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

Task 4 – Support the NPGA in Development of Code Language forSubmission to the NFPA 58 CommitteeTask 4 involved continuing to work with the NPGA Technology & Standards (T&S) CommitteeTask Forces (Tvfc-1644 – Composite Cylinder Specifications, Tar-1653 – Composite CylinderApplications, and Tar-1636 – Cabinet Heaters) to identify the necessary steps and documentationto approach the NFPA 58 Committee for indoor use approval. The development of the codelanguage for NFPA 58 to allow indoor use of composite propane cylinders was largely based onthe feedback obtained from the fire protection community and findings from the compositecylinder fire performance testing.2005 NFPA 58 Technical Committee MeetingIn addition to updating the NPGA T&S task forces, Battelle also presented a project review tothe NFPA 58 Technical Committee (Rapid City, South Dakota; August 15 – 18, 2005). Duringthis meeting, the Committee discussed NPGA’s proposals on cabinet heaters and compositecylinders. Battelle presented the testing results and the interaction with the fire protectioncommunity. The presentation given at this meeting is provided in Appendix E.2006 NFPA 58 Technical Committee MeetingBattelle also presented at the NFPA 58 Technical Committee in March 2006 (New Orleans,Louisiana; March 29-30, 2006), where comments on proposals were discussed (see Appendix Ffor the presentation). There were vigorous discussions regarding the proposals to allow for theindoor use of cabinet heaters with composite propane cylinders. Throughout the processcompromises were made and include the following safety advancements with respect to usingcabinet heaters and composite cylinders indoors:1. The maximum permitted input rating of a cabinet heater was reduced from 20,000 Btu/hrto 10,000 Btu/hr.2. The maximum cylinder size for use with a cabinet heater was reduced from 20 pounds ofpropane to 16 pounds of propane.3. The use of cabinet heaters was limited to one- and two-family dwellings and businessoccupancies only.4. A new safety valve connection (CGA 793) was introduced that will prohibit cabinetheaters from being connected to ordinary cylinders.5. The connection between the cylinder and cabinet heater shall be connected with abraided, metallic hose.In response to other issues raised regarding consumer and fire fighter education, NPGA and thePropane Education and Research Council (PERC) intend to provide extensive outreach activitiesto the general public on the recognition and safe use of composite cylinders and cabinet heatersupon receiving approval. The propane industry has also begun developing an outreach programto educate and inform the fire service, through such publications as Propane Emergencies, on theproperties and behavior of composite cylinders. A continuation of this outreach program willComposite Propane Cylinders 23February 2007for Indoor Use — Phase IIBattelle