Proper Placement of Liquid Petroleum/Propane Tanks- Chelan Home Inspection



In most of North Central Washington (Chelan, Douglas, Grant and Okanogan counties) it is common to find Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG)/Propane tanks on homes. These are mainly for fireplaces in this area but  may be used for BBQ’s and a few cooking appliances.




                                            DOT Propane Tank

Due to the nature of LPG there are some safety requirements needed in the placement of these tanks.

Propane is heavier than air so it will tend to settle in low spots, such as crawlspaces and basements.

There are two main dangers due to it being heavier than air. One- it is a possible explosion if the mixture of LPG and air is right and if there is an ignition source. Two – LPG can pool and displace air, causing a decrease in oxygen concentration that could lead to suffocation.  LPG is not toxic but suffocation is an issue. This is why the 3 or 5 foot requirement for crawlspace vent is in place.

                             

There are two main tank type DOT (Department of transportation), this is most common, and ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers), these are usually the buried tanks.
For DOT cylinders (tanks)that are filled offsite  a 5 foot minimum between relief valve discharge and external source of ignition (air conditioner), direct vent, or mechanical ventilation system.

If the DOT cylinder is filled on-site from a bulk truck, the filling connection and vent valve must be at least 10 feet from any external source of ignition, direct vent or mechanical ventilation system.

DOT diagram for setbacks and clearances -

                        DOT Propane tank placement


The rules are that any ASMErated tank that is filled on-site must be located so that the filling connection and fixed liquid level gauge are at least 10 feet from external source of ignition (i.e. open flame, window A/C, compressor, etc.), intake to direct vented gas appliance, or intake to a mechanical ventilation system.

For tanks that are 125 water gallons or less you need to maintain five (5) feet from any opening of a house (doors and windows). If the bottom of a window is higher than 32 inches, the tank can go directly under the window.

Though this picture is poor picture the tank valve is less than 5 feet from an operable window.

ASME Propane Tank


ASTM diagram for setbacks and clearances -

                              ASME Propane tank placement

 

“If you think it's expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur.”

Red Adair


NCW Home Inspections, LLC  is a Licensed Washington State Home Inspection service located in Wenatchee Washington serving Chelan County, Douglas County, Kittitas County, Okanogan County and Grant County Washington and the cities of Wenatchee, Leavenworth, Cashmere, Orville, Cle Elum, East Wenatchee, Quincy and many more…       

Your Wenatchee and Chelan Professional Real Estate, Home and Structural Pest Inspection Service

 
This post has been included in Washington Real Estate News Chelan County, WA Real Estate News
Post is included in group: Green Homes Northwest
Post is included in group: Puget Sound - WA Real Estate
Post is included in group: Ask the Home Inspector
Post is included in group: Methow Valley Realtors
Post is included in group: Active Rain Newbies

11 Comments on Proper Placement of Liquid Petroleum/Propane Tanks

JUN
26
127,487 Points 1 Featured Post

Thanks for this post.  I am creating a file of just this kind of info.  There is so much to know in this industry and i really appreciate it when there are helpful blogs.  Of course if i were loca, i would be able to use your services.
7:50am • #1
972,827 Points 348 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

There are some long tunnels near here (Baltimore and Norfolk) where any vehicle, like RVs, with propane tanks, are not permitted.  Leaking would settle in the low areas and possibly ignite with a spark.

Good post Don.
8:29am • #2
292,016 Points 66 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Laura, Thank you. There is so much to know. Safety is the most important part of a home inspection.  There are many things we see on a daily basis that many do not put much thought to why the rules are there.

 

Jay, Thanks. When I was doing my years of HazMat training we use to play with some of the gases. We would do a lighter than air explosion and then a heavier than air explosion (all small scale). Got love getting payed to make things go boom : )

It was to get the responders to understand the dynamics of gases and why specific gravity was so important.
8:53am • #3
972,827 Points 348 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Wow, specific gravity is a term I have not heard much since 9th grade lab science! 
2:46pm • #4
292,016 Points 66 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Jay, You just never know what dribble will come out of me. But it's all fun when things go boom ; )
3:00pm • #5
1,440,047 Points 26 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Very good information for home owners.

Have an outstanding week with your camera in hand.
4:18pm • #6
292,016 Points 66 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Roy, Thank you and you too sir. Keep them flowers coming also. 
5:59pm • #7
916,280 Points 177 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Hey, Don, how come seismic strapping isn't required on these tanks?
10:47pm • #8
JUN
27
567,423 Points 140 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

I wrote about this a while back after seeing a tank with several issues due to its location. 
12:14pm • #9
DEC
16
511,432 Points 12 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

You have some great posts here.  This is definitely one for a reblog.  Thanks, Donald.
5:47am • #10
292,016 Points 66 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Charlie, That really is a good question. YOu think they would need one.

Jim, I am sure you see these guys also.

Don, Thank you very much.
6:08am • #11


What does the graphic say?
Leave a response…

(optional)
Spam Prevention: