Handling and Storage of Bulk Tanks

1. Storage tanks are designed and constructed to relevant European and British Standards and they are equipped with various safety features to protect them. The most important safety feature is the pressure relief valve which is designed to release safely, excess pressure caused by fires, accidental overfilling etc.

2. Every customer should fully familiarise themselves with the various fittings and valves on the tank and ancillary systems. In particular, they should know the location of all isolation valves fitted to the tank and distribution system.

3. In the event of someone closing an isolation valve, either on the tank or in the distribution system, they should be satisfied that all outlet points downstream of the valve concerned are closed before re-opening the isolation valve.

4. Protective rain/dust caps which are fitted to certain valves should be in place at all times, other than when the valve is in use. The valve hood fitted to the tank offers some security to the valves and should be closed at all times. Where appropriate, the valve hood should be locked with either a padlock or an integral lock using a standard utility meter box key which can be supplied by Calor.

5. All couplings which are used by forklift trucks and Autogas customers should be kept clean and properly stowed, to guard against damage which could cause leakage. Protective clothing should be worn at all times where liquid LPG is involved.

6. Only authorised and competent personnel should be allowed to use, adjust, modify, extend or service the installation.

7. The LPG system should be visually examined on a regular basis for signs of leakage, damage or other deterioration.

8. The escape of LPG may be noticeable either by smell - many commercial products are odorised to aid detection by the human nose, or by the presence of frost at the point of escape.

9. Never search for leaks with a naked flame, always use a solution of soapy water.

10. In the event that leakage is detected or suspected, it should be rectified by competent personnel without delay. The gas supply to the point of leakage should be isolated by closing the appropriate valve, until the necessary corrective action has been taken.

11. In the case of automotive or forklift truck installations with multiple installations, it is important both for pumping efficiency and for safety reasons that all valves are left open during operation of the pumping system.

1. All Calor bulk tanks are installed in accordance with the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Association Codes of Practice. All sites storing LPG in volume must do so in conjunction with the following legislation relevant to the volume of storage:

• Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) Regulations 1999

• Dangerous Substances (Notification and Marking of Sites) Regulations 1990

• Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000.

2. If an increase of storage is required, it maybe necessary for planning permission to be sought, and adherence to the following legislation:

• Notification of Installations Handling Hazardous Substances Regulations 1982

• The Planning (Control of Major Accident Hazards) Regulations 1999 (England and Wales)

• The Planning (COMAH) Regulations 2000 (Scotland)

Advice is available from your local Customer Services Team.