AS NZS 1596 1997 storage and handling of LP gas

Title

AS/NZS 1596:1997 Storage and handling of LP Gas

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AS/NZS 1596:1997

Australian/New Zealand Standard®

Storage and handling of LP Gas


AS/NZS 1596:1997
This Joint Australian/New Zealand Standard was prepared by Joint Technical
Committee ME/15, Storage and Handling — Liquefied Petroleum Gases . It was
approved on behalf of the Council of Standards Australia on 4 July 1997 and on behalf
of the Council of Standards New Zealand on 11 August 1997. It was published on

5 September 1997.

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The following interests are represented on Committee ME/15:
A.C.T. Emergency Services Bureau
Australasian Corrosion Association
Australasian Fire Authorities Council
Australian Gas Association
Australian Liquefied Petroleum Gas Association
Department of Urban Affairs and Planning, N.S.W.
Department for Industrial Affairs, S.A.
Department of Mines and Energy, Qld
Department of Minerals and Energy, W.A.
Fire Protection Association Australia
Gas and Fuel Corporation of Victoria
Institution of Engineers, Australia
Insurance Council of Australia
LPG Association of New Zealand
Victorian WorkCover Authority
Work Health Authority, N.T.
WorkCover Authority of N.S.W.
Workplace Standards Authority, Tas.

Review of Standards. To keep abreast of progress in industry, Joint Australian/
New Zealand Standards are subject to periodic review and are kept up to date by the issue
of amendments or new editions as necessary. It is important therefore that Standards users
ensure that they are in possession of the latest edition, and any amendments thereto.
Full details of all Joint Standards and related publications will be found in the Standards
Australia and Standards New Zealand Catalogue of Publications; this information is

supplemented each month by the magazines ‘The Australian Standard’ and ‘Standards
New Zealand’, which subscribing members receive, and which give details of new
publications, new editions and amendments, and of withdrawn Standards.
Suggestions for improvements to Joint Standards, addressed to the head office of either
Standards Australia or Standards New Zealand, are welcomed. Notification of any
inaccuracy or ambiguity found in a Joint Australian/New Zealand Standard should be made
without delay in order that the matter may be investigated and appropriate action taken.

This Standard was issued in draft form for comment as DR 95280.


AS/NZS 1596:1997

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Australian/New Zealand Standard®
Storage and handling of LP Gas

Originated in Australia as AS CB20—1965.
Previous Australian editions AS 1596—1989 and AS 1596 Supplement 1—1994.
Originated in New Zealand as NZS 5434:1986.
AS 1596—1989, AS 1596 Supplement 1—1994 and NZS 5434:1986 jointly revised,
amalgamated and designated AS/NZS 1596:1997.
Incorporating:
Amdt 1—1999

PUBLISHED JOINTLY BY:
STANDARDS AUSTRALIA
1 The Crescent,
Homebush NSW 2140 Australia

STANDARDS NEW ZEALAND
Level 10, Radio New Zealand House,
155 The Terrace,
Wellington 6001 New Zealand
ISBN 0 7337 1309 2


AS/NZS 1596:1997

2

PREFACE
This Standard was prepared by the Joint Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand
Committee ME/15, Storage and Handling — Liquefied Petroleum Gases, to supersede
AS 1596—1989, LP Gas — Storage and handling, AS 1596 Supplement 1 — 1994, LP Gas—
Storage and handling — Siting of LP Gas automotive retail outlets and NZS 5434:1986, Code
of practice for LPG vehicle refuelling stations.
In 1973, AS CB20, which had been published in 1965 as the first Standard on the subject,
was translated to metric units to become AS 1596, but was not comprehensively revised.
A later edition of 1979 contained only the more pressing adjustments, then a more
comprehensive review resulted in a new edition in 1983.
The 1989 edition included a rewrite of the cylinder section and revision of the location
requirements for cylinder filling and storage areas together with a total review of the fire
safety section.

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This 1997 edition continues the development process and incorporates the following changes:
(a)

The focus of the protected works definition has been modified to include, under the
title of protected place, any open areas in which persons are accustomed to assemble
in large numbers within and outside the property in addition to protected works.

(b)

The requirement of openable rain caps for safety valves has been removed.

(c)

A 3 mm limiting orifice is now required at hydrostatic relief valves.

(d)

Requirements for over-pressure protection and venting of regulators has been referred
to the latest AG 601 and NFPA/UL requirements.

(e)

Tanker drive-away protection requirements have been deleted. The issue is addressed
in AS 2809.3, Road tank vehicles for dangerous goods, Part 3: Tankers for compressed
liquefiable gases.

(f)

Requirements for unodourized gas have been included.

(g)

The level of odourant addition has been increased to address odourant fade.

(h)

Section 5 has been developed to address adjacent buried tanks, the relative levels of
interconnected tanks and remote contents gauging.

(i)

The content of Section 6 has been adjusted to cover hardware and installation, and
Sections 7 and 8 relate to filling sites.

(j)

Section 7 has been expanded to include a warning about pumping rates and expanded
requirements for decanting, and to address transportable decanting.

(k)

Section 9 has undergone a major review caused by the incorporation of AS 1596
Supplement 1 — 1994, and the work of Subcommittee ME/15/2.

(l)

Dispenser requirements have been reviewed and updated to align with the new styles.

(m)

Section 10 has been revised to include the philosophy of managerial responsibility for
procedures which relate to the size and complexity of a specific installation.

(n)

The use of hazardous areas has been included, as defined in AS 2430.1 — 1987,
Classification of hazardous areas, Part 1, Explosive gas atmospheres;
AS 2430.3 — 1991, Classification of hazardous areas, Part 3, Specific occupancies; and
NZS 6101.3:1991, Classification of hazardous areas, Part 3, Specific occupancies
(flammable gas and vapour atmospheres).


3

AS/NZS 1596:1997

(o)

The wording of the Standard has been modified to delete approvals by the authority
and the nomination of responsibility for various activities so as to align with the
proposed National Standard for the Storage and Handling of Dangerous Goods. This
has the effect of removing the approval requirements which existed for such issues as
deodorized installations.

(p)

The Standard has been developed as a Joint Standard, with New Zealand requirements
included.
Australian and New Zealand references are separated by a slash (/). Australian
references apply in Australia, and New Zealand references apply in New Zealand. Joint
Standards apply in both Australia and New Zealand.

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The terms ‘normative’ and ‘informative’ have been used in this Standard to define the
application of the appendix to which they apply. A ‘normative’ appendix is an integral part
of a Standard, whereas an ‘informative’ appendix is only for information and guidance.

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Care should be taken to ensure that material used is from the current edition of the Standard and that it is updated whenever the Standard
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AS/NZS 1596:1997

4

CONTENTS

Page

Licensed to LUU MINH LUAN on 25 Feb 2002. Single user licence only. Storage, distribution or use on network prohibited.

FOREWORD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7

SECTION 1 SCOPE AND GENERAL
1.1 SCOPE AND APPLICATION . . . . . . . . . .
1.2 OBJECTIVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.3 INTERPRETATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.4 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS . . . . . . . . .
1.5 DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.6 RESTRICTIONS ON IGNITION SOURCES

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11
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11

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16

SECTION 2 MINOR STORAGE AND USAGE
2.1 APPLICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.2 PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.3 RESTAURANTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.4 LP GAS CYLINDERS ON TROLLEYS
2.5 NON-REFILLABLE CONTAINERS . . .
2.6 CYLINDER USE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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17
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SECTION 3 COMPONENTS FOR TANK SYSTEMS
3.1 APPLICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.2 TANK DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION . .
3.3 CONTROL OF LP GAS OUTFLOW . . . . .
3.4 SAFETY VALVES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.5 VALVES AND ACCESSORIES . . . . . . . . .
3.6 PIPING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.7 VAPORIZERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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20
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23
24
26
27

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SECTION 4 TANK SYSTEM INSTALLATION
4.1 APPLICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.2 TANK SPACING AND SEPARATION DISTANCES . . . . . . . . . . .
4.3 TANK SITE CONDITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.4 CONSTRUCTION OF FIREWALLS, VAPOUR BARRIERS
AND THERMAL SCREENS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.5 TANK FOUNDATIONS AND SUPPORTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.6 TANK INSTALLATION AND DESIGN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.7 CONNECTIONS FOR TANK FILLING AND TANKER LOADING
4.8 EMERGENCY SHUTDOWN SYSTEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.9 PIPING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.10 VAPORIZER INSTALLATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.11 REGULATORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.12 PUMPS AND COMPRESSORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.13 SECURITY AND DAMAGE AVOIDANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.14 LIGHTNING AND BONDING PROTECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.15 LADDERS, STEPS AND PLATFORMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.16 LEAK DETECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4.17 MARKINGS AND NOTICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.18 ILLUMINATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.19 UNODOURIZED GAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . 29
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. . . . . . 31
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41

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42


5

AS/NZS 1596:1997

Licensed to LUU MINH LUAN on 25 Feb 2002. Single user licence only. Storage, distribution or use on network prohibited.

Page
SECTION 5 UNDERGROUND TANK INSTALLATIONS
5.1 APPLICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.2 CORROSION CONTROL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.3 LOCATION AND INSTALLATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.4 ACCESS, PROTECTION, FITTINGS AND ACCESSORIES
5.5 DISCHARGE FROM SAFETY RELIEF DEVICE . . . . . . . .

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43
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43

46
47

SECTION 6 CYLINDERS AND CYLINDER SYSTEMS
6.1 APPLICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6.2 CYLINDERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6.3 REGULATORS AND PIPING . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6.4 CYLINDERS IN USE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6.5 CYLINDERS IN USE WITHIN BUILDINGS . .
6.6 CYLINDER STORAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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49
49

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53

SECTION 7 CYLINDER-FILLING INSTALLATIONS — AUSTRALIA
7.1 APPLICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.2 GENERAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.3 CYLINDER-FILLING AREA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.4 DECANTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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55
55
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56

SECTION 8 CYLINDER-FILLING INSTALLATIONS — NEW ZEALAND
8.1 APPLICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8.2 GENERAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8.3 CYLINDER-FILLING AREA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8.4 DECANTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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59
59
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60

SECTION 9 AUTOMOTIVE-FILLING INSTALLATIONS
9.1 APPLICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9.2 COMMON REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9.3 DISPENSING SYSTEMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9.4 NOTICES, SIGNS AND INSTRUCTIONS . . . . . . . . . . .
9.5 SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR SERVICE STATIONS
9.6 SITE SUITABILITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9.7 LAND USE CONTROLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

9.8 SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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61
61
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70
70
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SECTION 10 OPERATIONS
10.1 APPLICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10.2 GENERAL PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10.3 ESTABLISHMENT OF PROCEDURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10.4 COMPLIANCE, SUPERVISION AND RECORDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10.5 CONSTRUCTION, INSPECTION, TESTING AND MAINTENANCE . .
10.6 SPECIFIC OPERATING PROCEDURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10.7 TRANSPORT OR REMOVAL OF STORAGE TANKS . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10.8 TANKER OPERATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10.9 GENERAL PRECAUTIONS FOR TANKER TRANSFER . . . . . . . . . . .
10.10 SUPERVISION OF DELIVERY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10.11 PROCEDURES FOR FILLING AND EMPTYING TANKS . . . . . . . . .
10.12 CYLINDER FILLING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10.13 FILLING FROM TANKERS TO CYLINDERS OTHER THAN IN SITU
10.14 CYLINDER STORAGE AND HANDLING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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AS/NZS 1596:1997

6

Page

Licensed to LUU MINH LUAN on 25 Feb 2002. Single user licence only. Storage, distribution or use on network prohibited.

SECTION 11 FIRE SAFETY
11.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . .
11.2 CYLINDERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11.3 TANK INSTALLATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11.4 AUTOMOTIVE FILLING INSTALLATIONS
11.5 DETAIL REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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90
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91
91

APPENDICES
A LIST OF REFERENCED DOCUMENTS . . . . . . . . . . .
B TANK OR CYLINDER FILLING LEVEL . . . . . . . . . .
C MARKINGS, SIGNS AND NOTICES . . . . . . . . . . . . .
D DISCHARGE CAPACITY OF SAFETY VALVES . . . .
E TANK AND CYLINDER LOCATION . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F IDENTIFICATION OF LIQUID AND VAPOUR LINES
G LEAKAGE TESTING OF PIPEWORK . . . . . . . . . . . .
H HAZARDOUS AREAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
I INDUSTRIAL MOBILE SPACE HEATERS . . . . . . . . .
J DECANTING PROCEDURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
K EMERGENCY PLANS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
L MOTOR VEHICLE REFUELLING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
M FIRE EXPOSURE PROTECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
N DRIVER INSTRUCTION SIGNS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
O SCOPE OF AS/NZS 1596 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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7

AS/NZS 1596:1997

FOREWORD
Safety is the fundamental objective of this Standard and is the most important single issue.
Traditionally, this Standard has included a specific section on firefighting provisions, which
can mislead by implying that nothing more is necessary to ensure fire safety.
The dangers of such a misapprehension are twofold. At the very least there is the possibility

of misdirected effort, something that is never rewarding. At the worst, misplaced trust can
easily be generated, and this could lead personnel to place themselves in danger.
Requirements must therefore be based on possibilities that are actual and not merely
conjecture, and on an assessment of the real capabilities of the various equipment options.

Licensed to LUU MINH LUAN on 25 Feb 2002. Single user licence only. Storage, distribution or use on network prohibited.

A major conclusion is that water systems alone cannot ensure total fire safety, no matter how
elaborate. They are not even the principal means of protection — that is embodied in the
engineering of the installation. The components, their arrangement, the site layout and the
operating and maintenance procedures, all form part of the principal fire-safety provisions,
the purpose of which is to ensure that the secondary provisions, i.e. the water systems, will
never need to be used in a real emergency.
A fire will not occur if any one of the three essential elements, i.e. fuel, air and an ignition
source, is missing. It is sometimes possible to eliminate air, for example underground and
mounded tanks largely achieve this, but ignition sources and fuel escapes are usually more
amenable to control.
Risk of ignition can be minimized by separating potential leaks from ignition sources,
controlling access, controlling on-site procedures and activities and good housekeeping by
cleaning combustibles from the site. Obviously these measures can only be aimed at coping
with the predictable, such as normal operational releases and minor mishaps. To try to cater
for gross escapes bordering on the catastrophic would result in separation distances that are
out of the question in practical terms, so it is necessary to reduce the probability of any major
releases to a level which can reasonably be considered to be negligible.
The prevention of gas escapes, i.e. containment, is considered to be the single most important
aspect of this Standard. If gas remains contained, there can be no fire risk. If an escape can
be terminated quickly and preferably automatically, the risk of ignition and the consequences
are minimized. Thus engineering the containment and valving provisions are considered vital
to fire safety.
Loss of containment can result from accidental impact, corrosion, breakdown of seals and

gaskets because of long-term deterioration, or rapid breakdown because of fire.
Physical damage arises mainly from vehicles, most commonly either colliding with the
installation or driving off with a hose still connected. The solutions are impact protection,
the choice of safe location and a variety of measures to either prevent drive-away or make
provision against the consequences.
Equipment deterioration is a management matter. Operating and maintenance procedures must
be set up in the first place, must be implemented and must not be allowed to lapse
subsequently.
Fire threats fall roughly into two classes, i.e. a nearby fire radiating heat to a tank or a fire
around the tank and impinging directly on it. A tank can tolerate a certain amount of heat
influx, but the level is not high. Heating means a high risk of gas discharge either through
a safety valve or through the failure of some feature of the installation; therefore any form
of tank heating is not tolerable and must be terminated as quickly as possible.


AS/NZS 1596:1997

8

An accidental on-site fire is dealt with in the main by preventive measures and procedures.
Flammable liquid spills, the greater concern, are prevented from becoming a major hazard
by kerbing, grading and other spillage control measures. Rubbish should not accumulate on
a well-kept site, but, if a minor fire should start, the extinguishers and hose reels specified
should cope.

Licensed to LUU MINH LUAN on 25 Feb 2002. Single user licence only. Storage, distribution or use on network prohibited.

Nearby high radiation fires are an important consideration. There is obviously no point in
providing elaborate cooling systems if there is nothing nearby to burn, yet there will be cases
where there is a real risk and other cases where it will be necessary to show care. A survey

of each site is necessary. The radiation level from an average building fire is known to be of
the order of 150 kW/m 2, and the tolerable heat flux at the tank surface is known to be
10 kW/m 2; hence the limiting distances to potential hazards can be calculated and a decision
on the need for heat protection can be made.
When a fire has developed on the LP Gas system itself, there is a great potential for
escalation of the incident. A leak, particularly of liquid, can throw a flame a considerable
distance. If such a flame impinges on a tank, the heat flux is almost always considerably in
excess of the tolerable level. It is particularly serious if the flame impingement is on the
vapour space of the tank, and this does not necessarily mean the top, as it must be borne in
mind that a tank that is virtually empty is entirely vapour space. An impingement fire is
likely to escalate and may cause failure of the tank resulting in a sudden release of the tank’s
contents which are ignited by the impinging flame. The resulting fire cannot be fought by
conventional methods, hoses or extinguishers. The only effective way to fight a gas fire is
to turn off the gas.
Therefore the engineering of the installation constitutes the most significant and most
effective element in fire safety considerations. Fire safety is achieved principally by
mechanical means, i.e a system of valves which control all outflow of LP Gas, whether liquid
or vapour, and can shut down the system, preferably automatically, should an incident occur.
This Standard has been reviewed from the standpoint that where gas remains contained there
can be no risk. If an escape occurs it must be terminated quickly and preferably
automatically, so that the risk of ignition and the consequences of it are minimized. Attention
has been paid to defining possible causes of gas escape and the capabilities and shortcomings
of particular types of equipment. The outcome was not so much a radical change as a
refinement and re-orientation to ensure that the aims are clearer and the best options are
utilized. Key aspects of the engineering side of the installation are as follows:
(a)

The major objective must be that the worst possible event, a tank rupture, cannot be
allowed to occur. To achieve this, it must be inherent in the design of an installation
that losses of containment are prevented where possible or otherwise controlled or

safely directed. The engineering of the containment provisions must virtually eliminate
the risk of a gas fire within the installation.

(b)

An escape of liquid is more serious than an escape of vapour, except that any
impingement of flame on an unwetted (vapour space) tank surface is critical.

(c)

Openings into a tank should not be more numerous, nor larger, than they need to be.

(d)

Every opening above a stated minimum size should have double protection, termed the
primary and the secondary control systems.

(e)

The primary shut-off system must be one that functions automatically, i.e. either a
non-return valve or an excess flow valve. Non-return valves must be given preference
wherever they can be used, and must be incorporated in every one-way liquid filling
entry. The reason for this preference is that a non-return valve will shut in any
condition of backflow, whereas an excess flow valve will shut only in specific outflow
conditions.

(f)

The design and installation of the primary shut-off system must be such that it remains
essentially functional should any attached external components be impacted or sheared

off.


9

(g)

AS/NZS 1596:1997

The selection of the secondary shut-off system depends on the function of the opening.
Where the primary control is a non-return valve, a manual secondary control may be
adequate; sometimes even another non-return valve will suffice for small tanks.

Licensed to LUU MINH LUAN on 25 Feb 2002. Single user licence only. Storage, distribution or use on network prohibited.

Where the primary shut-off system is an excess flow valve, the secondary shut-off
system for vapour outlets does not need to be elaborate, but it must be some form of
positive shut-off valve which may be manual. If a liquid connection, it must be capable
of remote operation and must have automatic closing in the event of fire. The objective
is to be able to shut all liquid outlets from a position of safety.
(h)

Careful thought must be given in the design stage to ensure that any filling or
withdrawal connection, shear point, screwed or flanged connection, or other feature to
which flame could flash in the event of fire is located and directed to avoid flame
impingement, especially on the vapour area of the tank. Pipework should be designed
to minimize the number of flanges and joints.

(i)

Generally the equipment should have adequate short-term tolerance for radiated heat
sufficient to allow time to set up and bring into operation protective cooling measures.

(j)

Water sprays and sprinkler systems are not a substitute for protective valving. More
work on the valve system design is preferable to more work on the water system.
However, water may help by slowing down or preventing escalation, depending on the
scale of the incident.

(k)

Site management has a continuing responsibility to ensure that training, operating, and
maintenance procedures are set up in the first place, are implemented, and are not
subsequently allowed to lapse.

(l)

A certain basic level of firefighting equipment is required for all but the most minor
installations, to cope with the unpredictable. Water sprays are not necessarily
mandatory from the point of view of tank size as in the past. They are one of several
alternative forms of incidental heat protection, and the need is determined from a
survey of the actual site conditions.

The requirements of the Standard have been devised on the basis of a definite concept as to
the handling of a fire emergency involving LP Gas storages, the elements of which are as
follows:
(i)

Rapid evaluation of the nature of the fire is imperative.

(ii)

If it is an adjacent fire in some other structure or material, then the problem is whether
the heat radiation to the tank is sufficient to require remedial action.

(iii) If gas is escaping the priority tasks are to prevent escalation, to stabilize, then to
terminate. The twin needs are to shut off the gas flow and, in the meantime, to cool any
areas that may need it.
(iv)

If stability can be achieved, there is nothing wrong with letting the gas burn if it is
doing no harm, even to the extent of burning off all the stored gas if this is the safest
thing to do.

(v)

If the situation is obviously escalating, and gas flow cannot be stopped, then the
emergency teams must be evacuated.

(vi)

Spray systems can protect against incident radiation, but cannot be trusted to cope with
a concentrated flame impingement.

The automotive filling installation requirements of this Standard incorporate location
requirements based on an assessment of risks. These requirements may be used by designers,
developers, planners and authorities dealing with location and land-use planning aspects of
LP Gas service stations.

AS/NZS 1596:1997

10

These requirements are based on hazard analysis, quantified risk assessment and event trees
of a generalized LP Gas service station and its operation.
A significant program of fire testing, conducted to demonstrate actual release rates and flame
lengths prevailing under various conditions involving loss of containment, was performed by
industry. The resultant experimental data together with additional failure data, risk reduction
measures and a safety management system has been incorporated into event trees to provide
an in-depth assessment on which the requirements are based.
Inadequacy of applicable local failure-frequency data was found to be the primary limiting
factor in the analysis and as a result the assessment may be subject to review in the future
should additional data become available.

Licensed to LUU MINH LUAN on 25 Feb 2002. Single user licence only. Storage, distribution or use on network prohibited.

The assessment specifically considered the technical, operational and safety requirements
associated with a single 8000 L above-ground storage tank, its associated equipment and
activities. In respect of a residential area the assessment provided a cumulative risk of a
fatality at 7.5m of 1 × E-6 per annum, being a borderline result which was particularly
sensitive to assumptions made on input, ignition and delivery frequency, thus a distance of
10m was considered representative of the QRA outcome. A conservative figure of 15 m has
been used in the Standard.


11

AS/NZS 1596:1997

STANDARDS AUSTRALIA / STANDARDS NEW ZEALAND
Australian / New Zealand Standard
Storage and handling of LP Gas

Licensed to LUU MINH LUAN on 25 Feb 2002. Single user licence only. Storage, distribution or use on network prohibited.

S E C T I O N

1

S C O P E

A N D

G E N E R A L

1.1 SCOPE AND APPLICATION
1.1.1 Scope This Standard specifies requirements for the location, design, construction,
commissioning and operation of installations for the storage and handling of LP Gas, and includes
the management of emergencies.
It does not apply to—
(a) refrigerated storage of LP Gas or refrigeration systems (see AS 1677);
(b) underground storage of LP Gas in mined caverns or geological formations;
(c) plant or equipment in which LP Gas is processed or produced, or vessels which form an
integral part of that processing equipment (but does include post manufacturing storage);
(d) industrial gas-consuming equipment (see AS 1375/NZS 5261);
(e) from the outlet of the first regulator on a fixed consumer piping installation where the LP
Gas container is installed on the same site, or from the outlet of the consumer billing meter
or regulator where LP Gas is reticulated to the site from storage off the site (see

AG 601/NZS 5261).
NOTE: Figures illustrating where each Standard or code applies are given in Appendix O.

(f)
(g)
(h)

automotive installations addressed in AS 1425/NZS 5422.1 and in AS 2809.3/NZ LPG
Tankwagon Code; and
transport operations as covered in Australia by the Australian Dangerous Goods Code and
in New Zealand by the requirements of the relevant authority.
from the outlet of the first regulator in an LP Gas installation supplying multiple customers
on separate sites to the outlet of the customer billing meter or regulator on each site (see
AG 603/NZS 5258).
NOTE: Figures illustrating where each Standard or code applies are given in Appendix O.

1.1.2 Application This Standard shall be read as defining the minimum requirement of
acceptability.
This Standard applies to installations commenced after its publication date. Unless otherwise
specifically indicated in this Standard it shall not apply to existing installations.
The relevant authority having jurisdiction may determine the extent of application of this Standard.
NOTE: ‘Commenced’, for the purpose of this Clause, means the point at which site or equipment
construction has begun.

1.2 OBJECTIVE The objective of this Standard is to provide designers, planners, operators
and regulators with technical and procedural requirements for installations for the safe storing and
handling of LP Gas.
NOTE: An installation may come under the jurisdiction of several authorities with differing areas of
responsibility. An approval from one does not necessarily constitute an approval from others. Thus the
construction and operation of any plant may require separate approvals from authorities interested in

storage and handling of LP Gas, factory or machinery safety, fire safety, electricity, health, environment,
water supply, sewerage and drainage or the training and licensing of personnel.

1.3 INTERPRETATIONS Questions concerning the interpretation of any part of this Standard
may be referred to Standards Australia or Standards New Zealand.
NOTE: Where the Standard is referenced by regulation, Standards Australia or Standards New Zealand
will provide advice on interpretation. However, that advice is not binding on the statutory authority.

COPYRIGHT


AS/NZS 1596:1997

12

1.4 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS
in Appendix A.

The documents referred to in this Standard are listed

Where the referenced documents are nominated in the form ‘... AS 1425/NZS 5422.1 ...’ the
first Standard applies in Australia and the second Standard in New Zealand.
1.5

DEFINITIONS

For the purpose of this Standard, the definitions below apply.

1.5.1
Rail.

ADG Code — Australian Code For The Transport Of Dangerous Goods By Road and

1.5.2

AGA — Australian Gas Association.

1.5.3

AIP — Australian Institute of Petroleum.

1.5.4

ALPGA — Australian Liquefied Petroleum Gas Association.

1.5.5 Approved, approval — approved by, or approval of, the authority or body having
jurisdiction.
1.5.6

Authority — the authority having statutory (legal) control of a particular matter.

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1.5.7 Automotive filling installation — a place where automotive LP Gas fuel tanks
mounted on vehicles are intended to be filled from dispensers. (See also service station,
Clause 1.5.52, and fleet refuelling Clause 1.5.24.)
1.5.8 Boundary — the boundary of the whole of the site under the same occupancy as that
on which the installation is included.
1.5.9 Capacity (of a tank or cylinder) — the total volume of the space enclosed within the
tank or cylinder, expressed in kilolitres or litres respectively.

NOTE: This is often referred to as ‘water capacity’.

1.5.10 Combustible — a substance capable of undergoing combustion. (AS 1530.1 provides
a test method for and criterion of combustibility for building materials.)
1.5.11 Combustible liquid — a combustible liquid as defined in AS 1940/NZ Dangerous
Goods Regulations.
1.5.12 Compound — an area bounded by natural ground contours or by a bund, and
intended to retain spillage or leakage. (A pit or tank may be used to provide the same
function.)
1.5.13 Container — anything which contains or can contain LP Gas. It does not include a
vehicle or a freight container.
1.5.14 Cylinder — a container which falls within the scope of AS 2030.1 or, in
New Zealand, an approved container as relevant to LP Gas.
1.5.15 Decanting — a procedure in which the liquid phase of LP Gas is transferred from one
container to another by utilizing the difference in pressure between the two containers.
1.5.16 Direct connection — a filling connection mounted directly at the tank and designed
to spray fill into the tank vapour space. An extension pipe may be used for operational
convenience.
1.5.17 Emergency shut-down system — a control system that facilitates safe LP Gas
shut-down in an emergency.
1.5.18 Excess-flow valve — a normally open valve which closes automatically when a
predetermined flow rate in a particular direction has been exceeded.
1.5.19 Filling connection — a loading connection suitable for use with LP Gas and
compatible with the tanker coupling or site coupling.

COPYRIGHT


13

AS/NZS 1596:1997

1.5.20 Fire resistance level (FRL) — a measure of the fire resistance of a material or
structure as determined in accordance with AS 1530.4/NZS/AS 1530.4. It consists of three
numerals representing, in order, the period of resistance for —
(a)

structural adequacy;

(b)

integrity; and

(c)

insulation.

For example, 60/60/30 means 60 min of resistance for each of Items (a) and (b) and 30 min
for Item (c).
NOTE: In New Zealand the term fire resistance rating (FRR) is used. It has the same meaning as
FRL.

1.5.21 Firewall — a wall or other barrier constructed and placed with the object of
preventing the spread of fire or the radiation of heat from any one place to some other place.
1.5.22 Fixed liquid level gauge or fixed ullage gauge — a gauge which indicates the
maximum permitted liquid level in the container.

Licensed to LUU MINH LUAN on 25 Feb 2002. Single user licence only. Storage, distribution or use on network prohibited.

NOTE: It is usually one of two types: one is a tube arranged with its open end located at the liquid

level, so that gaseous discharge changes to liquid discharge as the liquid surface reaches the level;
the other is a sight-glass marked at the level. Alternative level-gauging methods of equivalent
reliability are available.

1.5.23 Flammable liquid — a flammable liquid as defined in the ADG Code/New Zealand
Dangerous Goods Regulations.
1.5.24 Fleet refuelling — a place where only the refuelling of vehicles for industrial or
commercial use occurs, and where the retail selling of LP Gas to the public does not occur.
1.5.25 Fusible link — a safety device consisting of a suitable low melting point material
which is intended to yield or melt at a predetermined temperature.
1.5.26 Gas distributor — a person, or persons, or company which receives LP Gas in bulk
for distribution to the general public, or to agents who in turn sell the LP Gas to the general
public.
1.5.27 Gas free — for gases and volatile liquids, an atmosphere in the tank or receptacle
containing a concentration of the gas or liquid vapour less than the concentration listed in the
NOHSC Exposure standards for atmospheric contaminants in the occupational environment.
For flammable gases an atmosphere in the tank or receptacle less than 5% of the lower
explosive limit (LEL) for the substance concerned when sampled at ambient temperature.
1.5.28 Hazardous area — a Zone 0, Zone 1 or Zone 2 area as defined in the relevant Parts
of AS 2430/NZS 6101.
1.5.29 Hot work — any work in or impinging on a hazardous zone that involves cutting or
welding by gas or electric arc or any non-welding work of equivalent risk, e.g. grinding,
drilling, or the use of percussion tools.
1.5.30 Ignition source — a source of energy sufficient to ignite a flammable atmosphere and
includes naked flames, smoking, exposed incandescent material, electrical welding arcs and
electrical or mechanical equipment not suitable for use in the particular hazardous zone.
A vehicle is not regarded as being an ignition source while it is entering or leaving the
hazardous zone surrounding a LP Gas dispenser or a bulk LP Gas filling connection.
However, it is treated as a potential ignition source during the period of bulk liquid transfer,
and precautionary measures need to be taken.

COPYRIGHT


AS/NZS 1596:1997

14

1.5.31 Industrial building — a laboratory, or a building in which a handicraft or process
for the production, assembly, alteration, repair, packing, finishing, or cleaning of goods or
produce is carried on for trade, sale, or gain. (Building Code of Australia — Class 8.)
1.5.32 In-situ filling — a cylinder-filling procedure by which an installed cylinder on a
customer’s premises is filled from a tanker.
1.5.33

Installation — all the facilities on a site used for storing or handling LP Gas.

1.5.34 Internal (component) — a fitting or component constructed so that significant
working parts are within the container shell and damage to exposed portions will not prevent
effective safe seating or closure.
1.5.35 Internal safety control valve (ISC) — a quick-closing internal valve incorporating
an internal excess-flow valve function.
1.5.36 Liquefied petroleum gas (LP Gas) — a hydrocarbon fluid composed predominantly
of any of the following hydrocarbons, or mixtures of all or any of them: propane (C 3H8),
propylene (C 3H6), butane (C 4H10) or butylenes (C 4H 8). Unless specifically stated otherwise,
any reference to ‘propane’, ‘butane’, etc. means the commercial grade of that product.

Licensed to LUU MINH LUAN on 25 Feb 2002. Single user licence only. Storage, distribution or use on network prohibited.

NOTE: The characteristics of the various LP Gases, either pure or of commercial grades, together

with methods for their determination, are given in the ALPGA publication ‘Liquefied Petroleum
Gas — Specifications and Test Methods’.

1.5.37 LPGA — Liquefied Petroleum Gas Association of New Zealand.
1.5.38 Mass-filling ratio — the ratio between the greatest mass of LP Gas permitted in a
container and the mass of water at 15°C which would completely fill the container.
1.5.39 Maximum filling level — the highest liquid surface level permitted in a tank for a
specific type of LP Gas, account being taken of its density and its actual temperature at the
time of loading. (See Appendix B.)
1.5.40

May — indicates the existence of an option.

1.5.41

Non-return valve (check valve) — a valve which permits flow in one direction only.

1.5.42 POL coupling — an LP Gas union connection having a left-hand thread, as specified
for Type 21 in AS 2473.
1.5.43 Positive shut-off — a valve which when actuated to the closed position
unquestionably blocks off all flow. The actuating stem shall be permanently connected to the
flow blocking components.
1.5.44

Practicable — practicable having regard to —

(a)

the severity of the hazard or risk in question;

(b)

the state of knowledge about that hazard or risk and about ways of removing or
mitigating that hazard or risk;

(c)

the availability and suitability of ways to remove or mitigate that hazard or risk; and

(d)

the cost of removing or mitigating that hazard or risk.

1.5.45

Protected place — any of the following:

(a)

A dwelling, place of worship, public building, school or college, hospital, theatre or
any building or open area in which persons are accustomed to assemble in large
numbers, whether within or outside the property boundary of the installation.

(b)

A factory, office, workshop, store, warehouse, shop or building where people are
employed, except a building used specifically for the storage and handling of LP Gas.

(c)

A vessel lying at permanent berthing facilities.

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(d)

AS/NZS 1596:1997

Any storage facility for dangerous goods outside the property boundary of the
installation, except those defined as minor storages in other Standards or regulations.

1.5.46 Public place — any place, other than private property, open to the public and
including a street or road.
Parking areas for commercial and public buildings are not treated as public places.
1.5.47 Quick-closing internal valve — an internal valve designed and arranged to be closed
both automatically by the operation of one or more heat-sensing devices (which may be
fusible links) or manually from a remote position, or both, by the release of the means of
holding the valve open.
1.5.48 Radiation barrier — a shield interposed between a source of radiant heat and an
object, and designed to reduce to an acceptable level the amount of radiant heat received by
the object.
1.5.49 Regulator — a device which automatically regulates the outlet pressure of gas passing
through it to a predetermined limit.

Licensed to LUU MINH LUAN on 25 Feb 2002. Single user licence only. Storage, distribution or use on network prohibited.

1.5.50 Remote connection — a filling connection located remotely from the tank and which

may be complemented with a vapour recovery connection for use with a tanker loading or
unloading operation. The remote connection is anchored to prevent movement.
1.5.51 Safety valve — as defined in AS 1210 and AS 1271, i.e. a type of pressure relief
valve intended for the release of excessive vapour pressure.
1.5.52 Service station — an automotive LP Gas retail outlet, being a place where LP Gas is
sold to the public as a motor fuel.
1.5.53

Shall — indicates that a statement is mandatory.

1.5.54

Should — indicates a recommendation.

1.5.55

Site — location of an LP Gas facility or where such a facility may be installed.

1.5.56
site.

Site manager — the person with overall direct responsibility for management of the

1.5.57 Site occupier — the person, persons or company that occupies the site on which the
LP Gas facility is located and that is responsible for the operations which take place on the
site, which may include vehicle refuelling.
1.5.58 Site operator — a person employed or engaged by the site occupier and whose duties
include responsibility for the LP Gas operations.
1.5.59 Standard filling level — the highest liquid surface level permitted in a container for
an LP Gas of specified density, assuming a liquid temperature of 5°C. It provides the location

for the sensing point of the liquid level gauge.
NOTE: The standard filling level represents a safe but conservative filling level for any LP Gas
whose density is equal to or higher than that for which the level was set, and whose temperature
at the time of filling is 5°C or higher, the object being to ensure that the tank does not become
subject to hydrostatic pressure under design condition.

1.5.60 Tank — a container other than a cylinder, designed for the storage or transport of LP
Gas. A tank may be one of the following types:
(a)

Static storage tank — a tank intended to remain permanently in place once installed.

(b)

Portable tank — a tank intended for semi-permanent installation, but which incorporates
additional features which allow it to be transported to the site, or transferred to another
site, filled or partly filled with LP Gas.

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(c)

Skid tank — a tank intended to be repeatedly transported in the full condition, and which
may be moved frequently to service shifting or short-term demands. Such tanks might
be used on an exchange fill basis, or might be left on-site for refilling from tankers.

(d)

Demountable delivery tank — a tank intended to be mounted on a vehicle to be used as
an LP Gas delivery tanker, and which may be removed from the vehicle from time to
time.

(e)

Freight container tank — a tank fitted with frames to international freight container
dimensions in accordance with AS/NZS 3711.6.

1.5.61 Tanker — a road tank vehicle that meets the requirements of AS 2809.3, or with
earlier Standards superseded by AS 2809.3, or with the NZ LPG Tankwagon Code.
1.5.62 Thermal screen — a wall or other screen constructed and placed to protect people
and the environment from the effects of short-duration fires, and from the effects of heat
radiation. A firewall satisfies the requirements of a thermal screen.
1.5.63

Ullage — the space above the liquid level in a container.

1.5.64 Vaporizer — a device, other than a tank or cylinder, which receives LP Gas in the
liquid phase and adds sufficient heat to convert the liquid to a gaseous state.

Licensed to LUU MINH LUAN on 25 Feb 2002. Single user licence only. Storage, distribution or use on network prohibited.

1.5.65 Vapour barrier — a wall or other barrier constructed and placed with the objective
of preventing the passage of vapour from any one place to some other place.
1.5.66 Volume filling percentage — the maximum volume of liquid permitted in the
container, expressed as a percentage of its capacity. (See capacity, Clause 1.5.9.) This volume

is variable, being dependent on temperature.
NOTE: The percentage is variable, being dependent on the LP Gas density and temperature, and
is the basis for determining the maximum or the standard filling level. (See Appendix B.)

1.6 RESTRICTIONS ON IGNITION SOURCES Throughout this Standard, reference
is made to hazardous areas as specified in the relevant Parts of AS 2430/NZS 6101. Unless
specifically stated otherwise in this Standard, sources of ignition are not permitted within
hazardous areas.
Personal communication equipment, e.g. pagers and cellular phones, shall not be used in a
hazardous area unless they satisfy the requirements of AS 2380.1 and AS 2381.1.

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S E C T I O N

2

M I N O R

S T O R A G E

AS/NZS 1596:1997

A N D

U S A G E

2.1 APPLICATION Any storage of LP Gas in quantities not exceeding those listed in
Table 2.1 shall be classified as being minor storage and is exempted from other Sections of
this Standard unless otherwise specified. The storage of quantities in excess of minor storage
shall comply with the requirements of the Sections of this Standard as applicable.
Where the maximum allowance is specified in terms of quantity per unit area, any
arrangement which results in concentration at one point should be avoided. Such aggregation
contravenes the intent of minor storage, which is dispersal, and proper storage provisions as
nominated in Section 6 could be necessary.

Licensed to LUU MINH LUAN on 25 Feb 2002. Single user licence only. Storage, distribution or use on network prohibited.

NOTES:
1

The underlying concept of minor storage is that quantities below a certain level are so small,
or are so scattered and separated, that they present little real hazard, add little to a building’s
fire load and are generally unlikely to play a significant part in spreading a fire from place to
place. The firefighting facilities required under normal building regulations are expected to cope
adequately.

2

For certain industrial or commercial premises, workplace safety regulations or guidelines may
apply even to quantities defined as minor in this Standard.

2.2 PRECAUTIONS The following precautions shall be observed for any minor storage
within the scope of this Section:
(a)

In Australia the use of LP Gas cylinders and the retention of reserve or exhausted

cylinders indoors shall be avoided where practicable. Where it is impracticable to
provide an outdoors storage the use and storage of cylinders shall be subject to the
limits and conditions specified in Table 2.1.
In New Zealand the use and storage of cylinders indoors shall be subject to the limits
and conditions of Table 2.1. The retention of reserve or exhausted cylinders indoors
shall be avoided where practicable.
The total capacity allowed for any particular situation shall include cylinders in use,
spare cylinders not in use and cylinders awaiting removal.

(b)

The storage shall not be in proximity to an ignition source.

(c)

Cylinder valves shall be kept closed when not in use.

(d)

Cylinders shall be stored in such a manner that the pressure-relief device is in
communication with the vapour space.

(e)

Cylinders shall be protected against falling, damage and excessive temperature rise.

(f)

No combustible residues or waste material shall be permitted to remain in or around
areas in which LP Gas cylinders are stored.

(g)

The storage area shall be adequately ventilated.

(h)

Cylinders shall not be stored in locations which jeopardize escape from the building
in the event of fire.

(i)

Cylinders in a mixed cylinder storage shall be separated from any oxidizing gases by
at least 3 m. This separation distance may be measured horizontally around a vapour
barrier complying with the requirements of Clause 6.4.5.

(j)

In Australia, cylinders shall comply with AS 2030.1 and the coating identification mark
requirements of Appendix C.
In New Zealand, cylinders shall be approved by the authority.

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Persons who handle LP Gas should be made aware of the hazards involved.

NOTE: The requirements for cylinder storage in excess of minor storage are provided in Clause 6.6.

2.3 RESTAURANTS Cylinders inside a restaurant shall be subject to the following
additional requirements:
(a)

Cylinders shall be located and secured so that they are not liable to damage or
dislodgment under normal conditions of use. Any trolley or stand used to house the
cylinder shall be of metal construction and be of adequate stability.

(b)

When not in use (or awaiting immediate use) the cylinders shall be stored in
compliance with Clause 6.6.

(c)

Cylinders and fittings shall be inspected for leaks prior to use and at the end of use.

NOTE: Requirements for non-refillable cylinders are provided in Clause 2.5.

Licensed to LUU MINH LUAN on 25 Feb 2002. Single user licence only. Storage, distribution or use on network prohibited.

2.4 LP GAS CYLINDERS ON TROLLEYS LP Gas and oxygen cylinders may be stored
together on trolleys for the purpose of LP Gas/oxygen cutting, brazing, melting, heating or
similar purposes subject to —
(a)

the aggregate capacity of the cylinders on any trolley not exceeding 160 L; and

(b)

the aggregate capacity of LP Gas cylinders not exceeding 110 L.

2.5 NON-REFILLABLE CONTAINERS The total capacity of non-refillable containers
which can be stored indoors shall not exceed the following:
(a)

One hundred litres capacity in buildings which are frequented by the public except that
for restaurants the total is limited to 50 L.

(b)

Three hundred litres in warehouses or similar buildings at any one location. If
additional storage locations are required on the same floor within the same building
then they shall be separated by at least 10 m.

Quantities in excess of the above would be treated as normal cylinder storage in accordance
with Clause 6.6.
2.6 CYLINDER USE The use of in situ fill cylinders and cylinders in decanting
operations shall comply with the relevant requirements of Sections 6, 7, 8 and 11.

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AS/NZS 1596:1997

TABLE 2.1

MINOR STORAGE

Licensed to LUU MINH LUAN on 25 Feb 2002. Single user licence only. Storage, distribution or use on network prohibited.

Location
Residential buildings of any type
Indoors, including on balconies
Inside an outhouse or shed at least 1 m
from dwelling
Combined indoor and outdoor storage
Education and exhibition buildings
Demonstration or display indoors
Combined indoor and outdoor storage
Trade training workshop
Indoors
Combined indoor and outdoor storage
Commercial or non-industrial buildings
(e.g. dental rooms, jewellers’ workshops,
laboratories, shops and recreation centres)
Indoors

Combined indoor and outdoor storage
Restaurants
Indoors, including on balconies
Warehouse
Indoors

Combined indoor and outdoor storage
Industrial buildings (excluding
laboratories)

Indoors

Outdoors only
Combined indoor and outdoor storage
For laboratories, refer for to limits for
commercial or non-industrial buildings
Engine fuel indoors

Cylinder storage limit
12 L per tenancy (25 L in New Zealand)
25 L
500 L
Two 25 L cylinders per demonstration or display
500 L
110 L
500 L

12 L per tenancy (25 L in New Zealand) plus reserve gas up
to 12 L in capacity (25 L in New Zealand) (excluding supply
to a non-domestic mobile space heater)
plus 25 L cylinder in use and 25 L cylinder spare if the
application is of a short-term or temporary nature, e.g.
temporary cooking for one single function
Non-refillable containers
100 L in buildings frequented by public
500 L
50 L with each cylinder or non-refillable container not
exceeding 12 L capacity (25 L in New Zealand)
500 L in any 200 m2 of floor space. If floor area is less than
200 m2 the storage limit is reduced to 350 L (for storage

>500 L see Clause 6.6). Cylinders may be manifolded in
groups not exceeding 500 L. The banks shall be separated by
at least 15 m
Non-refillable containers
300 L at any one location. If additional storage locations are
required on same floor in the same building they shall be
separated by at least 10 m
500 L

500 L in any 200 m2 of floor space. If floor area is less than
200 m2 the storage limit is reduced to 350 L (for storage
>500 L see Clause 6.6). Cylinders may be manifolded in
banks not exceeding 500 L. The banks shall be separated by
at least 15 m
500 L
500 L

Limit as for industrial buildings irrespective of the type of
premises

NOTES:
1
Vehicle fuel containers installed in accordance with AS 1425/NZS 5422.1 are not included in the
aggregate capacity.
2
Caution should be exercised where engines are used in poorly ventilated locations due to the potential
for atmospheric pollutants and high noise levels.

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S E C T I O N

3

C O M P O N E N T S
S Y S T E M S

F O R

TA N K

3.1 APPLICATION This Section specifies the design requirements for the components
of an LP Gas tank storage facility. Other Sections prescribe methods of installation for
various types of location.
3.2

TANK DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

3.2.1 General design An LP Gas tank shall be of steel, and shall comply with a pressure
vessel design code in accordance with AS/NZS 1200.

Licensed to LUU MINH LUAN on 25 Feb 2002. Single user licence only. Storage, distribution or use on network prohibited.

In New Zealand, if site specific or application specific requirements do not apply LP Gas
vessels and supports shall be as follows:

(a)

Designed for LP Gas service with vapour pressure that of propane.

(b)

Have an above-ground service design temperature range of —
(i)

for 1 kL to 5 kL . . . . . . . . . . −10°C to +50°C;

(ii)

for >5 kL to 26 kL . . . . . . . . −10°C to +45°C; and

(iii)

for above 26 kL . . . . . . . . . . −10°C to +40°C.

(c)

Designed to meet seismic loading in accordance with NZS 4203 (for all seismic zones).

(d)

Capable of being filled with water for testing or purging purposes.

In Australia AS 1210 may be used with the following qualifications:
(i)

The design pressure shall be not less than that shown in Table 3.1, except that a design
pressure for a specific condition may be applied when that condition is known.
Examples are as follows:
(A)

The service design temperature has been determined in accordance with
AS 2872 and the maximum vapour pressure for the contents has been
determined.

(B)

The tank is designed for the storage of an LP Gas for which the limits of
composition and vapour pressure are known. Vapour pressure may be calculated
from the proportions of a mixed gas if known, otherwise it shall be based on the
use of propane.

(C)

Service design temperatures are reduced by the use of sunshades, auxiliary
cooling systems, burying or mounding, or the like. When determining any such
modified design temperature, allowance shall be made for the likely maximum
temperature of LP Gas as delivered to the tank, to ensure that the safety valve
does not lift.
NOTES:

(ii)

1

These design pressures are valid for above-ground tanks only if the tanks are

painted white. AS 1210 specifies penalties for any tank colour having a lesser
heat-reflecting ability.

2

The more sophisticated special-purpose design techniques mentioned above are of
no practical advantage for small tanks.

An underground tank shall incorporate lifting provisions, designed so that damage to
the protective coating is prevented when the tank is handled.

(iii) A portable tank shall not exceed 8 kL capacity. It may be of Class 2A construction.

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AS/NZS 1596:1997

(iv)

A skid tank shall not exceed 8 kL capacity. It may be of Class 2A construction.
Lifting facilities shall be incorporated, and all fittings shall be internal unless a guard
which complies with AS 2809.3 is provided.

(v)

A demountable delivery tank shall comply with the requirements of AS 2809.3 for
cargo tanks.

(vi)

A freight container tank shall comply with AS/NZS 3711.6 and, if for service within
Australia, the specific requirements herein for LP Gas tanks.

(vii) Any structural provisions for supporting the tank shall be designed to support the
loading when filled with water, unless special precautions such as tank markings and
plant procedural instructions are taken to prevent testing or purging with water.
(viii) Seismic loading shall be taken into account for any tank whose capacity exceeds
100 kL in a Zone A or a Zone 2 location as defined in AS 1170.4.
TABLE 3.1
DESIGN PRESSURES

Licensed to LUU MINH LUAN on 25 Feb 2002. Single user licence only. Storage, distribution or use on network prohibited.

Capacity-to-surfacearea ratio of tank*
kL/m2
≥0.15

Design pressure, MPa
Propane

Butane

<0.15

1.90

0.825

≤0.42

1.75

0.7

1.55

0.525

>0.42

* ‘Capacity/area’ as used here has the same meaning as the
term ‘volume/area’ as used in AS 1210.

3.2.2 Tank data plate In addition to the markings required by AS 1210, the tank data plate
shall include the following:
(a)

Capacity in cubic metres.

(b)

Any limitation on permissible contents (see Clause 3.2.1(i)).

(c)

The design colour (for an above-ground tank only).

3.3 CONTROL OF LP GAS OUTFLOW
3.3.1 Minimization of outflow Every opening through a tank shell to either liquid or
vapour space shall be provided with a means of preventing or minimizing, or both, accidental
or uncontrolled outward flow of LP Gas. The means shall be one of the following devices as
appropriate to the purpose of the opening (see Table 3.2 for a summary of the appropriate
control functions for each opening):
(a)

A safety valve.

(b)

A primary and a secondary shut-down system of valves.

(c)

A flow-limiting orifice not greater than 1.4 mm diameter.

(d)

A plug or blank flange.

(e)

In Australia only, a multiple-function valve (limited to openings into the vapour space
of above-ground tanks of 8 kL capacity or less), which incorporates all the following
features:
(i)

For vapour withdrawal, a manual shut-off valve with attached handwheel, or

equivalent, that is fitted directly to the opening, or is an integral part of or
attached to a substantial fitting that is attached to the opening.

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(ii)

The opening through the valve is restricted by an orifice not exceeding
8 mm diameter located between the vapour space and the outlet of the shut-off
valve.

(iii)

For vapour withdrawal, a regulator is attached directly to the valve, or is
connected to it by a flexible annealed copper tube not more than 1 m long and
is supported and protected on or at the tank. Otherwise the vapour outlet is
closed with a metal plug.

An opening through a tank shell implies that the opening is the size of the tank nozzle as
manufactured. However, reduction by means of a bush or flange is permitted, provided that
no more than one such fitting is employed.
3.3.2 Safety valve There shall be no valve or restriction of any type between a safety
valve and the vapour space of a tank, except where reserve safety valves are provided under
the conditions specified in Clause 3.4.3.

Licensed to LUU MINH LUAN on 25 Feb 2002. Single user licence only. Storage, distribution or use on network prohibited.

3.3.3 Openings for gauges Where a gauge can be operated or serviced without opening
a gas path through to the interior of the tank, the gauge may be treated as a blank flange or
a plug, requiring no other protection. Otherwise the opening shall be protected by an orifice
not greater than 1.4 mm diameter, or an excess-flow valve.
3.3.4 Primary shut-down system The primary shut-down provision shall consist of a
non-return valve, except that where outward flow is necessary an excess-flow valve may be
used. The design and installation of the valve shall be such that it will continue to function
as a shut-down device should impact or shear-off occur to any external portion or attachment.
Where a multiple function valve which complies with Clause 3.3.1(e) is used, a primary shutdown system is not required.
3.3.5 Secondary shut-down system Where the primary shut-down provision is a
non-return valve, the secondary system shall comprise at least a manual positive shut-off
valve, or, if the tank is 8 kL or less and the entry is for filling into the vapour space, another
non-return valve that is gastight.
Where the primary shut-down provision is an excess-flow valve, the secondary system shall
comprise —
(a)

for vapour connections . . . at least a manual positive shut-off valve; or

(b)

for liquid connections . . . an emergency shut-down system, except that for an opening
into a tank that is not larger than 3/4 NPT and that is used only for decanting into
cylinders, a manual positive shut-off valve may be provided.

NOTE: Clauses 3.3.4 and 3.3.5 should be read as specifying functions and not necessarily
self-contained and independent valves. The primary and the secondary functions may be
incorporated in a single compound valve provided that all the functional requirements are

incorporated.

3.3.6 Tanks larger than 200 kL The primary and secondary shut-down provision may
consist of a manual shut-off valve and another valve that can be shut off by remote actuation
or by fire, or both, located away from the tank shell and outside the horizontal outline (plan
view) of the tank, provided that —
(a)

the pipe connecting to the tank is integral with the tank and designed as part of it;

(b)

the internal diameter of the attached pipe is not less than 100 mm;

(c)

the pipe is anchored and shear-protected at its outer end as for a remote connection;

(d)

the piping between the anchorage and the tank is protected from impact; and

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