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PART9.7BUILDINGSERVICES:GASSUPPLY

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CONTENTS

1. SCOPE 3

2. DEFINITIONS 3

3. PRESSUREREGULATIONS 4

4. SERVICESHUTOFFVALVES ..4

5. EXISTINGWORK 5

6. RULESFORTURNINGGASON ..5

7. RULESFORSHUTTINGOFFTHEGAS 6

8. INSTALLATIONOFGASPIPES 6

9. INSPECTIONOFSERVICES 9

10. LEACKAGECHECK .9

11. USEOFLIQUEFIEDPETROLEUMGAS 10

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PART9.7:BUILDINGSERVICESGASSUPPLY

9.7.1Scope

9.7.1.1Thissectioncoverstherequirementsregardingthesafetyofpersonsandpropertyforallpipingusesandforalltypesofgasesusedforfuelorlightingpurposesinbuildings.

9.7.1.2ThisSectiondoesnotcoversafetyrulesforgasburningappliances.

9.7.2 Definitions

ForthepurposeofthisSection,thefollowingdefinitionsshallapply:

AppliancevalveAdevicethatwillshutoffthegassupplytotheburner(s).

Authorityhaving jurisdictionTheAuthoritywhichhasbeencreatedbyastatuteandwhich, for thepurposeofadministeringtheCode/Part,mayauthorizeacommitteeoranofficialtoacton itsbehalf;hereinaftercalledtheAuthority.

Customers/Consumers connection Piping tapped on riser to supply each individualcustomer/consumer.

GasfitterAnemployeeofthegassupplyingorganization.

PilotAsmallflamewhichisutilizedtoignitethegasatthemainburner(s).

PressureregulatorAdevicedesignedtolowerthepressureofgascomingfromthedistributionmainandtomaintainitpracticallyconstantsdownstream.Thisnormaloperationpressureshallbepracticallyinallcasesthatofthegasappliancesused.

PurgeTofreeagasconduitofairorgasoramixtureofgasandair.

Qualified installing agency An individual, firm or agency which either in person or through arepresentative isengaged inand isresponsibleforthe installationorreplacementofgaspipingontheoutlet sideof thegas supplypipingandapplianceswithinabuilding,andwho isexperienced in suchwork, familiarwith all precautions required, andwho has compliedwith all the requirements as toqualification,registration,licensing,etc.oftheAuthority.

RiserPipingusuallyverticalonmostof its length that suppliesgas from the service to thevariousstoreysofthebuilding.

ServicepipePipe that runsbetween thedistributionmain in thestreetand the riser in thecaseofmultistoreybuildingorthemetrerinthecaseofanindividualhouse.

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Serviceshutoffvalve(isolationvalve)

Adeviceinstalledoutsidethepremisestocutoffthemainsupplyofgasfrompipelinebythesupplier.

VentpipeAsafetydevicetowhichcertainregulatorsareconnectedtoevacuateoutsidegasthatmayescape from thenormal circuitwhen somepartof systemgetsdamagedormalfunctionsora safetyvalveisopen.

9.7.3Pressureregulations

9.7.3.1Pressureregulationisrequiredtoeconomizethesizingofpipingsystem.Wherethepressureofgassuppliedtodomesticsystemorotherlowpressuregaspipingsysteminbuildingsisinexcessofthepressuretobeusedintheappliance,agaspressureregulatorofsuitablespecificationshallbeinstalledin service pipe of each system to prevent excess pressure reaching the appliance. The pressureregulatorstobeusedcanbefrom400kN/m2upstreampressureto2.1kN/m2fordomesticconsumersand10kN/m2.30kN/m2,200kN/m2forcommercialconsumers,asthecasemaybe.

9.7.3.1.1 In some place the reduction of pressure from main distribution source of 400 kN/m2 tointermediatepressure(say7kN/m2)andthentooperatingpressureof2.1kN/m2isachieved.

9.7.3.1.2Whereasinmostoftheotherplacesthereuctionofpressurefrommaindistributionsourceof400kN/m2todirectlyoperatingpressure(say2.1kN/m2,10kN/m2,30kN/m2,200kN/m2)isachievedinsinglestagepressurereduction.

9.7.3.2Iflocatedinsideabuilding,therequiredregulatorshallcomplywiththefollowing:

a) Ifanyof thediaphragmsoftheregulatorruptures,thegasshallbesent toanoutletventpipemadeofbrassorplasticinordertoventilateordrainthegasoutofthebuilding.Thevent pipe will, however, lead to outer air about 1m above the topmost storey of thebuilding. Means shallbeemployed topreventwater fromentering thispipeandalso topreventstoppageofitbyinsectsorotherforeignbodies.

b) Ifthegaspressureattheoutletoftheregularfallsbelow50percentoftheoperatinggaspressure or rises above twice the operating gas pressure, the gas input to the pressureregulatorshallbecutoff.

c) In theeventofmalfunctioningof thissafetydevice,asupplementarydeviceshallconnectthelowpressurecircuittotheoutletcircuit(ventpipe)assoonastheexitpressurereaches7kN/m2.

9.7.3.3Itshallalsobeensuredbythesupplyauthoritythatthecalorificvalueandsupplypressureofgasshallnotexceedthevaluesforthetypeofgasused.

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9.7.4Serviceshutoffvalves

9.7.4.1Serviceshutoffvalvesshallbe installedonallnewservices includingreplacements inareadilyaccessiblelocation.

9.7.4.2 Service shutoff valves shall be located upstream of the meter if there is no regulator orupstreamoftheregulator,ifthereisone.

9.7.4.2.1Serviceshutoffvalvesshallbe located intheupstreamofthemeter, ifasingleregulator issupplying more than one consumer and each such stream shall have one additional shut off valveupstreamofregulator.

9.7.4.3Allgasservicesoperatingatpressuregreaterthan7kN/m2shallbeequippedwithanapprovedserviceshutoffvalvelocatedontheservicepipeoutsidethebuilding.

9.7.4.4Undergroundshutoffvalvesshallbe located inacovereddurablecurbbox,manhole,vaultorstandpipewhich isdesigned topermit readyoperationof thevalveand thecoversofwhichshallbeclearlymarkedGas.

9.7.5Existingwork

Nothingherein shallprohibit the continued useof existing systemof the gaspipingwithout furtherinspection or test, unless the Authority has reason to believe that defects which make the systemdangeroustolifeorpropertyexist.

9.7.6Rulesforturninggason

9.7.5.6.1 No person, unless is the employ of the gas company or having permission from the gascompany,shallturnonthegasataserviceshutoffvalveoratanyvalvethatcontrolsthesupplyofgastomorethanoneconsumer.

9.7.5.6.2 Gas shall not be turned on at any meter valve without specific permission from the gascompanyorotherauthorityifanyofthefollowingconditionsexists.

a) Ifthegaspipingappliancesormetersupplythroughthemetervalveareknownto leakorotherwisetobedefective(see10).

b) Ifrequiredinspectionofthepipingorappliancehasnotbeenmade.c) Ifthegascompanyorotherauthorityhasrequestedthatthegasbeleftturnedoff.d) Ifthemetervalveisfoundshutoffforsomereasonnotknowntothegasfitter.

Thegasshallnotbeturnedonintheeventoffire.

9.7.6.3Gas shall not be turned on at any branch line valve if any of the conditions specified in 6.2prevails.Whereabranchlinevalveisfoundclosed,agasfittershallagainturnthegasonatsuchvalve

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only ifproperprecautions toprevent leakage are taken andnootherunsafe conditions are createdthereby.

9.7.6.4Gasshallnotbeturnedonateitherthemetervalveorservicelineunlessallgaskeysorvalvesprovidedonalloutletsinthepipingsystemareclosedoralloutletsinthepipingsystemarecappedorplugged.

9.7.7Rulesforshuttingoffthegas

9.7.7.1Thegasfittershallputthegasofftoanyappliance,pipeorpipingsystemandshallleavethegasturnedoff,until thecauses for interrupting thesupplyhasbeenremoved inanyoneof the followingcases:

a) IforderedtodosobytheAuthorityb) If leakage of gas is noted, which appears dot be sufficient to cause fire, explosion or

asphyxiationc) Ifan installationofsomegasappliance isfoundtobesuchastocauseaserioushazardto

personsorproperty.d) Ifanyconditionexistswhichthreatens interruptionofgassupplywhichmaycauseburner

outageorotherwiseprovedangerous.

9.7.7.2Itshallbethedutyofthe installingagencywhenthegassupply istobeturnedofftonotifyallaffectedconsumers.

9.7.7.3Beforeturningoff thegasat themeter, forthepurposeof installation,repair,replacementormaintenance of piping or appliance, all burner and pilot valves on the premises supplied with gasthroughthemetershallbeturnedoffandthemetertesthandobservedforasufficientlengthoftimetoascertainthatthereisnogaspassingthroughthemeter.Wherethereismorethanonemeteronthepremises,precautionshallbeexercisedtoensurethattheconcernedmeteristurnedoff.

9.7.8Installationofgaspipes

9.7.8.1 Installation, repair and replacementof gaspipingor appliances shallbeperformedonlyby aqualifiedinstallingagency(refertoLI1911).

9.7.8.2Piping

9.7.8.2.1Pipingshallbeofwrought iron,steel,copperorcast ironwhen thegaspressure is lessthan7kN/m2,withhighergaspressureeuseofcastironshallbeprohibited.

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9.7.8.2.1.1SS316/304/321FlexiblePEcoated flexiblepipe in rolls shallbepermitted in lowpressuresystemprovidedthepipemeetstherequiredstandard,toavoidthebends,fittingandleakagesfromthejointwhicharepotential leakagepoints. Also referencemaybemade toaccepted standard. Heavyrubberflexibletubeshallbepermittedonlyasdirectconnectiontoburnerformappliancevalve.

9.7.8.2.2SizeofGaspiping

Gas piping shall be of such size and so installed as to provide supply of gas sufficient tomeet themaximum demandwithout undue loss of pressure between themeter or service regulatorwhen ameterisnotprovided,andtheappliance(s).

9.7.8.2.2.1Thesizeofgaspipingdependsuponthefollowingfactors:

a) Allowablelossinpressurefrommeterorserviceregulator,whenameterisnotprovidedtoappliance;

b) Maximumconsumptiontobeprovided,c) Lengthofpipingandnumberoffittingsandd) Specificgravityofgas

9.7.8.2.2.2Nogaspipesmallerthan8mmshallbeused.

9.7.8.2.3Asfaraspossible,straightlengthsofpipingshouldbeused.Wheretherearebendsinthepipeline,theseshouldhavearadiusofatleastfivetimesthediameterofthepipe.

9.7.8.2.4Foranythreadjointpropersealantshallbeusedonmalethreadsonly.

9.7.8.3Thegaspipingshallbeofthecolourstipulatedbyexplosiveauthoritytodistinguishitfromotherpipingandthepipingshallbepaintedsilvergreywithreadbandof150mmwidth.Thegaspipelineshallbepaintedcanaryyellowincaseofnaturalgas.

9.7.8.4Pipingunderground

9.7.8.4.1Protectionofpiping

Pipingshallbeburied toaminimumdepthof1morcovered inamannersoas toprotect thepipingfromphysicaldamage.

9.7.8.4.2Protectionagainstcorrosion

Generallyallthepipingwithinthepremiseswhereithastorunonthewallshallbeexposedandshouldnotbe incontactwithawall toensure thatnocorrosion takesplace. Epoxysealantorpolyethyleneconduitshallbeusedtoensurenocontactofpipewiththewallinthesituationofpipecrossingthewall.Undergroundorconcealedgaspipelineincontactwithearthorothermaterialswhichmaycorrodethe

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piping shall be protected against corrosion by application of adequate corrosion resistant coatingbackedupbycathodicprotectionsystem.

9.7.8.5Thebuildingshallnotbeweakenedbytheinstallationofanygaspiping.

9.7.8.6Gaspiping inbuildingshallbesupportedwithpipehooks,metalpipestraps,bondsorhangerssuitable forthesizeofpipingandofadequatestrengthandqualityand locatedatproper intervalssothatthepipingmaynotbemovedaccidentallyfromtheinstalledposition.

9.7.8.7Pipeentrancetobuildings

Wheregaspipeentersabuildingthroughawallorfloorofmasonryorconcrete,anygaspipingorotherpipingenteringthewallsorfloorsshallbesuitablysealedagainsttheentranceofwater/moistureorgas.Regardingprotectionofopenings inwallsor floors, from fire,referenceshallbemadetoPart3: UseandOccupancy.

9.7.8.7.1Pipinginfloors

Pipinginsolidfloors,suchasconcrete,shallbelaidinchannelsinthefloorssuitablycoveredtopermitaccesstothepipingwithaminimumdamagetothebuilding.

9.7.8.7.2Singlepipewithoutjointshallbeusedforwallcrossinginanybuilding.

9.7.8.8Gaspipeshallnotbebent.Fittingsshallbeusedwhenmakingturnsingaspipe.

9.7.8.9Generallyconcealedpipingshallnotbeallowed.However,ifitisnecessarythenitshallbeundertheSection9.7.8.4ofundergroundpipingandallprotectionsuchascoating,cathodicprotectionshallbedone.

9.7.8.10Adripshallbeprovided in thegasdistributionsystem, if themoisturecontents in thegas islikely to reach saturation point at any stretch of pipe line in the system; a drip shall, however, beprovidedatanysuitablepoint inthe lineofthepipewherecondensatemaycollectandfromwhere itcanbeeasilyremoved.Thisdripshouldbesoinstalledastoconstituteatrapwhereinanaccumulationofcondensatewillshutofftheflowofgasbeforeitwillrunbackintothemeter.

9.7.8.10.1Driphastobeprovidedinthecaseofgasconsistingmoisturecontent.

9.7.8.11Prohibiteddevices

Nodevice shallbeplaced inside thegaspipingor fittings thatwill reduce thecrosssecitonalareaorotherwiseobstructthefreeflowofgas.

9.7.8.12 Piping shall be electrically continuous throughout its length and property earthed except instretches where cathodic protection system is used for protection against corrosion. It shall not,however,beusedtoearthanyelectricalequipment.

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9.7.8.12.1Thedistancebetweengaspipingandelectricalwiring system shallbeat least60mmand,wherenecessary, they shallbe securely fixed toprevent contactdue tomovement. The gaspipingshouldrunabovetheelectricalwiring.Inthistypeofinstallationintheeventofanyleakageofnaturalgas,thegaswouldmoveup(naturalgasbeinglighterthanair)andwouldnotcomedirectlyincontactwiththeelectricalwiring.Ifthegastobesuppliedisheavierthantheairthenthegaspipingshouldrunbelowtheelectricalwiring.

9.7.8.13Thedistancebetweenthegaspipingandsteampiping,ifrunningparallel,shallbeatleast150mm.Thegaspipingshouldpreferablyrunbelowthesteampiping.

9.7.8.14Pipinginstallationshallbethoroughlygastight.

9.7.8.15Smokingshallnotbepermittedwhenworkingonpipingwhichcontainsorhascontaminatedgas.

9.7.8.16Metersshallbeinstalledinsuchawaythatthereshallbenoloadtransferfromthepipelinetotheinlet/outletofthemeterandshallbeeasilyaccessible.

9.7.9Inspectionofservices

9.7.9.1Nopersonshalluseorpermittheuseofanewsystemoranextensionofanoldsystemofgaspipinginabuildingorstructurebeforethesamehasbeeninspectedandtestedtoensurethetightnessofthesystem,andacertificatehasbeenissuedbytheAuthority.

9.7.9.1.1TestofPipingforTightness

Beforeanysystemofgaspipingisfinallyputinservice,itshallbecarefullytestedtoensurethatitisgastight.Whereanypartofthesystemistobeenclosedorconcealed,thistestshouldprecedetheworkofclosing in. Totestfortightnessthepipingmaybefilledwithcitygas,airor inertgasbutnotwithanyothergasor liquid. Innocaseshalloxygenbeused. Thepipingshallstandapressureofat least20kN/m2 measured with a manometer or slope gauge, for a period of not less than 10 min withoutshowinganydropinpressure.

9.7.9.1.2Whenthegaspressureexceeds7kN/m2,thepipingshallwithstandapressureof0.6MN/m2for3h.(Thistestisforpipingdesignedforworkingpressurelessthan0.4MN/m2.)

9.7.9.2TheAuthorityshall,withinareasonabletimeafterbeingrequestedtodoso,inspectandtestasystemofgaspipingthatisreadyforsuchinspectionandtest,andiftheworkisfoundsatisfactoryandtestrequirementsarecompliedwith,itshallissuethecertificate.

9.7.10Leakagecheck

9.7.10.1Beforeturninggasunderpressureintoanypiping;allopeningsfromwhichgasmayescapeshallbeclosed.

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9.7.10.2Checkingforgasleakage

Nomatches,flameorothersourcesofignitionshallbeemployedtocheckforgasleakagefrommeters,pipingorappliances.Checkingforgasleakagewithsoapandwatersolutionisrecommended.

9.7.10.3Useoflights

Artificialilluminationusedinconnectionwithasearchofgasleakageshallberestrictedtoelectrichandflash lights (preferablyof the safety type)or approved safety lamps. In searching for leaks, electricswitchesshouldnotbeoperated.Ifelectriclightsarealreadyturnedon,theyshouldnotbeturnedoff.

9.7.10.4Checkingforleakagewithmeter

Immediatelyafter turninggas into thepiping, thesystemshallbechecked toascertain thatnogas isescaping.ThismaybedonebycarefullywatchingthetestdialofthemetertodeterminewhethergasIspassing through he meter. In no case should a leakage test be made using a gas meter unlessimmediatelypriortothetestithasbeendeterminedthatthemeterisinoperatingcondition.

9.7.10.5Checkingofleakagewithoutusingameter

This may be done by attaching to an appliance, orifice or a manometer or equivalent device andmomentarilyturningonthegassupplyanddeservingthegaugingdeviceforpressuredropwiththegassupplyshutoff.Nodiscernibledropinpressureshalloccurduringaperiodof3min.

9.7.10.6Afterpipinghasbeenchecked,allgaspipingshallbefullypurged. Pipingshallnotbepurgedinto the combustionchamberofanappliance. A suggestedmethod forpurging thegaspiping toanapplianceistodisconnectthepilotpipingattheoutletofthepilotvalve.

9.7.10.7Afterthegashasbeeneffectivelypurged,allappliancesshallbepurgedandthepilotslighted.

9.7.10.8Inadditiontothecheckingofgasleakagewithsoapandwatersolution,asuitablegasdetectorisalsorecommendedforuse.

9.7.11Useofliquefiedpetroleumgas

9.7.11.1The cylindersused for the storageand transportationof liquefiedpetroleumgas (LPG) shallconformtoacceptedstandardsapprovedbythestatutoryauthority.

9.7.11.2Thehandling,use,storageandtransportationofliquefiedpetroleumgasincylindersexceeding500mlwatercapacityshallbedoneinaccordancewithgoodpractice.

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9.7.11.3LPGcylinderinstallation

The following recommendations apply to installation in commercial =, industrial, educational andinstitutionalpremises.

9.7.11.3.1Generalrecommendations

9.7.11.3.1.1 Persons responsible for the installation of cylinders, equipment and piping shouldunderstand the characteristics of LPG and be trained in good practice of handling, installing andmaintaininginstallations.

9.7.11.3.1.2 The jointing compound used at different joints in the system shall be decided by theQualified InstallingAgency. Hempandsimilarmaterialsshallnotbeusedat the joint. Inany joint inwhichthethreadprovidesagastightseal,jointingcompoundshallbeusedonlyonthemalethread.

9.7.11.3.1.3 Fire extinguishers of dry powder type or carbon dioxide type conforming to acceptedstandards(92(4)shallbeprovided inplaceswhereLPGcylinder installationsaresituatedandshallbelocatednearsuchinstallations.Towbucketsfilledwithsandandtwowithwatershallalsobeinstallednearby.Thenumber,typeandsizeofthefireextinguishersshallbeasfollows:

NumberTypeCapacity

a)ForinstallationswithLPG40kgto200kg2Drypowder10kg

b)ForinstallationswithLPGmorethan200kg2Drypowder10kg

andupto320kg

c)ForinstallationswithLPGmorethan320kg3Drypowder10kg

andupto1000kg

Forelectricalinstallations,onenumberCO2fireextinguisher(4.5kgcapacity)shallbeprovided.

9.7.11.3.1.4 Liquefiedgas shallnotbe transferred from cylinders inwhich it is received toanyothercontainer.

9.7.11.3.2Cylinderlocation

9.711.3.2.1Stationaryinstallations

a) Stationary installation not exceeding 40kg of LPG may be installed indoors on any floor. Itisrecommendedtohaveaminimumfloorareao5m2forsuchaninstallation.

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b)Stationaryinstallationseachnotexceeding40kgofLPGmaybeinstalledindoorsonanyfloor withinthesameworkspaceprovidedtheminimumdistancebetweentwosuchinstallationsis 3m,theproportionofsuchinstallationstofloorareaisoneinstallationper5m2andthe aggregatequantityofgasofallsuchinstallationsdoesnotexceed200kg.

c)Stationaryinstallationnotexceeding80kgofLPGmaybeinstalledindoorsonanyfloorprovidedthefloorareaforsuchaninstallationisnotlessthan12m2.

d)Stationary installationsnotexceeding80kgofLPGmaybe installed indoorsonanyfloorandwithinthe same workspace provided the minimum distance between two such installations is 3m. Theproportionofsuchinstallationstothefloorareaisoneinstallationper12m2andtheaggregatequantityofgasofallsuchinstallationsdoesnotexceed200kg.

e)Stationaryinstallationsnotexceeding320kgofLPGmaybeinstalledindoorsinanenclosedsectionofabuildingoraroomreservedexclusivelyforthispurposeandventilatedat lowdirectlytotheoutsideair.

f)Stationaryinstallationabove320kg(200kgincaseprovidedasin(e)isnotpossible)butnotexceeding1000kgshallbeinstalledoutdoorsongroundlevelonly.Aminimumdistanceof3mshallbemaintainedbetween an installation and any building, public place, roadways, and other surroundings. Theinstallations shall be protected from excessiveweathering by sun, rain, etc, and from tampering byunauthorized persons. A leantoroofwith expandedmetal on angleiron framework on the sides isconsidered suitable ventilation at ground level to the outside air shall be provided. The distancebetweenany twosuch installationsshallbe3munlessseparatedbya leakproofwallof fireresistantmaterialupto1mabovetheheightofthemanifoldvalve.

g)Thepositionsofthecylindersshallfacilitate:

1)Changingandquickremovalofanycylinderincaseofnecessity,and

2)Accesstocylindervalveconnectionsandregulationdevices

h)Cylindersshallbeinstalleduprightwiththevalvesuppermost.

J)Cylindersshallnotbeinstalledorusedbelowgroundlevelincellarsorbasements

k)Cylinderscontainingmorethan20kgofgasshallnotbelocatedonfloorsabovegroundlevel.

m) Cylinders shall be located on a concrete or brick floor, preferably raised in case of outdoorinstallations.

n)Cylindersshallnotbeplacedclosetosteampipesoranyothersourceofheatandshallbeprotectedfrom theweatheranddirectsunsheat.Cylindersshallbeplacedatadistanceof3maway fromany

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othersourceofheatwhichislikelytoraisethetemperatureofcylindersabovetheroomtemperaturesunlessseparatedbymetalsheetormasonrypartition.

P)Whencylindersarebeingconnectedordisconnected,thereshallbenoopenflameorsimilarsourceofignitioninthevicinity;andsmokingshallbeprohibited.

q) Cylinders shall not be installed at a place where they are likely to cause an obstruction, to bedamagedortobeexposedtoconditionslikelytoaffecttheirsafety.

r) Inordertopreventthehazardouscollectionofgas,cylindersshallbeplacedat least1mawayfromculverts,depressions,oropenings,leadingtobelowgroundlevelcompartment,anddrains.

s)Cylinderswhichhavesafetyreliefvalvesorsimilardevicesincorporatedinthemshallbesopositionedthatifthereliefdevicesoperates,escapinggasisnothazardous.

9.7.11.3.2.2Portableinstallations

a)Thesumtotalcapacityofthecylindersconnectedtoeachmanifoldshallnotexceed80kgofLPG.Thetotalquantityofgasthusinstalledinaworkspaceshallnotexceed200kg.

b)Ifcylindersaremountedontrolleyshallbestable.Wherenecessary,thecylindersshallbesecuredtopreventthemfromfalling.

c) The regulatory shall be connected directly to the cylinders valve or to amanifoldwhich shall beconnected to the cylinder valves by means of rigid connections to give adequate support to theregulator.Theonlyexceptiontothisrequirement iswherecylindersaremountedonatrolleyandthemanifold isrigidlysupportedonthetrolley.Insuchacaseflexibleorsemiflexibleconnectionsmaybeusedbetweenthemanifoldandtheregulator.

d)Atanytimethetotalquantityofgasatportableinstallationsshallbeinproportiontothefloorareaasspecifiedin9.7.11.3.2.1(a)to9.7.11.3.2.1(f)

e)Atanytimetheprovisionsat9.7.11.3.2.1shallbeensuredforallinstallations

9.7.11.3.3Cylindermanifolds

9.7.11.3.3.1 All materials, fittings, etc, used in cylinder manifold systems shall comply with thedistributingcompanysstipulations.

9.7.11.3.3.2Theindividualcomponentpartsofmanifolds,thatis,piping,fittings,pigtails,etc,whicharesubject to cylinderpressure shallbe capableofwithstanding a testpressurewithoutburstingof2.5N/mm2 or one and a half times the maximum pressure corresponding in the maximum assessedtemperatureofthecylinder,whicheverismore.

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9.7.11.3.3.3Where cylinder installationsaremadeupwith serviceand reservebatteriesof cylinders,suitablechangeoverdevicesorvalvesshallbe incorporated inthemanifoldheadertopreventundueescapeofthegaswhencylindersarechanged.

9.7.11.3.3.4Ifpressureregulators,manifoldheaders,automaticchangeoverdevices,etc,areconnectedto cylinders by semiflexible connectors, they shall be rigidly supported. Copper tube pigtails areconsideredtobeflexibleorsemiflexibleconnectorsforthispurpose.

9.7.11.3.3.5Suitablelineshutoffvalvesshallbefittedforeachapplianceorburnerwhenmorethanoneappliance isconnectedtothegassupply.Bothendsoftheconnectiontoportableappliancesshallbesecurelyattachedbymeansofclips.Hoseshallbeofatyperesistantofliquefiedpetroleumgas.

9.7.11.3.3.6Itisrecommendedthatjointsinmanifoldheaderswhichdonothavetobetakeninnormaluseshallbeweldedorbrazedusingamaterialandwhichshallhaveameltingpointofatleast340oC.

9.7.11.3.3.7Alljointsbetweenmanifoldheadersandcylindersconnectorsshallbereadilyaccessible.

9.7.11.3.4PressureRegulators

9.7.11.3.4.1 Pressure regulators and other devices used to control the gas shall comply with thedistributingcompanysstipulationsandacceptedstandards(92(5)).

9.7.11.3.4.2Pressureregulatorsfittedwithasafetyvalveshallbeeither;

a) Installedintheopenair,or

b) Ventedtotheopenbymeansofametalventpipeconnectedtothesafetyvalveoutlet.

9.7.11.3.4.3 Care shall be taken that safety valve outlets do not become chokedwith dust or otherforeignmatter.

9.7.11.3.4.4Iftheregulatorisfittedwithareliefvalvecareshouldtakeninpositioningtheregulatortoavoidunnecessaryhazardsidthereliefvalvefunctions.

9.7.11.3.4.5Pressureregulatorsandothercontroldevicesshallbeadequatelysupported.

9.7.11.3.5Instructionstoconsumers

Ahandbookcontainingallinstructionswithregardtothefollowingaspectsshallbesuppliedbysuppliertotheconsumers:

a) Operatingofthewholesystem;

b) Howtorecognizegasleaks;

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c) Actiontobetakenincaseofleakage;

d) Actiontobetakenincaseoffire;and

e) Actiontobetakenincaseofdamageto,orfailureofanypartoftheinstallation.

9.7.11.3.6 For detail information regarding installation of LPG cylinders in commercial, industrial,educationalandinstitutionalpremises,referencemaybemadetogoodpractice(92(6)).

9.7.11.4LPGBulkstorageinstallations

9.7.11.4.0ThefollowingrecommendationsapplytoLPGbulkstorage installationswherestoragetanksover450literswatercapacityareusedatindustrial,commercialanddomesticconsumerspremises.

Themaximumcapacityofanindividualtankandgroupoftanksatindustrial,commercialanddomesticpremisesshallbeasfollows;

Premises MaximumWaterCapacityofanindustrialtank(litres)

MaximumWaterCapacityofgroupoftanks(litres)

Industrial 130000 260000

Commercial 40000 80000

Domestic 20000 80000

9.7.11.4.1LocationandSpacingofStorageTanks

9.7.11.4.1.1Storagetanksshallbelocatedoutsidethebuildingsandshallnotbeinstalledoneabovetheother.

9.7.11.4.1.2Eachindividualtankshallbelocatedwithrespecttothenearestimportantbuildingorgroupofbuildingsor lineofadjoiningpropertywhichmaybebuilt inaccordancewithTable1.Thedistancesgiven refer to the horizontal distance in plan between the nearest point of the storage tank andbuilding/propertyline.

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9.7.11.4.1.3 Inheavilypopulatedorcongestedareas theauthoritymaydetermine theneed forotherreasonableprotectivemethodstobetaken,suchasprovisionsof firewalls,etc, If firewallsaretobeprovided,theauthoritymaydeterminetheextenttowhichthesafetydistancesforabovegroundtanksmaybereduced.

9.7.11.4.1.4NoLPGtank(s)shallbelocatedwithinthebundedenclosuresofanypetroleuminstallation.TheminimumdistanceofseparationbetweenLPGstoragetanksandanypetroleuminstallationshallbeasprescribedasspecifiedinTable1.

9.7.11.4.2Thenumberofstoragetanksinonestorageinstallationshallnotexceedsix.Incasetherearemorethanonestorageinstallations,thesafetydistancebetweentwoinstallationsshallbethesameasthedistancebetweenthetanksandthepropertylineinaccordancewithTable1.

9.7.11.4.2Bunding

SinceLPGisheavierthanair,storagetankshallnotbeenclosedwithinbundwalls.TheaccumulationofflammabaleliquidunderLPGtanksshallbepreventedbysuitablysloppingtheground.

9.7.11.4.3Protection

9.7.11.4.3.1Topreventtrespassingortampering,theareawhichincludestanks,directfiredvapourisers,pumpingequipmentandloadingandunloadingfacilitiesshallbeenclosedbyanindustrialtypefenceatleast2mhighalongtheperimeterofthesafetyzone.Anyfenceshallhaveat leasttwomeansofexit.Gatesshallopenoutwardsandshallnotbeselflocking.

9.7.11.4.3.2WhendamagetoLPGsystemsfromtheLPGtank lorry isapossibility,precautionsagainstsuchdamageshallnotselflocking.

9.7.11.4.3.3Underground tanksshallbeprotected fromaboveground loadingbyprovidingasuitablecurbtopreventapossibleaccidentaldamagetothetankanditsfittingsbyLPGtanklorry.

9.7.11.4.4GrassandWeedRemoval

Road ignitablematerial,suchasweeds, longgrassoranycombustiblematerialshallberemovedfromanareawithin3mfromtheshellofanyLPGtankofupto2000 litreswatercapacity,andwithin6mfrom the shellof larger tanks. Ifweedkillersareused,chemicalswhichareapotential sourceof firehazardsshallnotbeselectedforthispurpose.

9.7.11.4.5Warningsigns

No smokingornaked flames shallbepermittedwithin the safety zoneof the installation.Prominentnoticestothiseffectshallbepostedataccesspoint.

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9.7.11.4.6Fireprotection

Thepossibilityofamajorfireoutbreak,leadingtodirectflameimpingementofthestoragetank,shallbeminimized by sound engineering in plant design and layout, good operating practice, and propereducation and training of personnel on both routine operations and on action to be taken in anemergency.

9.7.11.4.6.1Watersupply

Provisions shall be made for an adequate supply of water and fire protection in the storage areaaccordingtothelocalhosesandmobileequipment,fixedmonitorsorbyfixedspraysystemswhichmaybeautomatic.Controlofwaterflowshouldbepossiblefromoutsideanydangerarea.

9.7.11.4.6.2Fireextinguishers

At least two dry chemical powder type fire extinguishers of 10 kg capacity each, conforming to thequalityrequirement inaccordancewiththeacceptedstandardsshallbe installedatpointsofaccesstothestorageinstallations.

9.7.11.4.7Fordetailed informationregardingLPGbulkstorage installationsreferencemaybemadetogoodpractice.

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Table1:Minimumsafetydistances

(Clauses9.7.11.4.1.2.,9.7.11.4.1.4and9.7.11.4.1.5)

LPGStorageWatercapacityofIndividualTankl

Distancefrombuilding/propertyline

Distancebetweentanks

Abovegroundm Undergroundm Abovegroundm Undergroundm

5

5

1

1.5I) Upto2000

ii) Above 2000 andupto10000

10 7.5 1 1.5

iii) Above 10000andupto20000

15 10 1.5 1.5

iv) Above 20000andupto40000

20 15 2 0.25 dia ofvessel or 1.5m.min

v) Above 40000and aboveadjacent

30 15 2 0.25 dia ofvessel or 1.5m.min

NOTEIftheaggregatewatercapacityofamultitankinstallationsis40000litresorgreater,theminimumsafetydistancesshallapplytotheaggregatestoragecapacityratherthanthecapacityperindividualstoragetank.

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