LPG for suppliers information sheet

LPG for suppliersSeptember 2011LPG suppliers must make sure customers know therisks posed by LPG, how to handle it safely, where toseek advice and what to do in an emergency.You must give your customer a safety data sheet thatcomplies with the hazardous substances legislation.If you deliver LPG in cylinders or supply in bulk you mustensure that each customer:is informed of the risks posed by LPG; andhas a location test certificate issued by a test certifierif they hold more than 100 kg of LPG.Service stations, cylinder filling facilities and cylinderexchange facilities do not deliver directly to a customer’spremises. Therefore, they are not obliged to check if thecustomer’s premise has a location test certificate.Delivering cylindersThe person delivering and connecting cylinders must betrained and should be an approved handler. If the person isnot an approved handler they must be able to contact anapproved handler at any time if necessary.An approved handler is a person who knows aboutLPG and how to handle it safely. They know about theequipment being used and the requirements of thehazardous substances legislation.Drivers delivering LPG must also have a “D” (dangerousgoods) endorsement on their drivers licence.The LPG Association offers an approved fillertraining scheme, go to www.lpga.co.nzfor more information.Refilling cylindersAnyone filling an LPG cylinder must have an approvedfiller test certificate, unless they are filling the fuel tankfixed to a vehicle.Supporting customersApproved handlerFor sites with more than 100 kg of LPG that do not havean approved handler, the LPG must be secure. For fixedinstallations this means the supplier disconnects orreconnects all LPG cylinders.For sites with fixed installations with more than 100 kgof LPG and where the customer needs to connect thecylinders themselves, an approved handler must havegiven them guidance and must be available to give furtheradvice if needed.If your customer is swapping cylinders regularly, the idealsolution is for them or one of their employees to be anapproved handler.InspectionsIf the customer has between 100 kg and 300 kg of LPG theymust have a Location Test Certificate issue by a test certifierbefore you can supply LPG.If they have a test certificate, you may, at your discretionand if the customer asks, undertake ongoing inspectionsof their facility, consistent with the Code of Practice for LPGCylinder Storage Compliance 100 kg to 300 kg.Compliance with the code means you may continue tosupply LPG to the customer. If your inspection finds thatthe site has changed, you must tell the customer to contacta test certifier to confirm that the site still complies. Thetest certifier must issue a new LTC before you continue tosupply.Alternatively, the customer may continue to engage atest certifier and obtain a Location Test Certificate. Thetest certifier may specify a Location Test Certificate validity

LPG for suppliers EPA0052period of up to three years. If less than this your customershould ask the test certifier what needs to be done toobtain a three year certificate.In-situ fillingIf delivery changes from an exchange cylinder deliveryto in-situ cylinder filling, the customer must get a newlocation test certificate.You cannot deliver LPG until the new certificate has beenissued. The approved Code of Practice for in-situ fillingshould be followed, this is available on the EPA website.InstallationTwin-pack, multi-cylinder facilities and bulk storage tanksmust comply with the hazardous substances legislation,the requirements of the Gas Act, and the health and safetyin employment legislation.All fixed gas appliances, including the pipes and hoses,must be installed by a licensed gasfitter. Ask the gas fitterfor a certificate of compliance for the installationAll cylinders over 13 kg must be securely held in place withchains and/or brackets. To prevent unauthorised access,cylinders with an aggregate quantity in excess of 100 kg ofLPG should be secured in a lockable cage.Managing your siteAs a supplier, your site must comply with the hazardoussubstances legislation. This means that you must:Identify a person in charge to manage the LPG storedand used at the site;Ensure staff are trained to handle LPG and use thenecessary personal protective equipment.Ensure that there is information available to staff andvisitors, such as product labels, safety data sheets andsigns.Have emergency procedures and equipment in place todeal with any emergency, including fire extinguishersand an emergency evacuation plan.Have a current location test certificate, most certificateswill be valid for one year but ask your test certifierabout an extension for up to three years.Refuelling motor vehiclesSelf-serve customers at a refuelling outlet mayfill their own vehicles. However, the suppliermust ensure that:September 2011 2Have approved handler test certificates for employeeshandling LPG (these are valid for five years).Have approved filler test certificates for employeesfilling LPG cylinders, valid for one year if you follow theLPG Association Approved Filler Scheme.If you are unsure about what you need, contact a testcertifier for advice.Road Tank WagonsA test certifier needs to approve the design of any roadtank wagon and to complete pre-commissioning checksand in-service checks.Drivers must have a “D” endorsement on their license andhold approved handler and approved filler test certificates.The dispenser and nozzle meet the requireddesign criteria.The system has an emergency shutdownsystem.There are clear filling instructions.An approved handler is available.You can find a test certifier in your area bysearching www.epa.govt.nz.Important contactsWrite the details of your test certifier hereAdditional leaflets for domestic andindustrial users of LPG are available atwww.epa.govt.nzEnergy safety 0508 377 463EPA Helpline 0800 376 234