If the LP gas piping system is jurisdictional to the federal pipeline safety regulations (49 CFR Part 192), jurisdiction ends at the outlet of the customer meter or, if there is no customer meter, where the customer piping begins. See Part 192.1(b)(4)(i) and (ii) for a description of jurisdictional LP gas systems.
"[image showing "Jurisdiction ends at the outlet of the customer meter" available on page V-1 of the PDF linked at the right]"
Before locating tanks, regulators and meters, three points must be considered:
Install tanks in accordance with NFPA 58, using table 3-2.2.2 to compute the proper distance from buildings and property where building can occur.
Install service regulators and customer meters in a readily accessible location, yet, where they will be protected from physical damage.
If a service regulator is used, it must be installed upstream of the customer meter. The regulator vent must be pointed downward to keep rain from entering the shell and making the regulator inoperable.
Install meter sets outside wherever possible. With a little extra planning and effort, an outside meter set will reduce the possibility of problems in the future. Service regulators installed inside a building must be placed as close as practical to the point where the service line enters the building. The operator must vent the regulator to the outside. Meters installed inside a building must be located in a ventilated area. A meter must be at least 3 feet from any source of ignition or heat that might damage the meter. However, the service regulator vent discharge must be five feet from any exterior ignition source and 3 feet from any building opening as required by NFPA 58.
NOTE: Be familiar with the location of the pilot light on the water heater and its proximity to the inside meter set.
Tanks and meter sets must be located where they will be protected from physical damage from outside sources. Also of concern is damage from corrosion. Whenever a vehicle could damage tanks or a meter set, a suitable barricade must be installed.
"[image showing "Examples of protection from damage" available on page V-2 of the PDF linked at the right]"
"[image showing "Always ensure that the meter sets are properly supported both upstream and downstream of the meter set" available on page V-2 of the PDF linked at the right]"
A good coating of light colored metallic paint on all aboveground piping subject to corrosion provides sufficient protection to retard corrosion. The point where the riser comes out of the ground is susceptible to corrosion on metallic risers and should be inspected periodically.
"[image showing "The point where the riser comes out of the ground is susceptible to corrosion on metallic risers and should be inspected periodically" available on page V-3 of the PDF linked at the right]"
The outside terminal of each service regulator vent and relief must be:
Customer meter sets must be installed to minimize stresses on connecting piping. Never allow the meter set to be used as an anchor for pet lines or other outside force inducing conditions.
Each pit or vault housing service regulators and customer meters in a road, driveway or parking area must be able to support the vehicular traffic. If there is a question on the design of the pit or vault, it is best to contact a competent construction engineering consultant.
Die cast or iron case vapor meters can be used at pressures equal to or less than the design pressure, but not to exceed 67% of the manufacturer’s shell test pressure. The design pressure must be marked on the meter housing.
Tin or brass type vapor meters must not have operating pressures exceeding 1 psig.
Meters installed after November 12, 1970, must be tested to a minimum of 10 psig.
"[image showing "Each service line valve must be installed upstream of the regulator" available on page V-4 of the PDF linked at the right]"
Outside valves.
Each service line must have a shutoff valve in a readily accessible location outside the building.
Underground valves.
Each underground service line valve must be located in a covered durable curb box or standpipe
that allows easy operation of the valve. The curb box or standpipe must not put stress on the service line.
NOTE: It is recommended that service regulators and customer meters always be installed outside.
"[image showing "Service lines under a building" available on page V-4 of the PDF linked at the right]"
Service lines should not be installed under buildings or manufactured homes. If a service line is installed under a building, it must be encased in a gas tight conduit. The conduit must terminate outside aboveground where the gas venting would not be a hazard. The vent must have a fitting to prevent rain, snow, ice or insects from hampering operation.
"[image showing "The valve on the meter riser should be equipped with a locking device to be controlled by authorized personnel only" available on page V-5 of the PDF linked at the right]"
"[image showing "Never use the riser as an anchor for laundry lines, plant supports or bicycle racks" available on page V-6 of the PDF linked at the right]"
"[image showing "a backhoe on fire" available on page VI-1 of the PDF linked at the right]"
A one-call notification system provides a telephonic communication link between excavators and operators of underground pipeline and facilities. The heart of the system is an operational center whose main function is to transfer information from excavators about their intended excavation activities to the operators of underground pipelines and facilities participating in the system. Excavators have to make only a single call to an operational center to start the process, thus the name “one-call.” Upon receipt of the information, operators of pipelines and facilities that could be affected by the excavation activity arrange for the timely identification and marking of underground facilities that are in the vicinity of the intended activity. When necessary the underground operators inspect the site being excavated and advise the excavator of the need for special measures to protect buried or exposed facilities. One-call notification systems may perform various other functions relevant to protecting underground pipelines and facilities from damage, such as record keeping and public awareness programs.
It is required that LP Gas operators be members of and participate in a qualified one-call damage prevention system. It is recommended that LP operators check with their state one-call systems to determine the laws and regulations that would apply to them.
Excavation activities must not be conducted without first ascertaining the location of all underground facilities which could be affected by the excavation.
Excavation activities include excavation, blasting, boring, tunneling, backfilling, the removal of aboveground structures by either explosive or mechanical means and other earth moving operations.
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Prior to any excavation, each excavator must serve notice of intent to excavate to the One-Call Center serving the area in which the proposed excavation will occur. Notice must be given to the local One-Call Center in accordance with state regulations in advance of excavation. This requirement may vary from 24 – 72 hours excluding weekends and holidays.
An emergency excavation is an excavation performed to eliminate an imminent danger to life, health or property. Telephonic notice of the emergency excavation must be given as soon as possible to the One-Call Center. If necessary, emergency assistance should be requested from each operator to locate and protect its underground facilities.
Each person responsible for an excavation activity must:
Each person responsible for excavation operations which results in damage to an underground facility must, immediately upon discovery of the damage, notify the operator of the facility of the location and nature of the damage. The operator must be given reasonable time to make the necessary repairs before the excavation or backfilling in the immediate area of damage is continued.
Each person responsible for an excavation activity that damages an underground facility and permits the escape of any flammable or toxic gas shall, immediately upon discovery of the damage, analyze the situation to determine if anyone is in immediate danger and then take necessary action to protect that person. Remember, the one providing the assistance must not perform any actions which would endanger himself. If all people are out of immediate danger, then the person must notify the operator, local police and the local fire department. Then take any actions necessary to protect persons, first, and then property from possible further danger and to minimize the hazards until arrival of the operator personnel or police and fire department personnel.
Partial exemption is granted to operators of pipeline systems, other than municipal systems, where the primary responsibility of the operator does not include the transportation of LP gas.
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An example of a partial exemption is an operator of a master meter LP gas system. An operator with this partial exemption does not need a written damage prevention program nor is a current list of local excavators necessary. It is not necessary for the partially exempted operator to notify the public in the vicinity of the excavation nor the local excavators of an operator’s damage prevention program. But this operator must still be involved in the One-Call Center program in all other aspects.
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