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Portable Propane Containers Awaiting Use or Resale
Related Documents
Application Materials
Complete an application (PDF) for “Propane Container Exchange Installation”. Include a site drawing on 8.5 inches by 11 inches paper showing the proposed location of the following:
- Alleys
- Bollards
- Doorways
- Driveways
- Location of the Fire Extinguisher
- Parking Areas
- Roadways
- Storage Enclosure
Approval & Inspection
The drawing must be approved by the fire official prior to any work being performed. Forward all of the information to the Fire and Life Safety Division.
Storage enclosure installations must be inspected and approved by the fire official prior to containers being stored, exchanged, or sold on site.
Three copies of the “as installed” site drawing must be signed by the supplier, store manager, and the fire official, these approved copies must be retained by each party.
Containers must be stored within an approved enclosure, which protects against tampering. The enclosure must be secured to the sidewalk, pad, etc., to avoid tipping or movement of the enclosure.
All containers must be stored in an upright position. When storing, all containers must be at least 10 feet from any doorway, 10 feet from any combustible material, and 20 feet from any motor fuel dispenser.
Note: Storage of greater than 500 pounds (25 cylinders) may be required to be greater than 10 feet from any structure, for life safety reasons.
Automatic Sprinkler Systems & Fire Extinguishers
When a building is protected by an automatic sprinkler system storage of the containers may not be placed beneath nonsprinklered eaves, canopies, or other overhead projections and overhangs.
A dry chemical fire extinguisher having a minimum 20 B:C rating must be provided. The fire extinguisher must be at least 10 feet but not more than 50 feet (travel distance) from the storage enclosure.
Visible to the Public
Visible to the public on enclosure and maintained, should be the servicing companies name, a 24-hour phone number, and “No Smoking” signs.
Vehicle Barriers
Vehicle impact protection barriers must be provided when the enclosure for the containers is exposed to probable vehicular damage due to the proximity to:
- Alleys
- Driveways
- Parking areas
- Roadways
Guard Post Barriers
- Constructed of four-inch, I.D. schedule 40 steel pipe or larger
- Filled with concrete
- Placed in a concrete footing of not less than 15 inches in diameter with the post not less than three feet above ground and located not less than three feet from the enclosure.
- Set at least three feet deep
- Spaced not more than four feet between posts
Other Barriers
- Minimum of 36 inches in height
- Resist a force of 12,000 pounds applied
- 36 inches above the adjacent ground surface
An engineering certification of compliance will be required.
The Fire and Life Safety Division must be contacted before any changes or additions are made to such an approved facility. Final approval of the installation is required prior to stocking product.