Propane Cargo Tank Parking

[chicopee]

Would anyone know of any restriction about overnight and weekend parking of a single Bobtail within a 15'zone from a single bulk storage tank (30,000 gal). Bobtail uses gasoline fuel so block heater is not an issue with the electrical code. NFPA 58 2001 does not appear to address this particular issue either directly or indirectly.

 

[stookeyfpe]

NFPA 58 is silent on the issue. Chapter 6 has requirements for parking of bobtails. The only other requirement that is applicable is the requirement that an LPG container be located at least 20 feet from the centerline of the dike wall of an AST. Interestingly neither NFPA 58 or 30 differentiate between a stationary or mobile container. However, the intent has always applied to stationary containers.

Now if the bobtail is within 500 feet of multi-family residential or an institutional, e.g., hospital, correctional facility, occupancy, the 2003 and 2006 International Fire Code does have requirements.

 

[chicopee]

I think that any issue not address in this code, would be left to local jurisdiction( in this case State Fire Marshal) . As far as my position, my recommendation will be to park the vehicle outside a 10'zone around the tank.

 

[stookeyfpe]

That is not true. In many cases the International Fire Code exceeds the requirements of NFPA 58. Your basing your separation distances on classified (hazardous) location boundaries. However, if the AST and the bobtail are located within the exposures I stated, then you may have issues.

 

[chicopee]

Stookeyfpe_ Is the International Fire Code recognized by State Fire Marshals who over the years have used the NFPA's and their own state code for guidance? Im my case, both NFPA and Ct state fire code on LPG and LNG have not much to say.

 

[stookeyfpe]

Depends on what state you are in. If you are in Connecticut I believe your state fire code is NFPA 1. NFPA 1 is different than the International Fire Code. With that said NFPA 1 may contain the exact same provision as the IFC concerning locating parked LPG transports near dwellings and institutional occupancies.

 

[MJCronin]

chic,

I believe that your answer lies in the NFPA or local-authority wording for bollards and bollard placement

Based on what I have read about "protection from vehicular traffic", bollards must be located ~5 feet from the tank surface.

Parking a vehicle right next to the bollard, in my opinion, is acceptable "vehicular traffic"

However, some local municipalities place volumetric restrictions on propane tanks where bollards are used for protection.

In California, see page 2 of:

http://www.ci.mtnview.ca.us/citydep...ne_Tanks.pdf#search=""propane tank" location"

The following link contains an intersting report on propane tanks,late night ATV rides, teenagers (and probably tequila...)

http://www.csb.gov/completed_investigations/docs/Final Herrig.pdf

Come back and tell us you comments......

My opinion only

-MJC

 

[chicopee]

To all responders, recommendation to client is not to park overnight and weekends his Bobtail with the fenced enclosure of the tank. Too many horror stories on the internet of vehicles hitting tanks, vehicles burning and the list goes on. Obviously tank will be protected with 12" bullards concrete filled spaced 5' apart.