WAC 296-24-47513   Storage of containers awaiting use or resale.  (1) Application. This section shall apply to the storage of portable containers not in excess of one thousand pounds water capacity, filled or partially filled, at user location but not connected for use, or in storage for resale by dealers or resellers. This section shall not apply to containers stored at charging plants or at plants devoted primarily to the storage and distribution of LP-gas or other petroleum products.

     (2) General.

     (a) Containers in storage shall be located so as to minimize exposure to excessive temperature rise, physical damage, or tampering by unauthorized persons.

     (b) Containers when stored inside shall not be located near exits, stairways, or in areas normally used or intended for the safe exit of people.

     (c) Container valves shall be protected while in storage as follows:

     (i) By setting into recess of container to prevent the possibility of their being struck if the container is dropped upon a flat surface, or

     (ii) By ventilated cap or collar, fastened to container capable of withstanding blow from any direction equivalent to that of a thirty-pound weight dropped four feet. Construction must be such that a blow will not be transmitted to a valve or other connection.

     (d) The outlet valves of containers in storage shall be closed.

     (e) Empty containers which have been in LP-gas service should preferably be stored in the open. When stored inside, they shall be considered as full containers for the purpose of determining the maximum quantity of LP-gas permitted by this section.

     (3) Storage within buildings frequented by the public.

     (a) DOT specification containers having a maximum individual water capacity of two and one-half pounds, used with completely self-contained hand torches and similar applications, are permitted to be stored or displayed in a building frequented by the public. The display of such containers shall be limited to a total of twenty-four units of each brand and size. The total quantity on display and in storage shall not exceed two hundred pounds LP-gas.

     (b) Storage as provided in subsection (5) of this section shall not be permitted within or attached to such a building.

     (4) Storage within buildings not frequented by the public (such as industrial buildings).

     (a) The quantity of LP-gas stored shall not exceed three hundred pounds (approximately two thousand five hundred fifty cubic feet in vapor form) except as provided in subsection (5) of this section.

     (b) Containers carried as a part of service equipment on highway mobile vehicles are not to be considered in the total storage capacity in (a) of this subsection provided such vehicles are stored in private garages, and are limited to one container per vehicle with an LP-gas capacity of not more than one hundred pounds. All container valves shall be closed.

     (5) Storage within special buildings or rooms.

     (a) The quantity of LP-gas stored in special buildings or rooms shall not exceed ten thousand pounds.

     (b) The walls, floors, and ceilings of container storage rooms that are within or adjacent to other parts of the building shall be constructed of material having at least a two-hour fire resistance rating.

     (c) A portion of the exterior walls or roof having an area not less than ten percent of that of the combined area of the enclosing walls and roof shall be of explosion relieving construction.

     (d) Each opening from such storage rooms to other parts of the building shall be protected by a one and one-half-hour "(B)" fire door listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. Refer to federal regulation 29 CFR 1910.7 for definition of nationally recognized testing laboratory.

     (e) Such rooms shall have no open flames for heating or lighting.

     (f) Such rooms shall be adequately ventilated both top and bottom to the outside only. The openings from such vents shall be at least five feet away from any other opening into any building.

     (g) The floors of such rooms shall not be below ground level. Any space below the floor shall be of solid fill or properly ventilated to the open air.

     (h) Such storage rooms shall not be located adjoining the line of property occupied by schools, churches, hospitals, athletic fields or other points of public gathering.

     (i) Fixed electrical equipment shall be installed in accordance with WAC 296-24-47505(18).

     (6) Storage outside of buildings.

     (a) Storage outside of buildings, for containers awaiting use or resale, shall be located in accordance with Table H-33 with respect to:

     (i) The nearest important building or group of buildings;

     (ii) The line of adjoining property which may be built upon;

     (iii) Busy thoroughfares;

     (vi) The line of adjoining property occupied by schools, churches, hospitals, athletic fields, or other points of public gathering.

TABLE H-33

Quantity of LP-Gas Stored:				Distance
500	pounds or less —————————————			0
501	to	2,500 pounds ————————————		0*
2,501	to	6,000 pounds ————————————		10 feet
6,001	to	10,000 pounds ————————————		20 feet
Over		10,000 pounds ————————————		25 feet

*	Container or containers shall be at least ten feet from any building on adjoining property, any sidewalk, or any of the exposures described in (a)(iii) or (iv) of this subsection.

     (b) Containers shall be in a suitable enclosure or otherwise protected against tampering.

     (7) Fire protection. Storage locations other than supply depots separated and located apart from dealer, reseller, or user establishments shall be provided with at least one approved portable fire extinguisher having a minimum rating of 8-B, C.

Note:

For additional requirements relating to portable fire extinguishers see WAC 296-800-300.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-17-033, § 296-24-47513, filed 8/8/01, effective 9/1/01. Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW. 88-23-054 (Order 88-25), § 296-24-47513, filed 11/14/88. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.240, chapters 43.22 and 42.30 RCW. 80-17-015 (Order 80-21), § 296-24-47513, filed 11/13/80; Order 76-6, § 296-24-47513, filed 3/1/76; Order 73-5, § 296-24-47513, filed 5/9/73 and Order 73-4, § 296-24-47513, filed 5/7/73.]