NFPA, National Propane Gas Association (NPGA), and the Propane Education and Research Council (PERC) have issued a Fire Safety Analysis Manual, which provides forms and a step-by-step method for completing a written Fire Safety Analysis (FSA) as required in NFPA 58,
Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code.
2011 edition of NFPA 58
2008 edition of NFPA 58
2004 edition of NFPA 58
2001 edition of NFPA 58
In addition to providing a valuable tool for system installers, consultants, and enforcement officials, the FSA Manual serves as a valuable reference for enforcement officials, especially those who may be unfamiliar with LP-gas facilities and the improvements made to product control features.
The Manual was authored by Theodore Lemoff, principal gases engineer at NFPA and Phani K. Raj, Ph.D., president of Technology & Management Systems, Inc. and a member of the NFPA's Technical Committee on Liquefied Petroleum Gases. An advisory group comprised of more than 15 industry members, including large and small propane marketers, fire service and fire protection engineer representatives and others, provided input to the Manual.
What people are saying about the FSA Manual
"Completing a FSA for new installations with more than 4,000 gallons of LP-Gas storage has been a part of NFPA 58 for 25 years; the 2001 edition of NFPA 58 expands this requirement by mandating a FSA for both new as well as existing LP-Gas installations over 4,000 gallons wc. The new manual offers a detailed but streamlined approach to inventorying the product control systems within the facility, while at the same time providing a simple, credible means for communicating with local fire officials."
While the task of performing a FSA will still require thorough analysis of the facility, its neighbors and the local response community, the new manual offers a valuable tool for addressing the basic components of a fire safety analysis, as described in Supplement 1 of the LP-Gas Code Handbook (2001):
- Evaluation of total product control system;
- Analysis of local conditions of hazard within the facility;
- Assessment of exposure to and from other properties, population density, and congestion within the site;
- Determination of the probable effectiveness of local fire departments;
- Evaluation of the application of water by hose streams or other methods."
- Mike Merrill, Director, Safety & Training, Suburban Propane, Whippany, NJ, chairman of the project development group
"LP-Gas bulk and industrial plants contain a variety of engineered and administrative safety controls. Despite this, it is often a challenge for fire officials to determine if the installation meets all of the requirements of NFPA 58, and to be aware of the resources available to them in LP-Gas plants. In turn, many LP-Gas plant operators do not understand the capabilities and resources fire departments have available to assist in LP-Gas plant emergencies. The new manual and the analysis itself will provide a valuable educational tool to assist both fire officials and LP-Gas facility operators in meeting their goals of mutual cooperation and safer facilities."
- Scott Stookey, Fire Protection Engineer and Special Hazards Unit, Phoenix Fire Department, who actively participated and assisted in the development of the Manual