Code Approval of Composite Propane Cylinders for Indoor Use ...

fact that they are required to be listed represents a new level of scrutiny for cylinders that had notpreviously been present. The listing criteria for cylinders in general use will be based on thesuccessful testing to the criteria used to obtain DOT approval. For indoor use with cabinetheaters, the test protocols developed during the first and second fire test programs will be used todevelop the cylinder listing standard. The results of these test protocols and tests showed that thedesign of one manufacturer (as of 2005) would not pass this listing process.Introducing cabinet heaters into NFPA 58 also includes a parallel effort to develop a gasappliance standard specific to cabinet heaters. A project with the ANSI Z21/83 Committee isproceeding through the process of defining an appliance standard, tentatively titled Z21.11.3,Propane-Fired Portable Heater Systems. The draft standard was initiated by a working group ofpropane and appliance manufacturing industries representatives and safety representatives underthe umbrella of the ANSI/CSA Unvented Heaters Technical Advisory Group (TAG). To date,the draft appliance standard has completed one public review period and the comments will bereviewed by the TAG at its meeting in February 2007.ConclusionThe propane industry is supportive of developing new products to take advantage of thecomposite cylinders’ benefits, including indoor use of these cylinders. Even more importantly,the propane industry is committed to the safe use of these products through their support of thefire test programs discussed in this report as well as the development of educational materials forfirefighters and the general public on cabinet heaters and indoor use of propane. Through theseefforts, data has been generated that indicate composite cylinder fire test performance isencouraging for indoor use with the appropriate designs and safeguards in place.Composite Propane Cylinders ix February 2007for Indoor Use — Phase IIBattelle