Propane storage area labeling requirements
I have a new propane storage area That was not labeled. I want to make sure I get this right. I am in California. I know these following requirements. My plan is to place the no smoking signage on the outside of each of the walls and gate. I also plane to put the Propane label and NFPA diamond on each end of the tank. along with the words "Flammable gas" to meet the OSHA and NFPA requirement. I have an edited picture below of my plan.
Am I missing anything? any suggestions? Each tank is 2000 gallons and the piping the the back has very small labels (16pt) that say LPG or HPG which I plan to make larger.
Title 8.489
• (a) The word “FLAMMABLE” on each side that is readily visible. The letters of this sign shall be in standard-type letters and shall have a height of at least 1/12 of the diameter of the container, 4 inches for containers exceeding 500 gallons capacity.
• (b) Warning signs with the words “NO SMOKING, OPEN FLAMES OR OTHER SOURCE OF IGNITION PERMITTED WITHIN 50 FEET” shall be applied in letters at least 1 1/2 inches high, in sharply contrasting colors, on each stationary container or on a sign posted adjacent to the container.
• (c) When 2 or more containers are installed in battery, the requirement of Sections 489 (a) and (b) will be considered as being complied with when the required warning signs are prominently displayed on all 4 sides of such battery of containers.
OSHA 29 CFR 1910
• 1910.253(b)(1)(ii)
Compressed gas cylinders shall be legibly marked, for the purpose of identifying the gas content, with either the chemical or the trade name of the gas. Such marking shall be by means of stenciling, stamping, or labeling, and shall not be readily removable. Whenever practical, the marking shall be located on the shoulder of the cylinder.
• NFPA 704 Diamond: This standard hazard placard provides a visual summary of risks. For propane, the rating is typically 2-4-0:
o Blue (Health): 2 (indicating a moderate health hazard from exposure).
o Red (Flammability): 4 (indicating extreme flammability).
o Yellow (Reactivity): 0 (indicating it is stable under normal conditions).
o White (Special Hazards): No additional symbol for standard propane.
Comments (8)
I am sorry, do not know what CalOSHA requires. You are good for OSHA if you do all the above. You may have some "E" requirements too from CA EPA or DNR.
Where is "Title 8.489" from?
I live and work in Wisconsin; we are a Fed OSHA state. My daughter and family lived in Rancho Palles Verdes near LA and San Diego for 4 years, and I always enjoyed visiting your beautiful state! But you sure have lots of people!
On the NFPA 704 marking system, if all 4 tanks are the same contents (e.g., propane), then you only need 1 sign - not 4.
In addition, I would not recommend putting the NFPA 704 marking system on the tanks themselves because that's not where they're intended to be used. Per NFPA 704, "signs shall be in locations approved by the authority having jurisdiction and, as a minimum, shall be posted at the following locations:
• Two exterior walls or enclosures containing a means of access to a building or facility
• Each access to a room or area
• Each principal means of access to an exterior storage area"
I would only put HazCom/GHS labeling on the containers (or an equivalent), in accordance with Title 8 § 5194.
If you haven't done so already, I'd recommend checking out NFPA 58, as well.
Labeling looks good per your & Drew's comments but you may enter into PSM (OSHA) & RMP (EPA) if your fuel weighs over 10,000 lbs. Not sure if you looked into that or not but likely you will be over the threshold if you have 4 tanks holding 2000 gal ea. You didn't indicate how many tanks you have unless the photo is not stock but from your site, then 8,000 gal is a lot of flammable fuel.
I would think that the local FD would want to inspect this as part of the permitting. While I think everything is covered in these comments, a good FD inspector is a good friend to have. Ultimately, all of this is to make sure responders are safe, so after posting signage/labeling, bring out your FD to get their feedback as well, even if not required.
Personally, I would make the 704 diamond about as big as I could so you can see it from a long way off - like from the property line or farther, especially for something with a high severity hazard. Shoot, I can read my diesel diamonds from 100+ yards away (and it is a small volume). I think they are 24" per side. FD asked for it to be visible from any approach gate, so I happily complied.