Directive: Guidelines for temporary propane installations

Directive

Directive: Guidelines for temporary propane installations

May 19, 2010

Directive
Gas

Reference Number:

D-G5 051206 6

Revision Number:

Revision 2



This Directive is being issued by a provincial safety manager pursuant to section 30 of the Safety Standards Act.

General details

This Directive establishes requirements for temporary propane installations at locations including trade shows, sales displays, fairs, exhibitions and movie sets. 

Specific details

Temporary propane installations are installed in locations where persons gather for social, recreational, educational and business purposes. These requirements for temporary propane installations are to reduce hazards to public safety and must be implemented for all temporary propane installations: 

  1. All equipment must be installed in accordance with the latest edition of the CSA B149.1 and B149.2 Codes.
  2. All temporary installations must have at least one portable fire extinguisher of not less than   20-lb B, C rating installed in a readily accessible location.
  3. Always maintain clearances to all combustible material in accordance with CSA B149.1 and B149.2.
  4. Only cylinders containing a maximum of 5lb.of propane and not connected to any other cylinder may be installed in a building or tent. The cylinder must be equipped with a cylinder valve that does not permit the flow of propane until a positive seal has been achieved.  All other cylinders shall be installed outside of a building or tent.
  5. Cylinders must be positioned such that the pressure relief valve points away from areas that the public may gather or where there may be a source of ignition.  Never point the relief opening towards a tent or other combustible material. The relief valve discharge shall be installed with the clearances specified in CSA B149.2
  6. Cylinders must be in an upright position on a firm level base and secured to prevent them from being accidentally tipped over.
  7. Never place installation where they block entrances or exits.  A means of access for firefighting using a fire extinguisher shall be provided to the propane equipment and storage area.
  8. Maintain all the required clearances for the propane appliances in CSA B149.1 and CSA B149.2.  Reduced clearances are subject to the approval of a safety officer and require on-site approval.
  9. The load and time the installation will be in use shall be used to determine the required propane cylinder volume. The cylinder size used shall not be more than the required volume for the load and the larger cylinders shall be used before multiple smaller cylinders.  The larger cylinders reduce the number of connections which are susceptible to leakage, do not have to be refilled or exchanged as frequently and are more stable with  less chance of being knocked over. The refilling or exchange of larger tanks can deferred to off hours when there are less people in the area.
  10. Cylinders in storage or connected for use shall not be exposed to temperatures in excess of 125OF (52OC).
  11. Protect and secure all gas piping and/or hose from damage.
  12. Valves, regulators hose, tubing, pipe and fittings shall be of a type and rating approved for the purpose for which they used.
  13. All appliances must be of a type and rating approved for propane and installed in accordance with the manufacturers certified instructions and CSA B149.1 and B149.2.
  14. All thermostatically controlled appliances must be equipped with a safety limit control which prevents unsafe temperature conditions.  All controls must be checked for proper working order.
  15. Prior to start-up and each time a cylinder is changed, check the system for leaks, using a suitable leak detector or leak detector solution. DO NOT USE A CANDLE, FLAME OR OTHER SOURCE OF IGNITION TO CHECK FOR A PROPANE LEAK.
  16. When changing cylinders, clear the area within 10 feet of the cylinder installation of all sources of ignition, including appliances, and smoking material.  Use a properly sized wrench in making connections.
  17. All spare and empty cylinders must be stored outdoors in a secured area as required by CSA B149.2 and located in accordance with the clearances specified in CSA B149.2.  Cylinder valve outlets must be capped when not in use.
  18. Give complete operating and installation instructions to those using the equipment to ensure safety and reliability in the operation of the installation.  Demonstrate how the system is to be safely shut down in the event of an emergency.  Instruct the operators to shut the system down and close all cylinder valves when the system is not in use.  Document that this information was provided and retain a copy of this documentation in your files.
  19. Only individuals holding a gas fitter certificate of qualification may make repairs to gas appliances or equipment.
  20. For mall displays only cylinders containing a maximum of 5lb.of propane and not connected to any other cylinder may be installed.  There must be a separation of 20 feet between installation locations in the mall.
  21. When the temporary event is finished, disconnect and remove the propane installation and equipment from the site. 

 

 

Brad Wyatt
Provincial Safety Manager, Gas

 

 

References:
Safety Standards Act
Gas Safety Regulation
CSA B149.1 - Natural gas and propane installation code
CSA B149.2 - Propane storage and handling code

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