NATIONAL TECHNICAL REGULATION ON SAFETY FOR FILLING PLANT OF LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS
Foreword
The QCVN 02:2019/BCT is compiled by Drafting Board of National Technical Regulations on Safety for Filling Plant of Liquefied Petroleum Gas, approved by the Industrial Safety Techniques and Environment Agency, assessed by the Ministry of Science and Technology, and promulgated by the Minister of Industry and Trade under Circular No. 35/2019/TT-BCT dated November 29, 2019.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. General provisions
1.1. Scope
1.2. Regulated entities
1.3. Definitions
1.4 Referred standards and regulations
2. Technical provisions
2.1 General requirements
2.2. Requirements of LPG tanks
2.3. Requirements of pipe system and pipe equipment
2.4. Regulations regarding installation
2.5. Regulations regarding examination, test, and inspection
2.6. Regulations regarding operation
2.7. Regulations on danger zone
2.8. Regulations on electricity safety
2.9. Regulations on fire prevention and firefighting
3. Responsibilities of organizations and individuals
3.1. Responsibilities of competent authority
3.2. Responsibilities of organizations and individuals owning LPG filing plants and organizations, individuals related to the installation, operation, and use of LPG filling plants
NATIONAL TECHNICAL REGULATION ON SAFETY FOR FILLING PLANT OF LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS
1.1. Scope
National technical regulations on safety for LPG filling plants specify technical safety requirements applicable to plants that fill LPG to cylinders and tanker trucks (LPG filing plants) in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
This Regulation does not apply to plants that fill LPG in means of transport.
1.2. Regulated entities
This Regulation applies to organizations and individuals engaging in activities relating to designing, manufacturing, installing, owning, and using LPG filling plants and other relevant organizations, individuals.
1.3. Definitions
In the Regulation, the terms below are construed as follows:
1.3.1. liquefied petroleum gas (LPG): means a hydrocarbon product of petroleum origin, consisting mainly propane (C3H8) or butane (C4H10) or a mix of both. At normal temperature and pressure, these hydrocarbons stay in gas form; when compressed to a defined pressure or cooled to an appropriate temperature, these hydrocarbons will change to liquid form.
1.3.2 LPG filling plant means a plant that utilizes specialized equipment and instrument to fill LPG in cylinders and tanker trucks
1.3.3. LPG tank means a tank for containing LPG with minimum volume of 0,15 m3.
1.3.3.1 above ground tank means a tank located on the ground and not covered by sand or soil;
1.3.3.2. underground tank means a tank buried underground and covered by sand or soil;
1.3.3.3. mounded tank means a tank located on the ground and covered by sand or soil.
1.3.4. LPG cylinder means a pressurized container manufactured in accordance with national technical regulations for containing LPG, rechargeable, also called standard cylinder.
1.3.5. separation distance means the minimum distance from the outermost edge of equipment, structure containing LPG (above ground tanks, mounded tanks, tank clusters, filling locations or filling plants) to the closest edge of protected objects.
In case of underground tanks, the separation distance starts from the outermost edge of above ground section where valves are located.
1.3.6. Danger zone means an area where the mixture of LPG and air can combust or ignite.
1.3.7. fire wall means a wall of bricks or concrete or non-flammable materials capable of resisting fire for at least 60 minutes, having a minimum height of 2 m or a height greater than the top of tanks in order to prevent thermal radiation of outside fire from affecting the tanks.
1.3.8. protected objects mean neighboring objects staying at risks caused by LPG filling activities and plants, including:
- Schools, preschools, hospitals, libraries, public structures.
- Houses, other than production administrative buildings within LPG filling stations.
- Cultural structures.
1.4 Referred standards and regulations
TCVN 6008 : 2010, Pressure equipments - Welds - Technical requirements and testing methods.
TCVN 8366 : 2010, Pressure vessels - Requirement of design and manufacture.
TCVN 6155 : 1996, Pressure vessels - Technical requirements for safety in installation, use, and repair.
TCVN 6156 : 1996, Pressure vessels - Technical requirements for safety in installation, use, and repair - Testing method.
TCVN 6486 : 2008, Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) - Pressurized Storage – Requirements for Design and Location of Installation.
TCVN 7441 : 2004, Liquefied Petroleum gas (LPG) Compounds at Consumption Ends – Requirements in Design, Installation.
TCVN 6485:1999: Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) – The filling in transportable containers of up to 150 liter water capacity – safety requirements.
QCVN 04:2013/BCT: National technical regulation on safety of steel cylinders for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).
If the standards, regulations, and documents referred to hereunder are amended or replaced, the amended or replacing versions shall prevail.
2.1.1. LPG filling plants shall meet all business requirements and fire safety, firefighting requirements as per applicable laws.
2.1.2. Program for safe management, risk assessment report, and emergency rescue plan of LPG filing plants shall be developed and submitted to competent authority for approval.
2.1.3. Adequate operation, repair, maintenance, incident response procedures and safety regulations of LPG filling plants shall be required and approved by heads of the facilities.
2.1.4. Machinery and equipment requiring strict occupational and safety requirements shall be subject to technical inspection for occupational safety as per the law.
2.1.5. Measuring instruments and equipment in LPG filling plants shall be inspected or calibrated in accordance with metrology laws.
2.1.6. General design requirements
2.1.6.1. Design of LPG filling plants shall comply with this Regulation and relevant law provisions;
2.1.6.2 All equipments and accessories working directly with LPG used in LPG filling stations shall be specifically made for LPG;
2.1.6.3. Design dossiers of LPG filling plants shall clearly identify danger zone.
2.2. Requirements of LPG tanks
2.2.1. Design and manufacturing
2.2.1.1. Tanks shall be designed and manufactured in a manner compliant with the TCVN 6008:2010, TCVN 6155:1996, TCVN 6156:1996, TCVN 6486:2008, TCVN 7441:2004, and TCVN 8366:2010;
2.2.1.2. Minimum design pressure of tanks shall be 1,7 MPa. Minimum design temperature of tanks shall be -10 oC;
2.2.1.3. Labels on tank shells shall contain the information below at a minimum:
+ Name of manufacturer.
+ Manufacturing date.
+ Design pressure.
+ Test pressure.
+ Design temperature.
+ Volume.
2.2.2. Connection and joints
- Tanks shall be required to be fitted with shutters allowing people to enter/exit or openings for visual inspection. Oval shutters shall have minimum dimension of 400 mm x 300 mm; circular shutters shall have minimum diameter of 400 mm;
- Connection and joints shall be appropriate for the use of LPG.
2.2.3. Auxiliary equipment
- Tanks shall be equipped with the following equipment appropriate for LPG:
+ Safety valves.
+ Valves installed on liquid LPG fueling line.
+ Valves installed on liquid LPG withdrawal line.
+ Valves installed on gas LPG withdrawal line.
+ Valves installed on LPG vapour return line.
+ Excess flow valves.
+ Bottom drain valves.
+ Liquid LPG measuring instruments.
+ Thermometer.
+ Manometer.
- Safety valves
Safety valves shall be fitted to tank section that contains LPG gas and disassembled, tested using appropriate measures.
A minimum of one safety valve shall be required for tanks with maximum volume of 20 m3.
A minimum of two safety valves shall be required for tanks with volume greater than 20 m3.
Minimum discharge rate of safety valves fitted to underground tanks or mounded tanks shall be compliant with schedule 1:
Schedule 1 - Minimum discharge rate of safety valves fitted to underground tanks or mounded tanks
| Exterior area, S m2 | Gas flow rate, A m3/min | Exterior area, S m2 | Gas flow rate, A m3/min |
| 1,0 | 4 | 30 | 52 |
| 2,5 | 7 | 35 | 59 |
| 5,0 | 12 | 40 | 66 |
| 7,5 | 17 | 50 | 79 |
| 10 | 22 | 60 | 92 |
| 12,5 | 26 | 70 | 104 |
| 15 | 30 | 80 | 116 |
Where:
S refers to total exterior area of the tank, (m2)
A refers to discharge gas flow rate at 15 oC and atmospheric pressure, (m3/min).
In regard to tanks whose dimensions are not listed above, use the formula: A= 3,1965 S0,82.
+ Flow rate of safety valves fitted to an above ground tank shall equal 3,33 times the corresponding values under schedule 1.
+ Discharge outlets of safety valves shall at least 3 m above the ground and 2 m above the top of the tank.
- Valves installed on liquid LPG fueling line
A check valve and a shut-off valve shall be fitted on liquid LPG fueling line. Pipes whose nominal diameter exceeds 50 mm shall be fitted with flange valves made from forged steel and having minimum working pressure equal to design pressure of pipe system.
- Valves installed on liquid and gas LPG withdrawal line
Outlet pipes of LPG withdrawal line shall be fitted with emergency shut-off valves which allow rapid manual closing or manual and automatic closing in order to disrupt LPG supply in case of emergency. Pipes whose nominal diameter exceeds 50 mm shall be fitted with flange valves made from forged steel and having minimum working pressure equal to design pressure of pipe system.
- Bottom drain valves
Bottom drain outlets of tanks shall be located at the lowest liquid point. Exterior bottom drain pipes shall be fitted with two shut-off valves that are 500 mm apart along the length of the pipe.
- Measuring instruments of liquid LPG
Tanks shall be fitted with at least one gauge for measuring liquid with measuring spectrum covering the entire volume of the tanks.
Gauges measuring liquid LPG discharged to the environment shall have outlet of maximum diameter of 1,5 mm.
- Manometer
+ Manometer shall be fitted to tank section that contains gas LPG;
+ Maximum class of accuracy shall be 2,5;
+ Minimum diameter of manometer shall be 75 mm;
+ Measuring spectrum shall be sufficient so that maximum working pressure is between 1/3 to 2/3 of the spectrum.
2.2.4. Tank support
- Support and foundation of a tank shall have sufficient load-bearing capability for when the tank is filled with water.
- Tanks shall be fastened to the support so that the tanks do not float in case of flood;
- Support structures shall reserve sufficient space under the tank for pipe installation, safe operation and maintenance of equipment below.
2.3. Requirements of pipe system and pipe equipment
2.3.1 General requirements
2.3.1.1. Above ground pipes carrying gas LPG shall be painted yellow; above ground pipes carrying liquid LPG shall be painted in any color other than yellow;
2.3.1.2. Underground pipes shall be protected from corrosion by appropriate measures;
2.3.1.3. Vertical and horizontal distance between support brackets of above ground pipes shall be compliant with schedule 2:
Schedule 2 - Vertical and horizontal distance between support brackets of above ground pipes
| Nominal dimensions of pipe diameter mm | Maximum distance | |
| Vertically m | Horizontally m | |
| 20 | 3 | 2,5 |
| 25 | 3 | 2,5 |
| 32 | 3 | 2,7 |
| 40 | 3,5 | 3 |
| 50 | 3,5 | 3 |
| 80 | 4,5 | 3 |
| 100 | 4,5 | 3 |
| 150 | 4,5 | 3 |
| 200 | 4,5 | 3 |
2.3.1.4. Pressure gauge and inspection points shall be fitted along pipelines where necessary to serve operation or inspection before bringing the system into operation;
2.3.2. Materials
Materials of LPG pipes shall be compliant with 4.2.7.2 of the TCVN 7441:2004.
2.3.3. Pipe safety valve
2.3.3.1. Activation pressure of safety valves on LPG pipes shall be appropriate with working pressure of the pipes.
2.3.3.2. Outlets of safety valves shall aim at clear areas, not directly at areas occupied by people, tanks, equipment or where heat sources are present;
2.4. Regulations regarding installation
2.4.1. General requirements of LPG filling areas and LPG cylinder storage areas
2.4.1.1. LPG filling areas and LPG cylinder storage areas shall not be located in basements, underground or storeys above the ground floor in multistorey buildings.
2.4.1.2. Floors of LPG filling areas and storage areas shall be rigid, straight, non-slip, at equal elevation or higher than surrounding areas, and made from non-flammable materials. If the floor is higher than surrounding areas, empty spaces below the floor shall be filled up or kept clear at all time. Flammable objects and substances shall not be stored in these spaces.
2.4.1.3. When discharging water from LPG filling areas to common waste system, appropriate equipment shall be used to prevent vapour from entering waste system.
2.4.1.4. Direct strike lightning protection system shall have maximum ground resistance of 10Ω. Safety grounding system shall have maximum ground resistance of 4Ω. If safety grounding system is connected to direct strike lightning protection system, maximum ground resistance shall be 1Ω.
All metal non-charged components of electrical appliances and pump columns shall be connected to safety grounding system.
2.4.1.5. No fire signs and firefighting instruction signs shall be erected in visible locations.
2.4.1.6. Measures shall be taken to remove all sources of fire in LPG filling areas, LPG storage areas; firefighting facilities shall be equipped as per the law.
2.4.1.7. LPG leak detectors shall be installed in LPG filling buildings, storage tank areas, tanker truck delivery points and areas with risk of LPG leak.
2.4.2. Tank installation
2.4.2.1. LPG tanks shall be located outdoors, in open spaces, or outside of enclosed structures. Tanks shall not be placed on the roofs, in balconies, in basements, or beneath structures.
2.4.2.2. LPG tanks shall be fitted with all safety and measuring instruments in accordance with 2.2.3 hereof. Tanks shall be fitted with emergency shut-off valves.
2.4.2.3. Tanks shall not be stacked on top of one another. Horizontal cylindrical tanks shall not line up length-wise.
2.4.2.4. Minimum separation distance from LPG tanks to tanks containing flammable liquid with flash point below 65 oC shall be 7 m.
2.4.2.5. Minimum separation distance from tanks to protected objects and between tanks shall be compliant with schedule 3.
Schedule 3 - Minimum separation distance from tanks to protected objects and between tanks
| Tank volume, V (m3) | Minimum separation distance (m) | Separation between tanks | |
| Underground tanks | Above ground tanks | ||
| V ≤ 0,5 | 3 | 1,5 | 0 |
| 0,5 < H ≤ 1 | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| 1 < H ≤ 1,9 | 3 | 3 | 1 |
| 1,9 < H ≤ 7,6 | 3 | 7,6 | 1 |
| 7,6 < H ≤ 114 | 15 | 15 | 1,5 |
| 114 < H ≤ 265 | 15 | 23 | 1/4 of total diameter of two adjacent tanks |
| 265 < H ≤ 341 | 15 | 30 | |
| 341 < H ≤ 454 | 15 | 38 | |
| 454 < H ≤ 757 | 15 | 61 | |
| 757 < H ≤ 3785 | 15 | 91 | |
| V > 3785 | 15 | 122 | |
Separation distance to other protected objects shall be determined on the basis of risk quantitative evaluation results.
Reduction in separation distance due to installation of fire wall shall be compliant with 6.11 of the TCVN 6486:2008.
2.4.2.6. Tanks of LPG filling stations shall not be located below electrical safety corridors.
2.4.3. Requirements of filling equipment, pipe system, and auxiliary equipment
2.4.3.1. Filing equipment shall be fitted with inspecting and measuring instruments to control filling process and fill amount.
2.4.3.2. Each fueling line shall be fitted with shut-off valves before the equipment that is filled.
2.4.3.3. Filing system shall be fitted with emergency shut-off system on liquid fueling line.
2.4.3.4. Scales for inspecting weight of goods in LPG filling system shall be maintained and inspected in accordance with metrology laws.
2.4.3.5. Pipe installation
- Metal pipes with diameter exceeding 50 mm shall not utilize threaded connection;
- Metal pipes with diameter equal to or less than 50 mm shall be allowed to utilize threaded connection. Threaded pipes shall be of a type specialized for use with LPG, capable of withstanding LPG pressure, and of tapered thread type.
- Washers used in flange connection along pipes shall be of materials capable of withstanding LPG. If washers are made of metal or materials containing metal whose melting point is below 816 oC shall be protected against fire.
- After installation, pipes shall be treated to protect against corrosion, painted, and marked with arrows indicated direction of movement of the contents.
- Installation of safety mechanisms and pipe valves:
+ Shut-off valves shall be installed in order to isolate equipment from pipes.
+ Safety valves of pipes shall be fitted to each isolated section of liquid LPG pipes.
- Separation distance from LPG filling buildings to adjacent structures and tanks shall be compliant with schedule 4.
Schedule 4: Separation distance from LPG filling buildings to adjacent structures and tanks
| Adjacent structures | Separation distance (m) |
| Areas out of control range, stationary sources of sparks, LPG delivery points on road, railway | 15 |
| Above ground tanks with volume below 9 m3 | 7,5 |
| Above ground tanks with volume between 9 m3 to less than 140 m3 | 10 |
| Above ground tanks with volume from 140 m3 | 15 |
| Above ground valves and accessories of underground or mounded tanks with volume: |
|
| Less than 2,5 m3 | 5 |
| From 2,5 m3 to less than 140 m3 | 7,5 |
| From 140 m3 to less than 350 m3 | 11 |
| More than 350 m3 | 15 |
2.4.4. Regulations of LPG delivery areas for tanker trucks
2.4.4.1. Separation distance from LPG delivery points of tanker trucks, tanks, or railway tanks to adjacent structures shall be compliant with schedule 5.
Schedule 5 - Separation distance from LPG delivery points of tanker trucks, tanks, or railway tanks to adjacent structures
| Adjacent structures | Separation distance (m) |
| Buildings or constructions with fire walls | 3,1 |
| Buildings or constructions without fire walls | 7,6 |
| Exposed structures of walls, trenches at equal elevation or lower than delivery points | 7,6 |
| Public gathering areas, outdoor sports yards, playgrounds | 15 |
| Roads | 7,6 |
| Railway lines | 7,6 |
| Above ground LPG tanks with volume from 16 m3 to less than 25 m3 | 3 |
| Above ground LPG tanks with volume from 25 m3 to less than 125 m3 | 6 |
| Above ground LPG tanks with volume from 125 m3 | 9 |
2.4.4.2. Speed limit signs shall be installed at entrance of tanker trucks.
2.4.4.3. Tanker truck entrance shall be clearly marked and contain signs indicating tanker truck spaces and prohibiting unauthorized personnel while tanker trucks are filling tanks with LPG.
2.4.4.4. Front of tanker trucks when the tanker trucks are filling shall point to the direction of main roads or exit so as to not obstruct emergency evacuation efforts.
2.5. Regulations regarding examination, test, and inspection
2.5.1. LPG filling system, tanks, LPG pipes shall undergo initial inspection before use and periodic inspection during use. Periodic inspection shall remain effective for up to 3 years.
2.5.2. Other equipment shall be examined, tested, and inspected in accordance with this Regulation and applicable regulations.
2.5.3. On a daily basis, operators shall examine working conditions of equipment LPG filling plants in accordance with operating procedures in order to maintain safe and proper working conditions and prevent LPG leak.
2.6. Regulations regarding operation
2.6.1.1. Operating procedures, safe regulations, and incident handling procedures of LPG filling plants shall be located in visible locations within the plants;
2.6.1.2. Operation logs and repair logs shall be required at filling plants;
2.6.1.3. Individuals conducting operation tasks shall receive professional training, safety training, and fire safety training as per the law.
2.6.2. Regulations on tanker trucks
2.6.2.1. LPG tanker trucks shall be granted the license to transport dangerous goods as per the law.
2.6.2.2. Danger symbols and danger signs shall be applied to the exterior of each LPG tank.
2.6.2.3. Phone number for emergency contact shall be displayed on tanker truck cabins and body. Letter height shall not be less than 40 mm.
2.6.2.4. LPG tanks and measuring instruments on tanker trucks shall be compliant with relevant national technical regulations and inspected as per the law.
2.6.3. Regulations on LPG delivery of tanker trucks
2.6.3.1. General provisions
- Only LPG delivery vehicles and other vehicles necessary for operation of the plants shall be allowed to enter LPG storage and delivery areas;
- Prior to receiving LPG, all vehicles shall possess adequate valid legal documents promulgated by competent authorities and satisfy technical and safety conditions; vehicle operators shall possess valid legal documents promulgated by competent authority.
- Vehicle operators shall remain constant presence at their vehicles throughout filling and withdrawing process.
- Sources of fire shall be supervised and placed under safety measures during LPG delivery, to be specific:
+ Prohibit: Smoking, open flame, metal welding, cutting, hand-held electrical tools, mobile phones, pagers, and other sources of fire in a 15 m radius;
+ When withdrawing LPG from tanker trucks to tanks, all air-circulating devices such as large fans whose inlets is within a 15 m radius of LPG withdrawal location shall be turned off; All machinery and equipment that produce open flame, sparks, or heat shall be turned off.
+ When tanker trucks are parked to fill or withdraw LPG, warning signs such as “DỪNG LẠI” (STOP) and “CẤM LỬA” (NO FIRE) shall be placed on the ground close to both ends of the tanker trucks.
+ When withdrawing LPG, receiving tanks and components thereof shall be inspected and confirmed for safety. Persons withdrawing LPG from tanker trucks shall inspect and verify containment capacity, remaining quantity, and receiving quantity of receiving tanks.
2.6.3.2. Safety regulations when filling and withdrawing LPG from tanker trucks
- While waiting for LPG fill and withdrawal, tanker trucks shall be parked in areas that are appropriately barricaded and at least 7 m and have their front pointing at the nearest exit. Tanker trucks shall not be parked or operated in buildings whose 3 sides are enclosed;
- Prior to filling and withdrawing LPG, tanker trucks shall be grounded and their wheels shall be firmly wedged;
- When filling and withdrawing LPG at filling plants, tanker trucks shall be parked in designated areas of the plants. Parking position of tanker trucks when filling and withdrawing LPG shall be convenient for pipe connection and valve operation and ensure that the vehicle front is pointing at the exit. The exit shall not be obstructed by any means throughout LPG delivery process.
Tanks shall not be filled past 90% of their volume.
2.6.5. Inspection before filling LPG cylinders
2.6.5.1. Inspect and make sure that general conditions, tanks, accessories, filling equipment are not damaged and do not leak.
2.6.5.2. All safety equipment, measuring instruments, and firefighting facilities shall be of adequate quantity, in functioning conditions, and ready for use.
2.6.5.3. All safety instructions applicable to LPG filling process have be properly adopted.
2.6.5.4. Cylinders shall not be filled, evaluated and removed or repaired/inspected when:
- Shell weight is illegible or unavailable.
- The cylinders are defected or damaged in the handle section or foot ring.
- The cylinders are physically defected on the shell.
- The cylinders are visibly corroded.
- The cylinders are visibly burnt by electric arc, fire.
- The cylinders, valves, or depressurizing mechanism (if equipped) leak or are damaged.
- The cylinders have not been inspected in a timely manner.
- The cylinders have not been inspected or inspection expiry date of cylinders cannot be identified.
2.6.6. Filling cylinders with LPG
2.6.6.1. Operators in charge of LPG filling shall be equipped with personal protective equipment as per the law.
2.6.6.2. Cylinders to be filled with LPG shall be inspected so that those that do not satisfy safety requirements as per Article 10 of the QCVN 04:2013/BCT are eliminated.
2.6.6.3. Fill cylinders with LPG in accordance filling procedures of the facilities.
2.6.6.4. Amount of LPG filled in the cylinders shall vary depending on the type of cylinders without exceeding amount specified under Article 10 of QCVN 04:2013/BCT.
2.6.6.5. LPG shall only be filled in cylinders under ownership or within contracts signed with traders with valid certificate of eligibility and satisfying market sale conditions.
2.6.7. Cylinder inspection, goods labeling, and cylinder seal
2.6.7.1. Cylinders filled with LPG shall be inspected for:
- Amount filled (by weight, by volume).
- Tightness.
2.6.7.2. Excess LPG in cylinders shall be discharged until appropriate LPG level (weight, volume) is reached.
Excess LPG shall be discharged to LPG recovery units in accordance with discharge procedures. Do not discharge LPG directly outside and do not transfer LPG to another cylinder.
Cylinders that have had excess LPG discharged shall be inspected for content amount.
2.6.7.3. When inspecting tightness of cylinders, pay attention to: cylinder shell, valves, welding joints between foot ring and cylinders, safety valves, valve shafts, auxiliary opening protectives.
Cylinders that leak shall be eliminated in order to have defective parts, components repaired. Leaking cylinders shall not be used for any purpose.
2.6.7.4. Cylinders filled with LPG shall be labeled as per the law and sealed properly.
2.6.8. Preservation, transport, and handling of LPG-filled cylinders
Preservation, transport, and handling of LPG cylinders shall be compliant with Clause 3 Article 10 of QCVN 04:2013/BCT.
2.7. Regulations on danger zone
2.7.1. Danger zone classification
- Zone 0: Means an area where LPG - flammable gas mixture is present on a regular basis during normal operation.
- Zone 1: Means an area where LPG - flammable gas mixture is not present on a regular basis during normal operation.
- Zone 2: Means an area where LPG - flammable gas mixture is not present at all during normal operation or in short period of time if it is present.
2.7.2. Danger zones of equipment in LPG filling plants:
Schedule 6 - Danger zones of equipment in LPG filling plants
| Location | Radius | Danger zone |
| Tank | a) Within 1,5 m in all direction from connecting points of the tank | Zone 1 |
| b) Up to 1,5 m above the foundation down to 0 within a 3 m radius from the tank shell, not including the radius under a) | Zone 2 | |
| Safety valve | a) In the direction of discharge | No electric appliances installed |
| b) Within a 1,5 m radius in all directions | Zone 1 | |
| c) From exceeding 1,5 m to 4,5 m in all directions from point of discharge | Zone 2 | |
| Filling coupler | a) Within a 1,5 m radius in all directions | Zone 1 |
| b) From exceeding 1,5 m to 4,5 m in all directions | Zone 2 | |
| LPG cylinder storage area |
| Zone 2 |
2.8. Regulations on electricity safety
2.8.1. Electric appliances
2.8.1.1. Electric appliances in danger zones shall be explode-proof, inspected as per the law, and have the highest surface temperature rating depending on installation location, rated voltage and frequency of the electrical grid.
2.8.1.2. Installation, operation, and maintenance of electric appliances shall be complaint with approved design and technical instructions of manufacturers;
2.8.1.3. All equipment that contains electrical circuits and electronic circuits that are not safe circuits and are located in areas with fire and explosion risks shall be placed in explode-proof electrical panels.
2.8.2. Static safety
2.8.2.1. Above ground pipes and rear auxiliary equipment of flanges shall be grounded.
2.8.2.2. Pipe system, tanks, and tanker trucks shall share the same grounding system;
2.8.2.3. Grounding of equipment and constructions shall be compliant with National technical regulations and inspected on a regular basis.
2.9. Regulations on fire prevention and firefighting
2.9.1. Firefighting measures approved by competent authority shall be required as per the law.
2.9.2. Fire alarm and firefighting facilities compliant with requirements and appropriate to combustible materials of the plants shall be required;
2.9.3. Signs such as “Cấm lửa” (No fire), “Cấm hút thuốc” (No smoking), “Không có nhiệm vụ miễn vào” (No unauthorized personnel allowed), “Nội quy phòng cháy chữa cháy” (Fire safety regulations), fire fighting orders and other signs as per the law shall be required. All signs shall be written in Vietnamese, all caps, presented in a comprehensible manners, and located in visible locations. Letters on the signs shall have minimum height of 120 mm.
3. Responsibilities of organizations and individuals
3.1. Responsibilities of competent authority
3.1.1. The Industrial Safety Techniques and Environment Agency shall take charge and cooperate with relevant agencies, entities in guiding and inspecting compliance with this Regulation.
Depending on management requirements, the Industrial Safety Techniques and Environment Agency shall request the Minister of Industry and Trade to amend this Regulation.
3.1.2. Departments of Industry and Trade of provinces and central-affiliated cities shall be responsible for cooperating with relevant authorities in guiding and inspecting compliance with this Regulation in their provinces and cities.
3.2. Responsibilities of organizations, individuals owning LPG filling stations and relevant organizations, individuals during installation, operation, and use of LPG filling plants
3.2.1. Organizations, individuals owning LPG filling plants and relevant organizations, individuals during installation, operation, and use of LPG filling plants shall comply with applicable laws regarding gas trading and technical requirements under Chapter II hereof.
3.2.2. Organizations, individuals owning LPG filling plants shall develop and submit program for safety management, risk evaluation report, and emergency rescue plan to competent authority for approval as per the law.
If gas trading facilities such as manufacturing facilities, processing facilities, ports of loading and unloading, storage, LPG filling plants, and supply plants are adjacent and under the same ownership, program for safety management, risk evaluation report, and emergency rescue plan shall be produced for the entire premise.
3.2.3. Managerial officials and employees directly related to operation, maintenance, repair, preservation, filling and withdrawal, and transport within LPG filling plans shall receive training regarding technical safety, fire safety and obtain certificate as per the law.