SECTION 9.141. Uniform Safety Requirements

(a) In addition to NFPA 58, §6.8.1.4, containers shall be painted as follows:

(1) ASME containers, except vaporizers, shall be painted white or aluminum, or any other heat-reflective color (such as light green, light blue, etc.). Darker, heat-absorbing colors (such as black, navy blue, etc.) shall not be permitted.

(2) If AFS disapproves of a certain color, the licensee or ultimate consumer shall provide to AFS information from the container or paint manufacturer stating specific reasons why the color is heat-reflective and should be approved. The AFS director shall make the final determination and shall notify the licensee or ultimate consumer.

(b) In addition to NFPA 58, §6.27.4.2, each LP-gas private or public motor/mobile or forklift refueling installation which includes a liquid dispensing system shall incorporate into that dispensing system a breakaway device.

(1) Any vapor return hose installed at such installations shall also be equipped with a breakaway device.

(2) LP-gas installations at which forklift cylinders are completely removed from the forklift before being filled are not required to have a breakaway device.

(3) In addition to NFPA 58, §6.27.4.1, the overall length of hose on vehicle fuel dispensers used to transfer LP-gas into engine fuel and mobile containers on vehicles shall not exceed 18 feet measured from the point where the hose attaches to rigid piping downstream of the pump to the end of the dispensing hose. If a section of hose not exceeding 36 inches in length is installed for flexibility between the listed emergency breakaway device and the rigid piping downstream of the pump, then the 18 feet of dispensing hose will be measured from the outlet of the emergency breakaway device.

(c) Any ball-type shutoff valve less than two inches in size shall have a locking handle. If a ball-type shutoff valve of any size has a locking handle installed at the terminal end of the hose, the main liquid and/or vapor valves or main shutoff valves on the stationary container at an attended installation may remain open as long as the locking handle on the transfer hose remains locked until the transfer hose is properly connected. If a ball-type shutoff valve two inches or larger in size does not have a locking handle, the main liquid and/or vapor valves or main shutoff valves on the stationary container shall remain closed at all times and shall not be opened until the transfer hose is properly connected or disconnected.

(d) A retail operated service station installation shall be equipped with a pump.

(e) In addition to NFPA 58, §5.2.8.1, all containers shall be numbered in accordance with the requirements set forth in Table 1 of §9.140 of this title (relating to System Protection Requirements).

(f) In addition to NFPA 58, §6.5.4.1, no canopies or coverings are allowed over any stationary ASME container of 125 gallons or more or over loading and unloading areas where LP-gas transport transfer operations are performed. Non-combustible wind breaks and other weather protection may be installed in accordance with NFPA 58, §6.7.1.1 and §6.25.3.3 to provide employees and customers protection against the elements of weather, but shall not be installed over any portion of an LP-gas container.

(g) Any container that may have contained product other than LP-gas shall be thoroughly cleaned and purged prior to introducing LP-gas into such container. Only grades of LP-gas determined to be noncorrosive may be introduced into any container. LP-gas may not contain anhydrous ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, or any other contaminant.

(1) If it is known or suspected that the LP-gas has been or may be contaminated, the person responsible for the contamination shall have one or more of the tests contained in "Liquefied Petroleum Gas Specifications for Test Methods, Gas Processors Association (GPA) 2140" performed by a testing laboratory or individual qualified to perform the tests. AFS may request information necessary to determine the qualification of any testing laboratory or individual.

(2) The results of the tests shall certify whether the LP-gas is contaminated or corrosive, whether the use of the LP-gas in the containers will damage either the stationary or non-stationary containers or the container valves, fittings, or appurtenances, or whether the contaminated product or container or container valves, fittings, or appurtenance will endanger the health, safety, and welfare of the general public.

(3) Based on the results of the tests, AFS may require that the LP-gas be removed immediately from the container or that the container be removed immediately from LP-gas service.

(h) A container designed for underground installation only shall not contain liquid fuel at any time the container is aboveground or uncovered.

(i) Racks used to store cylinders awaiting use or resale shall be installed on firm, level ground. In addition to NFPA 58 §8.4.1.1, a distance of five feet shall be maintained between the rack and any sources of ignition and combustible materials.

Source Note: The provisions of this §9.141 adopted to be effective February 1, 2001, 26 TexReg 947; amended to be effective September 29, 2003, 28 TexReg 8318; amended to be effective September 1, 2005, 30 TexReg 4810; amended to be effective February 1, 2008, 33 TexReg 122; amended to be effective December 24, 2012, 37 TexReg 9913; amended to be effective January 6, 2020, 45 TexReg 127; amended to be effective July 18, 2022, 47 TexReg 4119