SOR Gas HSE General Guide
Any business which operates an LPG installation has responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Etc Act (HSWA) 1974 and the subsidiary legislation outlined below to ensure that the installation is safe to operate and does not present a risk to their employees and members of the public.
Because some of the duties in relation to the storage tank may be addressed by its supplier, it is important for the user to work closely with their supplier in assessing and addressing any risks.
These require an employer to make a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risk that the installation could present and to identify suitable preventative measures; they also require the employer to appoint one or more competent persons to assist the employer in complying with the law.
The user of a pressure system should not operate it unless they have established a written scheme for the periodic examination by a competent person for certain parts of the system and have it examined as described in this scheme. For an LPG installation, this would include the storage tank and possibly pipework in some cases. However, where the installed system is supplied under lease or hire and the supplier agrees in writing that they will undertake these responsibilities, then the user will be considered as having discharged them. This may often be the case with the storage tank, where the supplier may lease out the tank to the user.
As the LPG tank and associated fittings and pipework may be considered as work equipment it will require maintenance and as work equipment exposed to conditions causing deterioration liable to result in a dangerous situation, it will require an inspection regime to ensure health and safety conditions are maintained and that any deterioration can be detected and remedied in good time. You should liaise with the supplier of the LPG about maintenance since they are likely to own the tank and will have their own duties with respect to it and may maintain it. Applicable duties under the Regulations cannot be delegated.
These regulations apply to work situations when a dangerous substance is present and presents a risk to physical safety from, in particular, fire or explosion. For LPG, when the supplier has provided an installation (e.g. tank) that meets the relevant standards, then the duties that fall on to the user will be to ensure that the necessary conditions under these regulations for ensuring safety are maintained, provide measures to deal with emergencies and make sure their own activities do not adversely affect the storage tank.
These cover LPG storage vessels and pipework only where the work premises themselves are covered by the regulations - mainly commercial premises such as offices, shops, hotels, schools, hospitals and similar places. These regulations do not apply to gas fittings used for the purposes of industrial processes carried out on industrial premises; nor do the Regulations generally apply to agricultural premises, factories, mines and quarries (but, if part of the premises is used for domestic or residential purposes or as sleeping accommodation then they do apply to these parts).
LPG Transportation Tools (Tankers)
- LPG is transported in specified trucks which meet the international standards for safety and prevention.
- All tankers are provided with static electricity discharge devices which help prevent explosion.
- All trucks are provided with fire extinguishing devices.
- Each Tanker is striped with colored lines showing the severity of the product loaded and non approach of a distance up to 100 meters.
- Each tanker is equipped with an alerting sign written in both Arabic and English showing (Highly Flammable Gas).
- Each driver is fully trained on safety and prevention regulations.
- Drivers are prohibited to smoke during the transportation process.
- Drivers are provided with safety regulations manual.
- Current check is adapted on truck safety: link cables, connectors and brakes.
- Batteries on trucks should be of standard quality.
- Braking system of trucks should be intact and firm.
- Each truck is provided with anti spark systems.
- Safety lights both on rear and front sides of the truck are checked regularly.
- Each truck is provided with a power circuit breaker located beside the driver to use in case of exceeding the power on cables.
- Gas masks are provided to be used in case of need.
- Each truck is provided with a First Aid Medical kit.
- Truck drivers are prohibited to consume alcohol beverages during product transportation.
- Civilian cars are not allowed to enter the parking yard during charge and discharge of trucks.
- The parking yard and Storehouse are fully camera monitored to ensure safety regulations fulfillment.
- Alarm Sirens are connected alarm systems in case of incidents.
External Safety:
In accordance to safety and prevention regulations, the following should be considered:
Firstly
In case of gas leakage, follow these steps:
- Shut down the main power circuit.
- Shut down the gas source from the storage unit.
- Smoking or usage of any spark generating devices is prohibited.
- All windows available are opened fully to ensure proper ventilation.
- Traffic flow is stopped near to the point of leakage.
- Personals are not allowed to return to the leakage point only after fully checking for leakage stoppage.
Secondly
- Any oil products or flammable substances should not be placed near to the storage unit.
Thirdly
- The central gas valve should be closed in case the unit is not used for more than a day; this valve is located under the Storage unit cover.
Fourthly
-Relocating the storage unit is prohibited only under full supervision of the company.
Fifthly
- In cases of gas leakage inspection, usage of matches is highly prohibited but substituted with gas sensors or water and foam apparatus.
Sixthly
- Tight fixing of Connection mechanisms and fully inspecting for the accuracy of the mechanisms.
During Storage units’ installation, those steps are followed:
- Tanks should be at a distance from any heat source such as: air conditioners, water pump device (Dynamo) or circuit breakers.
- Units should not be located in places apposing to car bumps.
- Should be located near to the entrance so as to simplify charge and discharge process.
- Should not be located near to flammable substances.
Regulations to be followed if the exported LPG is not sent to abroad KRG: