Review of controls on LPG complete

Review of controls on LPG complete

The Environmental Risk Management Authority has completed its review of LPG, tightening the rules around the use of odorants, improving signage and refrigeration facility design and restricting the quantities of LPG that can be stored indoors.

Following the release of the New Zealand Fire Service Report into the Icepack Coolstore fire at Tamahere, the Chief Executive of ERMA New Zealand felt a reassessment of the approvals for LPG was required.

This led to an application aimed at improving safety and reducing risks to people coming into contact with LPG.

The most significant changes to come out of the Chief Executive-initiated reassessment are: increasing the ability of staff, emergency workers and passersby to detect leaks (by using odorants, for example); improving signage to warn people of the presence of LPG; and minimising the risks of leaks and unintended discharges.

Limits have also been placed on quantities of LPG that can be stored indoors at home, in factories and warehouses, and in public buildings.

In its decision to approve this application, the Authority said the proposed changes would result in a reduction in the risks of LPG to human health. Any additional costs associated with the proposals were not unreasonable, it said.

The LPG Association of New Zealand (LPGA) also applied for a review.

The LPGA’s application sought to improve the workability of the controls on LPG, in relation to Location Test Certificates, separation distances, tank wagon parking requirements and fire extinguisher requirements for domestic properties.

The Authority said the proposed changes would result in a reduction in compliance costs without compromising safety standards. It therefore approved the application.

A period of six months, until 2 March 2011, has been given for the changes from both decisions to be implemented.

To read the decisions, go to:

http://www.ermanz.govt.nz/BertDocs/HRC09001_HRC09001%20Decision.pdf

http://www.ermanz.govt.nz/BertDocs/HRE09001_HRE09001%20Decision.pdf

ENDS

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