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Regulations for Propane Distributors

Propane is a flammable liquefied gas that is stored under pressure. The Material Safety Data Sheet for propane issued by the National Propane Gas Association lists propane as a severe fire hazard and a slight health hazard. Sparks, flames and heat can all ignite propane. The gas can cause dizziness, unconsciousness and suffocation. The liquid can freeze the skin upon contact. The propane industry is subject to a number of regulations enforced by different bodies at the local, state and federal levels. Regulations cover the handling, storage and transport of propane as well as the equipment that is used.

  1. The Propane Regulatory Compliance Program

    • A number of different bodies produce and enforce regulations that apply to propane distribution in the U.S. The Propane Regulatory Compliance Program has collected the relevant federal regulations online. Some regulations apply specifically to the storage, handling and transportation of propane, while others apply to all industries and workplaces. The U.S. Department of Transportation imposes regulations on the transport of goods and movement of hazardous material through the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
      The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Transportation Security Administration requires that background checks be carried out for all drivers carrying hazardous materials such as propane.

    Regulation of U.S. Department of Labor

    • The U.S. Department of Labor regulates working conditions through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. This includes workplace safety and fire planning. As well as these federal governmental bodies, there are state and local codes. These pertain to operational and fire safety. The types of agencies that enforce these codes include state propane agencies or commissions, fire marshals, state departments of transportation and public safety commissions. Propane distributors must also comply with the standards issued by committees such as the National Fire Protection Agency and the American National Standards Institute. These committees produce many of the standards for propane-related equipment.

    Storage and Handling

    • The Occupational Safety and Health Administration standard number 1910.110 covers the storage and handling of liquefied gases such as propane. It includes the requirement for the gas to be odorized so that leaks can be detected, as well as regulations about containers.

    Fire Safety

    • The National Fire Protection Agency Standard requires that all individuals employed to handle and transport propane are properly trained and that only qualified workers service and install propane systems and containers. Cylinders should be stored away from sources of heat or ignition. They should be kept separate from containers of other flammable, compressed gases and oxygen cylinders. Empty propane cylinders should be treated as carefully as full ones, as they could contain a residue of propane, but empty cylinders should be stored separately from full ones. Cylinders should be kept upright or have a pressure release valve, and should never be dropped or roughly handled. Valves should be closed and capped when the cylinders are not in use.

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