By the OGJ Online Staff
HOUSTON, July 18 -- The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has proposed that US facilities with more than 4,000 gal of propane storage prepare written fire safety analyses.
The code is the nation's primary standard for propane safety. It covers highway, marine, and pipeline transportation of LP gas, plus containers, piping, and associated equipment for end users. States and municipalities often adopt NFPA codes into law.
The congressional General Accounting Office recently reported on revisions to propane safety rules.
GAO said NFPA revised the propane code in April to consider more off-site effects of accidental propane releases.
The revision said fire contingency plans for propane storage should consider the safety of emergency personnel, workers, and the public. The prior version, issued in 1998, only covered emergency personnel.
It also said facilities with more than 4,000 gal of propane storage should prepare a written evaluation of their fire hazards and safety procedures. Previously, a written analysis was not required.
The revision requires all facilities with 4,000 gal of storage prepare fire safety analysis. The 1998 version only required new (not existing) facilities to do so.
And the latest version recommends that propane facilities make their fire safety analyses available to local emergency response personnel to help them plan for and respond to propane accidents. That was not in the 1998 version.
NPGA told GAO that 25 states had adopted the 1998 version of the code as of Apr. 16 while the other 25 were using earlier versions. NFPA said between 5 and 10 states are expected to adopt the 2001 code by the end of the year.
GAO said several groups, with the exception of the National Propane Gas Association, told it additional changes to the code should be considered during the next revision process.
