NFPA 58 Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code
NFPA 58 液化石油氣體規范
1.1* Scope. This code applies to the storage, handling, transportation, and use of LP-Gas. A.1.1 General Properties of LP-Gas. Liquefied petroleum gases (LP-Gases), as defined in this code (see 3.3.36), are gases at normal room temperature and atmospheric pressure. They liquefy under moderate pressure and readily vaporize upon release of the pressure. It is this property that permits the transportation and storage of LP-Gases in concentrated liquid form, although they normally are used in vapor form. For additional information on other properties of LP-Gases, see Annex B. Federal Regulations. Regulations of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) are referenced throughout this code. Prior to April 1, 1967, these regulations were promulgated by the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC). The Federal Hazardous Substances Act (15 U.S.C. 1261) requires cautionary labeling of refillable cylinders of liquefied petroleum gases distributed for consumer use. They are typically 40 lb (13 kg) and less and are used with outdoor cooking appliances, portable lamps, camp stoves, and heaters. The Federal Hazardous Substances Act is administered by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission under regulations codified at 16 CFR 1500, Commercial Practices, Chapter 11, “Consumer Product Safety Commission.”
Added protections in the 2011 NFPA 58 will prevent failures, leaks, tampering, fires, and explosions.
Updated to reflect the latest safety practices, field experience, and industry advances, the 2011 NFPA 58 Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code provides today's criteria for all aspects of the safe design, construction, installation and operation of the full range of LP-Gas piping, equipment, and venting, along with highway transportation of LP-Gas.
New rule for cathodic protection for underground tanks guards against corrosion to preserve structural integrity.
In most areas of the country, soil characteristics are detrimental to the integrity of steel containers buried underground. Corrosion creates pits or holes that left alone or ignored can lead to leaks, releasing propane into the ground. The 2011 NFPA 58 requires ASME containers to have a cathodic protection system installed and periodically monitored to be sure it continues to meet expected performance standards. A new Supplement in the companion 2011 NFPA 58 LP-Gas Code Handbook further discusses this important topic.
Other 2011 Code changes that make installations more secure include
· Prohibition against using former rail car tanks as they do not meet standards of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code
· New and revised requirements to ensure adequate training of people who install or handle propane tanks and piping materials
· Revised definitions clarify terminology for better understanding, application, and enforcement of rules.
Base your decisions on the latest hazard knowledge and mitigation strategies and achieve a higher level of propane safety.
Referenced in countries around the globe, adopted in all 50 states, and part of the Department of Transportation's U.S. Pipeline Safety Regulations, NFPA 58 is a must for anyone whose work involves LP-Gas--including installers, equipment manufacturers, engineers, inspectors, AHJs, facility owners, and insurers. Order the 2011edition of this industry benchmark to stay competitive and informed. (Softbound, 128 pp., 2011)
