AS/NZS 1596:1997

1 - AS/NZS 1596:1997 STORAGE AND HANDLING OF LP GAS
4 - PREFACE
6 - CONTENTS
9 - FOREWORD
13 - SECTION 1 SCOPE AND GENERAL
13 - 1.1 SCOPE AND APPLICATION
13 - 1.1.1 Scope
13 - 1.1.2 Application
13 - 1.2 OBJECTIVE
13 - 1.3 INTERPRETATIONS
14 - 1.4 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS
14 - 1.5 DEFINITIONS
14 - 1.5.1 ADG Code
14 - 1.5.2 AGA
14 - 1.5.3 AIP
14 - 1.5.4 ALPGA
14 - 1.5.5 Approved, approval
14 - 1.5.6 Authority
14 - 1.5.7 Automotive filling installation
14 - 1.5.8 Boundary
14 - 1.5.9 Capacity (of a tank or cylinder)
14 - 1.5.10 Combustible
14 - 1.5.11 Combustible liquid
14 - 1.5.12 Compound
14 - 1.5.13 Container
14 - 1.5.14 Cylinder
14 - 1.5.15 Decanting
14 - 1.5.16 Direct connection
14 - 1.5.17 Emergency shut-down system
14 - 1.5.18 Excess-flow valve
14 - 1.5.19 Filling connection
15 - 1.5.20 Fire resistance level (FRL)
15 - 1.5.21 Firewall
15 - 1.5.22 Fixed liquid level gauge or fixed ullage gauge
15 - 1.5.23 Flammable liquid
15 - 1.5.24 Fleet refuelling
15 - 1.5.25 Fusible link
15 - 1.5.26 Gas distributor
15 - 1.5.27 Gas free
15 - 1.5.28 Hazardous area
15 - 1.5.29 Hot work
15 - 1.5.30 Ignition source
18 - 1.6 RESTRICTIONS ON IGNITION SOURCES
19 - SECTION 2 MINOR STORAGE AND USAGE
19 - 2.1 APPLICATION
19 - 2.2 PRECAUTIONS
20 - 2.3 RESTAURANTS
20 - 2.4 LP GAS CYLINDERS ON TROLLEYS
20 - 2.5 NON-REFILLABLE CONTAINERS
20 - 2.6 CYLINDER USE
22 - SECTION 3 COMPONENTS FOR TANK SYSTEMS
22 - 3.1 APPLICATION
22 - 3.2 TANK DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
22 - 3.2.1 General design
23 - 3.2.2 Tank data plate
23 - 3.3 CONTROL OF LP GAS OUTFLOW
23 - 3.3.1 Minimization of outflow
24 - 3.3.2 Safety valve
24 - 3.3.3 Openings for gauges
24 - 3.3.4 Primary shut-down system
24 - 3.3.5 Secondary shut-down system
24 - 3.3.6 Tanks larger than 200 kL
25 - 3.4 SAFETY VALVES
25 - 3.4.1 Provision of safety valves
25 - 3.4.2 Discharge provisions
26 - 3.4.3 Reserve safety valves
26 - 3.5 VALVES AND ACCESSORIES
26 - 3.5.1 Suitability
26 - 3.5.2 Valve indicators and marking
26 - 3.5.3 Filling connection on tank
28 - 3.5.4 Liquid level and contents
28 - 3.5.5 Pressure gauges
28 - 3.5.6 Temperature gauge
28 - 3.5.7 Regulators
28 - 3.5.8 Provision for emptying tank
28 - 3.5.9 Electrical equipment
28 - 3.6 PIPING
28 - 3.6.1 Design for pressure
29 - 3.6.2 Joints
29 - 3.6.3 Joints in copper pipe
29 - 3.6.4 Flexible pipe connections
29 - 3.6.5 Transfer hose
29 - 3.6.6 Transfer hose couplings
29 - 3.6.7 Expansion flexibility
29 - 3.7 VAPORIZERS
29 - 3.7.1 Design and construction
30 - 3.7.2 Marking
31 - SECTION 4 TANK SYSTEM INSTALLATION
31 - 4.1 APPLICATION
31 - 4.2 TANK SPACING AND SEPARATION DISTANCES
31 - 4.2.1 General location and spacing
31 - 4.2.2 Tanks in groups
31 - 4.2.3 Changed site conditions
31 - 4.2.4 Aerial wiring systems
32 - 4.2.5 Distances to other gas storages
33 - 4.2.6 On-site storages and flammable and combustible materials
33 - 4.2.7 Ignition source
33 - 4.2.8 Use of vapour barriers and firewalls
33 - 4.3 TANK SITE CONDITIONS
33 - 4.3.1 Ground conditions
33 - 4.3.2 Ventilation and access
33 - 4.4 CONSTRUCTION OF FIREWALLS, VAPOUR BARRIERS AND THERMAL SCREENS
33 - 4.4.1 Vapour barriers
34 - 4.4.2 Firewalls
34 - 4.4.3 Thermal screens
34 - 4.4.4 Use of existing construction
34 - 4.5 TANK FOUNDATIONS AND SUPPORTS
34 - 4.5.1 Foundations and supports
34 - 4.5.2 Fire resistance of supports
35 - 4.5.3 Expansion provision
36 - 4.6 TANK INSTALLATION AND DESIGN
36 - 4.7 CONNECTIONS FOR TANK FILLING AND TANKER LOADING
36 - 4.7.1 Filling connection
36 - 4.7.2 Direct connection
36 - 4.7.3 Remote connection
37 - 4.7.4 Tanker loading
37 - 4.7.5 Access for contents gauging
37 - 4.7.6 Hose venting
37 - 4.7.7 Separation distances
38 - 4.8 EMERGENCY SHUTDOWN SYSTEM
38 - 4.8.1 General design
38 - 4.8.2 Fire actuation
38 - 4.8.3 Manual actuation
38 - 4.8.4 Tanker transfer protection
40 - 4.9 PIPING
40 - 4.9.1 Interconnected tanks
40 - 4.9.2 Liquid lines between valves
40 - 4.9.3 Piping system
40 - 4.9.4 Piping drain or bleed valves
40 - 4.9.5 Support of piping
40 - 4.9.6 Piping within buildings
41 - 4.9.7 Underground piping
41 - 4.9.8 Identification of pipes
41 - 4.9.9 Pipework testing
41 - 4.10 VAPORIZER INSTALLATION
41 - 4.10.1 Compatibility check
41 - 4.10.2 Shelter
41 - 4.10.3 Location
42 - 4.11 REGULATORS
42 - 4.11.1 Location
42 - 4.11.2 Venting
42 - 4.11.3 Overpressure protection
42 - 4.12 PUMPS AND COMPRESSORS
42 - 4.12.1 Suitability
42 - 4.12.2 Pressure limitation
42 - 4.12.3 Pumps
42 - 4.12.4 Compressors
43 - 4.12.5 Pump location
43 - 4.13 SECURITY AND DAMAGE AVOIDANCE
43 - 4.13.1 Tank security
43 - 4.13.2 Security fence
43 - 4.13.3 Lockable enclosure
43 - 4.13.4 Damage avoidance
43 - 4.14 LIGHTNING AND BONDING PROTECTION
43 - 4.14.1 Lightning protection
43 - 4.14.2 Bonding to tanker
44 - 4.15 LADDERS, STEPS AND PLATFORMS
44 - 4.16 LEAK DETECTION
44 - 4.17 MARKINGS AND NOTICES
44 - 4.18 ILLUMINATION
44 - 4.19 UNODOURIZED GAS
44 - 4.19.1 Emergency shutdown system
44 - 4.19.2 Location of gas detectors
44 - 4.19.3 Function
45 - SECTION 5 UNDERGROUND TANK INSTALLATIONS
45 - 5.1 APPLICATION
45 - 5.2 CORROSION CONTROL
45 - 5.2.1 General
45 - 5.2.2 Testing of coating
45 - 5.3 LOCATION AND INSTALLATION
45 - 5.3.1 Tank location
45 - 5.3.2 Tanks in groups
45 - 5.3.3 Tank covering
48 - 5.3.4 Anchoring
48 - 5.3.5 Tank branches and tappings
48 - 5.3.6 Gas storages other than LP Gas
48 - 5.4 ACCESS, PROTECTION, FITTINGS AND ACCESSORIES
48 - 5.4.1 Access
48 - 5.4.2 Protection for above-ground equipment
48 - 5.4.3 Access pits
48 - 5.4.4 Contents gauging
49 - 5.5 DISCHARGE FROM SAFETY RELIEF DEVICE
49 - 5.5.1 Discharge rate
49 - 5.5.2 Point of discharge
51 - SECTION 6 CYLINDERS AND CYLINDER SYSTEMS
51 - 6.1 APPLICATION
51 - 6.2 CYLINDERS
51 - 6.2.1 Standards
51 - 6.2.2 Exchange-fill cylinders
51 - 6.2.3 In-situ fill cylinders
51 - 6.2.4 Cylinders filled by decanting
51 - 6.2.5 Liquid withdrawal cylinders
51 - 6.2.6 Butane cylinders
51 - 6.3 REGULATORS AND PIPING
51 - 6.3.1 Regulators
51 - 6.3.2 Piping and hose
52 - 6.4 CYLINDERS IN USE
52 - 6.4.1 General
52 - 6.4.2 Cylinder location
52 - 6.4.3 Hazardous area requirements
52 - 6.4.4 Changed site conditions
52 - 6.4.5 Use of vapour barriers and firewalls
53 - 6.4.6 Ventilation and access
53 - 6.4.7 Installing cylinders
54 - 6.4.8 Installations for in-situ filling
54 - 6.4.9 Cylinders in public locations
54 - 6.5 CYLINDERS IN USE WITHIN BUILDINGS
55 - 6.6 CYLINDER STORAGE
55 - 6.6.1 Site requirements
55 - 6.6.2 Separation distances
55 - 6.6.3 Cylinder storage
57 - SECTION 7 CYLINDER-FILLING INSTALLATIONS-AUSTRALIA
57 - 7.1 APPLICATION
57 - 7.2 GENERAL
57 - 7.2.1 Filling by mass
57 - 7.2.2 Filling by volume
57 - 7.2.3 Ignition sources
57 - 7.2.4 Use of vapour barriers and firewalls
57 - 7.2.5 Suitability of gas supply
57 - 7.3 CYLINDER-FILLING AREA
57 - 7.3.1 Location of filling point
57 - 7.3.2 Adjacent storage
58 - 7.3.3 Ventilation
58 - 7.3.4 Emergency shut-down device
58 - 7.4 DECANTING
58 - 7.4.1 Restrictions
58 - 7.4.2 Decanting transfer equipment
58 - 7.4.3 Location
59 - 7.4.4 Positioning of cylinder
60 - 7.4.5 Security
60 - 7.4.6 Notices
61 - SECTION 8 CYLINDER-FILLING INSTALLATIONS-NEW ZEALAND
61 - 8.1 APPLICATION
61 - 8.2 GENERAL
61 - 8.2.1 Filling by mass
61 - 8.2.2 Filling by volume
61 - 8.2.3 Ignition sources
61 - 8.2.4 Use of vapour barriers and firewalls
61 - 8.3 CYLINDER-FILLING AREA
61 - 8.3.1 Location of filling point
61 - 8.3.2 Adjacent storage
61 - 8.3.3 Service station forecourt filling
62 - 8.3.4 Ventilation
62 - 8.3.5 Security
62 - 8.3.6 Notices
62 - 8.3.7 Emergency shut-down device
62 - 8.4 DECANTING
62 - 8.4.1 Capacity restrictions
62 - 8.4.2 Decanting connection
62 - 8.4.3 Location
62 - 8.4.4 Arrangement of cylinder
62 - 8.4.5 Decanting from tanks
63 - SECTION 9 AUTOMOTIVE-FILLING INSTALLATIONS
63 - 9.1 APPLICATION
63 - 9.2 COMMON REQUIREMENTS
63 - 9.2.1 Ignition sources
63 - 9.2.2 Tank and pump piping
63 - 9.2.3 Filling area
64 - 9.3 DISPENSING SYSTEMS
64 - 9.3.1 General design
65 - 9.3.2 Style A dispenser system
65 - 9.3.3 Dispensing hose
67 - 9.3.4 Dispensing nozzle
67 - 9.3.5 Filler caps
67 - 9.4 NOTICES, SIGNS AND INSTRUCTIONS
67 - 9.5 SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR SERVICE STATIONS
67 - 9.5.1 Application
68 - 9.5.2 Storage tanks above ground
68 - 9.5.3 Spillage control
68 - 9.5.4 Connections for tank filling
68 - 9.5.5 Provisions for emptying tank
68 - 9.5.6 Location of LP Gas dispensers
68 - 9.5.7 Dispenser service lines
68 - 9.5.8 Piping for above-ground tanks
68 - 9.5.9 Pump bypass
68 - 9.5.10 Location of pumps
69 - 9.5.11 Use of thermal screens and fire walls
69 - 9.5.12 Tanker access and egress
69 - 9.5.13 Tanker unloading position
70 - 9.5.14 Remote shut-down system
70 - 9.5.15 Damage avoidance
70 - 9.5.16 Dispenser system
71 - 9.5.17 Lock-up provisions
71 - 9.5.18 Self-service
72 - 9.5.19 Decanting cylinders
72 - 9.6 SITE SUITABILITY
72 - 9.7 LAND USE CONTROLS
72 - 9.7.1 General
73 - 9.7.2 Separation distances
74 - 9.7.3 Population limit areas
74 - 9.8 SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
77 - SECTION 10 OPERATIONS
77 - 10.1 APPLICATION
77 - 10.2 GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
77 - 10.2.1 Requirements
77 - 10.2.2 Odour
77 - 10.2.3 Omission of odour
77 - 10.2.4 Initial pre-delivery check
77 - 10.2.5 Subsequent predelivery checks
77 - 10.2.6 Post-delivery checks
77 - 10.2.7 Tanks out of service
77 - 10.2.8 Changed usage of tanks
78 - 10.2.9 Post-installation site work
78 - 10.2.10 Tank isolation
78 - 10.3 ESTABLISHMENT OF PROCEDURES
78 - 10.3.1 Procedures required
78 - 10.3.2 Documentation of procedures
78 - 10.3.3 Review and upkeep of procedures
78 - 10.3.4 Operating procedures
79 - 10.3.5 Construction and maintenance procedures
79 - 10.3.6 Emergency procedures
80 - 10.3.7 Training
81 - 10.4 COMPLIANCE, SUPERVISION AND RECORDS
81 - 10.4.1 Compliance with procedures
81 - 10.4.2 Supervision
81 - 10.4.3 Records
81 - 10.5 CONSTRUCTION, INSPECTION, TESTING AND MAINTENANCE
81 - 10.5.1 Installation certification
81 - 10.5.2 Scheduled checks
81 - 10.5.3 Tanks
82 - 10.5.4 Piping
82 - 10.5.5 Hoses
82 - 10.5.6 Flexible connections
82 - 10.5.7 Protective flow-control valves
82 - 10.5.8 Authorization of work
82 - 10.5.9 Safe procedures
82 - 10.5.10 Work preparation
83 - 10.5.11 Completion of work
83 - 10.5.12 Site upkeep
83 - 10.6 SPECIFIC OPERATING PROCEDURES
83 - 10.6.1 Commissioning new or modified equipment
84 - 10.6.2 Outlets not in use
84 - 10.6.3 Personnel safety
84 - 10.6.4 Security measures
84 - 10.7 PREPARATIONS FOR THE TRANSPORT OR REMOVAL OF STORAGE TANKS
84 - 10.8 TANKER OPERATIONS
84 - 10.8.1 Delivery vehicle
84 - 10.8.2 Tanker loading procedures
84 - 10.8.3 Check of accessories
84 - 10.8.4 Refuelling
84 - 10.8.5 Parking and garaging
84 - 10.8.6 Tanker servicing and repair
85 - 10.9 GENERAL PRECAUTIONS FOR TANKER TRANSFER
85 - 10.9.1 Suitability of gas
85 - 10.9.2 Condition of installation
85 - 10.9.3 Advice of delivery
85 - 10.9.5 Safety of hose
85 - 10.9.6 Use of gloves
86 - 10.9.7 Tanker location
86 - 10.9.8 Multiple tanker transfer operations
86 - 10.10 SUPERVISION OF DELIVERY
86 - 10.11 PROCEDURES FOR FILLING AND EMPTYING TANKS
86 - 10.11.1 Valve handles
86 - 10.11.2 Venting
86 - 10.11.3 Procedures prior to transfer
87 - 10.11.4 Procedures during transfer
87 - 10.11.5 Procedures after transfer
88 - 10.12 CYLINDER FILLING
88 - 10.12.1 General requirements
88 - 10.12.2 Supervision
88 - 10.12.3 Leakage check
88 - 10.12.4 In-situ filling
88 - 10.12.5 Filling at automotive fuel dispensers (Australia only)
88 - 10.12.6 Decanting
89 - 10.13 FILLING FROM TANKERS TO CYLINDERS OTHER THAN IN-SITU
89 - 10.13.1 Application
89 - 10.13.2 General requirements
89 - 10.13.3 Preliminary safety check
89 - 10.13.4 Notices
89 - 10.13.5 Tanker egress
89 - 10.13.6 Cylinder storage and handling
89 - 10.13.7 Separation distances
89 - 10.14 CYLINDER STORAGE AND HANDLING
90 - SECTION 11 FIRE SAFETY
90 - 11.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
90 - 11.1.1 Integration with existing facilities
92 - 11.1.2 Variations to requirements
92 - 11.1.3 System compatibility
92 - 11.1.4 Location
92 - 11.2 CYLINDERS
92 - 11.2.1 Cylinder storage
92 - 11.2.2 Cylinder filling
92 - 11.3 TANK INSTALLATIONS
92 - 11.3.1 Site evaluation
93 - 11.3.2 Heat protection
93 - 11.4 AUTOMOTIVE FILLING INSTALLATIONS
93 - 11.5 DETAIL REQUIREMENTS
93 - 11.5.1 Hydrant system
94 - 11.5.2 Hose reels
94 - 11.5.3 Water spray system
94 - 11.5.4 Monitors
95 - 11.5.5 Fire-extinguishers
95 - 11.5.6 Water supply
96 - APPENDIX A - LIST OF REFERENCED DOCUMENTS
100 - APPENDIX B - TANK OR CYLINDER FILLING LEVEL
100 - B1 INTRODUCTION
101 - B2 DETERMINATION OF STANDARD FILLING LEVEL
101 - B2.1 Application
101 - B2.2 Principle
101 - B2.3 Procedure
101 - B3 PROCEDURE-FILLING BY MASS
101 - B3.1 Application
101 - B3.2 Filling procedure
101 - B4 PROCEDURE-FILLING BY VOLUME-STANDARD LIQUID LEVEL METHOD
101 - B4.1 Application
102 - B4.2 Filling procedure
102 - B5 PROCEDURE-FILLING BY VOLUME-TEMPERATURE CORRECTION METHOD
102 - B5.1 Application
102 - B5.2 Determination of maximum permitted level
102 - B5.3 Filling procedure
106 - APPENDIX C - MARKINGS, SIGNS AND NOTICES
106 - C1 TANK SYSTEMS
106 - C1.1 Valve indicators and marking
106 - C1.2 Direction of flow
106 - C1.3 Vaporizer marking
106 - C2 TANK INSTALLATIONS
106 - C2.1 Emergency shut-down system marking
107 - C2.2 Tank or tank storage area placarding
107 - C2.3 Placard
107 - C2.4 Construction of signs
107 - C3 CYLINDER INSTALLATIONS (AUSTRALIA ONLY)
107 - C3.1 Surface coating of cylinders
107 - C3.2 Liquid withdrawal cylinders
108 - C4 CYLINDER FILLING
108 - C4.1 Decanting cylinder notices
108 - C4.2 Cylinder filling installations
108 - C5 AUTOMOTIVE FILLING STATIONS-VEHICLE FILLING AREA
108 - C5.1 Precautionary sign
108 - C5.2 Driver instructions
108 - C5.3 Emergency procedures
110 - APPENDIX D - DISCHARGE CAPACITY OF SAFETY VALVES
110 - D1 INTRODUCTION
110 - D2 TANKS
110 - D3 VAPORIZERS
111 - APPENDIX E - TANK AND CYLINDER LOCATION
113 - APPENDIX F - IDENTIFICATION OF LIQUID AND VAPOUR LINES
114 - APPENDIX G - LEAKAGE TESTING OF PIPEWORK
114 - G1 CONNECTIONS BETWEEN TANK OR CYLINDER AND FIRST STAGE REGULATOR
114 - G2 ALL OTHER PIPEWORK
114 - G2.1 General
114 - G2.2 Low pressure pipework
114 - G2.3 High pressure pipework
115 - APPENDIX H - HAZARDOUS AREAS
118 - APPENDIX I - INDUSTRIAL MOBILE SPACE HEATERS
119 - APPENDIX J - DECANTING PROCEDURE
121 - APPENDIX K - EMERGENCY PLANS
121 - K1 INTRODUCTION
121 - K2 ON-SITE EMERGENCY PLAN
121 - K3 OFF-SITE EMERGENCY PLAN
122 - K4 EMERGENCY INFORMATION CONTAINER
123 - APPENDIX L - MOTOR VEHICLE REFUELLING
124 - APPENDIX M - FIRE EXPOSURE PROTECTION
124 - M1 INTRODUCTION
125 - M2 ASSESSMENT PROCEDURE
125 - M3 EVALUATION
128 - APPENDIX N - DRIVER INSTRUCTION SIGNS
128 - N1 DRIVER INSTRUCTION SIGNS
128 - N2 WARNING SIGN
128 - N3 FILLING INSTRUCTIONS
131 - APPENDIX O - SCOPE OF AS/NZS 1596

Specifies requirements for the location, design, construction, commissioning and operation of installation for the storage and handling of LP gas. Separate sections deal with above-ground and underground storage tanks, cylinder supply systems, cylinder filling, automotive filling installations and procedures for a wide variety of operations necessary on or in conjunction with an installation. Appendices cover filling levels, markings, safety valves, locations, line identification, leakage testing, hazardous areas, space heaters, decanting procedures, emergency plans, refuelling, fire protection, and driver instruction signs.

This Standard specifies requirements for the location, design, construction, commissioning and operation of installations for the storage and handling of LP Gas, and includes the management of emergencies.It does not apply to-(a) refrigerated storage of LP Gas or refrigeration systems (see AS 1677);(b) underground storage of LP Gas in mined caverns or geological formations;(c) plant or equipment in which LP Gas is processed or produced, or vessels which form an integral part of that processing equipment (but does include post manufacturing storage);(d) industrial gas-consuming equipment (see AS 1375/NZS 5261);(e) from the outlet of the first regulator on a fixed consumer piping installation where the LPGas container is installed on the same site, or from the outlet of the consumer billing meter or regulator where LP Gas is reticulated to the site from storage off the site (see AG 601/NZS 5261).NOTE: Figures illustrating where each Standard or code applies are given in Appendix O.(f) automotive installations addressed in AS 1425/NZS 5422.1 and in AS 2809.3/NZ LPGTankwagon Code; and(g) transport operations as covered in Australia by the Australian Dangerous Goods Code and in New Zealand by the requirements of the relevant authority.(h) from the outlet of the first regulator in an LP Gas installation supplying multiple customers on separate sites to the outlet of the customer billing meter or regulator on each site (see AG 603/NZS 5258).NOTE: Figures illustrating where each Standard or code applies are given in Appendix O.This Standard shall be read as defining the minimum requirement of acceptability.This Standard applies to installations commenced after its publication date. Unless otherwise specifically indicated in this Standard it shall not apply to existing installations.The relevant authority having jurisdiction may determine the extent of application of this Standard.NOTE: 'Commenced', for the purpose of this Clause, means the point at which site or equipment construction has begun.

First published in Australia as AS CB20-1965.
Second edition 1971.
Revised and redesignated AS 1596-1973.
Second edition 1979.
Third edition 1983.
Fourth edition 1989.
AS 1596 Supplement 1 first published 1994.
First published in New Zealand as NZS 5434:1986.
AS 1596-1989, AS 1596 Supplement 1-1994 and NZS 5434:1986 jointly revised, amalgamated and designated AS/NZS 1596:1997.