CSA B149.2:20

The CSA B149 Series provides important guidance on how to do your job safely -- from handling and storage of natural gas and propane, to safe and effective installation of related appliances and equipment, and more.

The 2020 edition is the latest for the B149.2, Propane storage and handling code. 

CSA B149.2:20 applies to the installation of:

• Storage, handling, and transfer of propane.

• Propane used as an engine fuel in other than highway vehicles.

• Installation of containers and equipment to be used for propane in distribution locations and filling plants.

The code has been reviewed by regulatory authorities across Canada, and is expected to be adopted into law in every Canadian province and territory.

Online Training:

This self-paced online course will help you understand and apply the key top changes in the latest editions of CSA B149.1, Natural gas and propane installation code and CSA B149.2, Propane storage and handling code on your schedule. This online course provides insight into the new additions, changes or deletions to help you quickly apply the benefits of the new standards in your organization.

Preface

This is the twelfth edition of CSA B149.2, Propane storage and handling code. It supersedes the previous editions, published in 2015, 2010, 2005, and 2000 by CSA Group (CSA) as CAN/CSA-B149.2, in 1995, 1991, 1986, 1980, 1978, and 1976 by the Canadian Gas Association (CGA), and in 1969 by CSA Group.

The main changes from the previous edition are as follows:

a) updated Code Scope exclusions (Clause 1.2);

b) updated reference publications (Clause 2);

c) added requirements for cylinders used on hot air balloon applications (Clauses 6.1.12 and 6.4.7to 6.4.10;

d) updated requirements for cylinder exchange (Clauses 6.4.5, 6.5.1.8, 6.5.2.6.1, and 6.5.2.6.2);

e) added requirements for handling of cylinders at shows, exhibitions, or other similar events (Clause 6.10 and Annex Q);

f) added requirements for handling of cylinders in classrooms (Clause 6.11 and Annex O);

g) added requirements for underground tank installations (Clause 7.8.19);

h) updated requirements for tank location and support (Clauses 7.10.2, 7.10.3, and 7.11.3 and Table 7.4);

i) updated requirements for signage at filling plants and refill centres (Clause 7.12.10);

j) updated requirements for protection against vehicular traffic (Clauses 7.19.4.2 and 7.19.4.5);

k) updated requirements for vehicle fuel dispensers (Clauses 7.20.12 and 7.20.13);

l) updated requirements for vaporizers (Clause 9.1.10, 9.2.4, and 9.3.5); and

m) added Annex R — Inspection and servicing of pressure relief devices on tanks.

This Code has been developed in compliance with Standards Council of Canada requirements for National Standards of Canada. It has been published as a National Standard of Canada by CSA Group.

Scope

1.1

This Code applies to

a) the storage, handling, and transfer of propane;

b) propane used as an engine fuel in other than motor vehicles; and

c) the installation, operation, and maintenance of containers and equipment to be used for propane at customer locations, in distribution locations and filling plants.

1.2

This Code does not apply to

a) transportation of propane;

b) manufacture, selection, and use of standardized means of containment under the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act and Regulations;

c) new containers which have not contained propane or used containers identified as having been purged to less than 5% of the LEL as determined by a calibrated gas meter;

d) marine or pipeline terminals;

e) gas where used as a feedstock in petroleum refineries or chemical plants;

f) utility pipeline distribution and transmission pipelines;

g) refrigerated storage or underground formations for propane;

h) propane used on boats;

i) propane used as a propellant in aerosol containers;

j) butane fuel cylinders of 6.2 oz (175 g) capacity or less;

k) any equipment extending downstream from the inlet to any container pressure regulator (commonly referred to as first-stage regulator);

l) the installation of propane fuel system components and containers on vehicles covered by CSA B149.5; and

m) propane used as refrigerant.

1.3

Where the term propane is used, the requirements of this Code include, and apply equally to, any material that is composed predominantly of any of the following hydrocarbons or mixtures of them: propane, propylene, butanes (normal butane or isobutane), and butylenes.

1.4

The values given in yard/pound units are the standard, unless noted otherwise. This Code contains SI (metric) equivalents to yard/pound units so that the Code can be used in SI (metric) units. SI (metric) equivalents may be approximate unless they are the standard.

1.5

In this Code, shall is used to express a requirement, i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to satisfy in order to comply with the Code; should is used to express a recommendation or that which is advised but not required; and may is used to express an option or that which is permissible within the limits of the Code.

Notes accompanying clauses do not include requirements or alternative requirements; the purpose of a note accompanying a clause is to separate from the text explanatory or informative material.

Notes to tables and figures are considered part of the table or figure and may be written as requirements.

Annexes are designated normative (mandatory) or informative (non-mandatory) to define their application.

1.6

This Code and any standards referenced in it do not make or imply any assurance or guarantee with respect to the life expectancy, durability, or operating performance of equipment and materials referenced in the Code.