marketing

AUTHORISATION FOR ISSUE

Paul Merridan, Head of HSE and Technical, Shell Gas

Authorised for issue by:

Erwin Friederich, VP, Shell Gas (LPG)

Publication of the first version of the standard.

Re-issued with the SWW version as the controlled

Re-issued as an evergreen document. No changes

Separation distances now local regulatory with

Shell International Petroleum Company Limited

General requirements .............................................................................................................................. 15

4. Pumps, compressors and vaporisers ........................................................... 19

5. Pipework and pressure regulators ................................................................... 21

8. Fire precautions ...................................................................................................................... 26

THE STORAGE OF LPG IN BULK AT MARKETING OPERATIONS

UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED

10. Commissioning and de-commissioning ............................................... 32

11. Training ....................................................................................................................................... 33

12. Written operating and emergency procedures............................ 34

13. Maintenance and examination ....................................................................... 35

Appendix 1 Written Scheme of Examination .......................................... 36

DATE ISSUED: March 2008

THE STORAGE OF LPG IN BULK AT MARKETING OPERATIONS

UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED

About this standard

This standard describes general safe practice in

managed by current practices to a level that is as

What this standard covers - This guide covers

What is not covered This guide does not

This version of the standard replaces Version

The majority of the requirements of this standard

For advice on refrigerated or larger scale LPG

The requirements of this standard are not

The general principles of this standard apply

Comply with the previous version of the

Advice on the storage and use of LPG in

A transitional period of 12 months from the date

DATE ISSUED: March 2008

LPG properties and hazards

Composition LPG comprises Commercial

Density - LPG vapour is at least 50% heavier

THE STORAGE OF LPG IN BULK AT MARKETING OPERATIONS

Cooling effect LPG vaporises and cools

Risk to breathing LPG has an anaesthetic

Smell - What people know and recognise as

UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED

Flammability LPG can ignite when it forms

Empty tank risk LPG tanks can be

Expansion LPG liquid has a high coefficient of

CHART 1: PROPANE & BUTANE CHARACTERISTICS

Relative density (to water) of liquid at 15.6oC

Relative density (to air) of vapour at 15.6oC and 1015.9 mbar

Litres / tonne of liquid at 15.6oC

Vapour pressure at 50oC

Source: LP Gas Association (UK).

DATE ISSUED: March 2008

THE STORAGE OF LPG IN BULK AT MARKETING OPERATIONS

UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED

In many countries most aspects of LPG storage

All equipment used in LPG service must be

Safety data sheets

Sound design and construction.

Consideration of usage of adjacent land and