8.2.2.1 Aboveground Tanks – Bullets and Spheres
Spheres shall be protected with either a water deluge system, per GP 9-2-1 (preferred), or a fixed spray system discussed later in this chapter. Water deluge systems are not recommended for horizontal bullets, or for protection of transfer operations which shall use firewater sprays. Although fireproof insulation may be substituted for deluge or sprays provided fire water is also available, generally deluge and sprays are preferred.
Spray systems shall be used on horizontal LPG bullets, cylinder filling and storage
areas, and truck and rail loading/unloading areas. For horizontal bullets, a fire water monitor system capable of wetting the whole bullet surface may be substituted for sprays. If three or more tanks are closely spaced, less than 15 m shell-to-shell, they shall
be fireproofed if a fire water monitor system is used, per GP 14-3-1. This is because the close spacing will make fire water coverage more difficult.
At least two portable fire extinguishers each having a minimum capacity of 9 kg of dry chemical with a B: C rating shall be provided. Emergency controls, if provided, shall be conspicuously marked, and the controls shall be located so as to be readily accessible in emergencies.
8.2.2.2 Buried/Mounded Drums
Mounding or burial of storage drums shall be considered as adequate protection without further need of firewater for these tanks. For mounded drums, the sand shall be
stabilized with a layer of grout or other material to prevent erosion from rain or
firewater hose streams. At least two portable fire extinguishers each having a minimum capacity of 9 kg of dry chemical with a B: C rating shall be provided. Emergency controls, if provided, shall be conspicuously marked, and the controls shall be located so as to be readily accessible in emergencies.
8.2.2.3 Pump and Compressor Stations
A live hose reel shall be provided covering the entire area of the pump and compressor area with 30 m long hose. Live hose reel shall be permanently connected to the fire main system and the nozzles shall be complete with shutoff ball valves. Adjustable fog- to-straight- stream nozzles shall be provided on live hose reels equipped with 30 m of 32 or 38 mm fire hoses. At least one portable fire extinguishers having a minimum capacity of 9 kg of dry chemical with a B: C rating shall be provided. Emergency controls, if provided, shall be conspicuously marked, and the controls shall be located so as to be readily accessible in emergencies.
8.2.2.4 Truck Loading and Unloading Facilities
Tank truck and tank car loading and unloading positions shall be equipped with dry
chemical fire extinguishers as follows: one 15 kg dry chemical extinguisher for each
four positions. Since the only safe way to extinguish an LPG fire is to shut off the product supply, dry chemical fire extinguishers are required for other purposes, such as small spills or burning materials after the product has been shut off. At consumer locations, tank truck unloading positions shall be equipped with dry chemical fire extinguishers.
Either a water spray system or fixed water monitors shall be designed for truck loading and unloading area. Sufficient number of 30 m long live hose reel shall be provided to cover the entire area of the truck loading/unloading area. Live hose reel shall be permanently connected to the fire main system and the nozzles shall be complete with shutoff ball valves. Adjustable fog-to-straight-stream nozzles shall be provided on live hose reels equipped with 30 m of 38 mm fire hoses.
At least two portable fire extinguishers each having a minimum capacity of 9 kg of dry chemical with a B: C rating shall be provided for the truck loading/unloading area. Emergency controls, if provided, shall be conspicuously marked, and the controls shall be located so as to be readily accessible in emergencies.
8.2.2.5 Vaporizer
At least one portable fire extinguisher having a minimum capacity of 9 kg of dry chemical with a B:C rating shall be provided. This requirement is optional if the vaporizer is installed near LPG tanks where fire extinguishers are already provided.
8.2.2.6 Cylinder Filling Plant
Water spray system shall be designed for filled cylinder storage area. Sufficient
number of 30 m long live hose reels shall be provided to cover the entire area of the cylinder filling plant. The hose reels shall be permanently connected to the fire main system and the nozzles shall be complete with shutoff ball valves. Adjustable fog-to- straight- stream nozzles shall be provided on live hose reels equipped with 30 m of 32 to 38 mm fire hoses.
At least two portable fire extinguishers each having a minimum capacity of 9 kg of dry chemical with a B: C rating shall be provided for the LPG filling plant. Emergency controls, if provided, shall be conspicuously marked, and the controls shall be located so as to be readily accessible in emergencies.
8.2.2.7 Cylinder Storage
All storage areas shall clearly display a warning notice with the words “LPG STORE.” Warning signs “STOP MOTOR”, “NO SMOKING”, “FLAMMABLE GAS” shall be posted at all LPG cylinder storage area. The locations of the signs shall be determined by local conditions, but the lettering shall be large enough to be visible and legible. Sufficient number of 30 m long live hose reel shall be provided to cover the entire area of the cylinder storage area if the water capacity of the total LPG cylinders stored exceeds 15 m3. Live hose reel shall be permanently connected to the fire main system and the nozzles shall be complete with shutoff ball valves.
Adjustable fog-to-straight-stream nozzles shall be provided on live hose reels equipped with 30 m of 38 mm fire hoses.
Fire-fighting foam shall not be used for LPG fire.
At least two portable fire extinguishers each having a minimum capacity of 9 kg of dry chemical with a B: C rating shall be provided for the cylinder warehouse.
8.2.2.8 Cylinder Maintenance Shed
Sufficient number of 30 m long live hose reels shall be provided to cover the entire area of the cylinder maintenance.
At least two portable fire extinguishers each having a minimum capacity of 9 kg of dry chemical with a B: C rating shall be provided for the cylinder maintenance shed.
8.2.2.9 Firewater at Marine Piers
Firefighting monitors shall be installed at the berth, primarily to provide coverage/cooling for the berth manifold area and the cargo transfer equipment. They may also provide a method for dispersing LPG vapors in the event of an accidental release. Berth monitors shall provide assistance to the vessel's firefighting system and shall be able to cover the vessel's manifold area.
In addition, berths receiving vessels in the international trade shall have ISGOTT fire water connections installed at the berth to provide the vessel with fire water in the event of an emergency. Fire water connections for a fire boat to connect and increase the berth's firewater capacity shall be considered. If firewater connections are installed, they shall be located at least 60 m away from high risk areas. Detailed description of the firewater requirements and firefighting equipment requirements for marine terminals are provided in EMRE's report EE.5TT.81 “Fire Protection and Safety Guidelines for Marine Terminals.”
The following fire protection shall be provided:
Installation Requirements (Minimum)
Barge pier or wharf for transfer of Class I products, or any product heated above its flash point, and Class I products in drums
Fire main and hydrants with firewater supply of at least 340 m3/h
Portable fire protection including monitors and portable fire extinguishers