Circular No. 35/2019/TT-BCT. Issuing National Technical Regulations on Safety for LPG Refueling Stations

CIRCULAR

Issuing National Technical Regulations
on Safety of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Refueling Stations

-------------

Pursuant to Decree No. 98/2017/NĐ-CP dated August 18, 2017, of the Government stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Industry and Trade;

Pursuant to the Law on Standards and Technical Regulations dated June 29, 2006;

Pursuant to the Law on Product Quality and Commodities dated November 21, 2007;

Pursuant to Decree No. 127/2007/NĐ-CP dated August 1, 2007 of the Government detailing the implementation of certain provisions of the Law on Technical Standards and Regulations, and Decree No. 78/2018/NĐ-CP dated May 16, 2018 of the Government amending Decree No. 127/2007/NĐ-CP dated August 1, 2007 of the Government detailing the Law on Technical Standards and Regulations;

Pursuant to Decree No. 132/2008/NĐ-CP dated December 31, 2008 of the Government detailing the implementation of certain provisions of the Law on Product Quality and Goods, and Decree No. 74/2018/NĐ-CP dated May 15, 2018 amending and supplementing some articles of Decree No. 132/2008/NĐ-CP dated December 31, 2008 of the Government detailing the implementation of certain provisions of the Law on Product Quality and Goods;

Pursuant to Decree No. 87/2018/NĐ-CP dated June 15, 2018 of the Government on gas business;

At the proposal of the Director of the Industrial Technical Safety and Environmental Protection Department,

The Minister of Industry and Trade promulgates the National Technical Regulation on Safety of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Refueling Stations.

Article 1. This Circular promulgates the National Technical Regulation on Safety of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Refueling Stations.

Code: QCVN 02:2019/BCT

Article 2. This Circular and the National Technical Regulation on Safety of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Refueling Stations shall take effect from May 30, 2020.

Article 3. The Director of the Ministry's Office, the Director of the Department of Safety Technology and Industrial Environment, the Director of the Science and Technology Department, the Directors of Provincial Departments of Industry and Trade under the Central Government, the Heads of relevant agencies, organizations, and individuals are responsible for implementing this Circular./.

SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM

QCVN 02:2019/BCT

AMENDMENT 1:2025 QCVN 07:2023/BXD

ON SAFETY OF LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS REFUELING STATIONS

National technical regulation on safety for filling plant
of Liquefied Petroleum Gas

HANOI-2019

Foreword

QCVN 02:2019/BCT was drafted by the Drafting Team of the National Technical Regulation on Safety of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Refueling Stations, reviewed by the Department of Safety Technology and Industrial Environment, examined by the Ministry of Science and Technology, and promulgated by the Minister of Industry and Trade pursuant to Circular No. 35/2019/TT-BCT dated November 29, 2019.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE

1. General Provisions 4

1.1. Scope of Application 4

1.2. Applicability 4

1.3. Definitions 4

1.4. Referenced Standards and Regulations 5

2. Technical Requirements 6

2.1. General Requirements 6

2.2. Requirements for LPG Storage Tanks 6

2.3. Requirements for Pipeline Systems and Pipeline Equipment 10

2.4. Installation Requirements 11

2.5. Inspection, Testing, and Certification Requirements 16

2.6. Operation Requirements 16

2.7. Hazardous Zone Requirements 19

2.8. Electrical Safety Requirements 20

2.9. Fire Prevention and Control Requirements 21

3. Responsibilities of Organizations and Individuals 21

3.1. Responsibilities of State Management Agencies 21

3.2. Responsibilities of Organizations and Individuals Owning LPG Refueling Stations 22

and other related organizations and individuals during installation, operation, and use of LPG refueling stations.

AMENDMENT 1:2025 QCVN 07:2023/BXD

ON SAFETY OF LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS REFUELING STATIONS

National technical regulation on safety for filling plant
of Liquefied Petroleum Gas

1. General Provisions

1.1. Scope of Application

The National Technical Regulation on Safety of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Refueling Stations stipulates technical safety requirements applicable to liquefied petroleum gas refueling stations that fill cylinders and tank trucks (LPG refueling stations) within the territory of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

This regulation does not apply to LPG refueling stations for transport vehicles.

1.2. Applicability

This regulation applies to organizations and individuals involved in designing, manufacturing, installing, owning, and using LPG refueling stations, as well as other related organizations and individuals.

1.3. Definitions

Terms used in this regulation are defined as follows:

1.3.1. Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG): It is a hydrocarbon product derived from oil with a main component being propane (C3H8) or butane (C4H10) or a mixture of both. At normal temperature and pressure, these hydrocarbons are in gaseous form, and when compressed to a certain pressure or cooled to a suitable temperature, they become liquid.₃H₈) or butane (C₄H₁₀) or a mixture of both types. At normal temperature and pressure, these hydrocarbons are in a gaseous state, and when compressed to a certain pressure or cooled to an appropriate temperature, they change to a liquid state.

1.3.2. LPG Refueling Station: It is a station that uses specialized equipment to fill LPG into cylinders and tank trucks.

1.3.3. LPG Storage Tank: It is a tank used to store LPG with a capacity of 0.15 m³ or more.³.

1.3.3.1. Aboveground Storage Tank: It is a tank placed on the ground without being covered with sand or soil.

1.3.3.2. Underground Storage Tank: It is a tank buried underground and covered with sand or soil.

1.3.3.3. Earth-covered Storage Tank: It is a tank placed on the ground and covered with sand or soil.

1.3.4. LPG Cylinder: It is a pressure vessel manufactured according to national technical regulations used to store LPG and can be refilled, also known as standard cylinders.

1.3.5. Safe Distance: It is the minimum distance measured horizontally or vertically from the outer edge of equipment or structures containing LPG (aboveground storage tanks, earth-covered storage tanks, tank clusters, loading/unloading points, or LPG filling buildings) to the nearest edge of protected objects.

For underground storage tanks, it is measured from the outer edge of the above-ground compartment containing the valve cluster.

1.3.6. Hazardous Area: It is an area where a mixture of LPG and air can cause fire or explosion.

1.3.7. Fire Barrier Wall: It is a brick, concrete, or non-combustible material wall capable of withstanding fire for at least 60 minutes and having a height of at least 2 meters or higher than the top of the storage tank to prevent thermal radiation from external fires affecting the storage tank.

1.3.8. Protected Object: It includes surrounding objects at risk due to activities or LPG refueling stations, including:

- Schools, kindergartens, hospitals, libraries, and public buildings.

- Residential buildings, except administrative buildings serving production operations within LPG refueling stations.

- Cultural facilities.

1.4. Referenced Standards and Regulations

TCVN 6008:2010, Pressure Equipment - Welding - Technical Requirements and Test Methods.

TCVN 8366:2010, Pressure Vessels - Design and Manufacturing Requirements.

TCVN 6155:1996, Pressure Vessels - Technical Safety Requirements for Installation, Use, and Repair.

TCVN 6156:1996, Pressure Vessels - Technical Safety Requirements for Installation, Use, and Repair - Test Methods.

TCVN 6486:2008, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) - Storage Under Pressure - Design and Location Requirements.

TCVN 7441:2004, LPG Supply System at Consumption Sites - Design, Installation, and Operation Requirements.

TCVN 6485:1999, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) - Filling into Cylinders with Water Capacity up to 150 Liters - Safety Requirements.

QCVN 04:2013/BCT: National Technical Regulation on Safety for Steel Containers for Liquefied Petroleum Gas.

In cases where standards, technical regulations, or documents cited in this Regulation are amended, supplemented, or replaced, they shall be implemented according to the provisions of the new document.

2. Technical Provisions

2.1. General Requirements

2.1.1. LPG Refueling Stations must comply with business conditions and fire prevention and control conditions as stipulated currently.

2.1.2. A safety management program, risk assessment report, and emergency response plan for LPG refueling stations must be developed and submitted to the competent authority for approval in accordance with the regulations.

2.1.3. LPG refueling stations must have complete operating procedures, maintenance and repair procedures, incident handling procedures, and safety regulations approved by the facility's leadership.

2.1.4. Machinery and equipment with strict requirements for occupational safety must undergo occupational safety technical inspection as prescribed.

2.1.5. Measuring instruments and equipment at LPG refueling stations must be inspected or calibrated in accordance with the law on measurement.

2.1.6. General Requirements for Design

2.1.6.1 The design of LPG refueling stations must comply with the provisions of this Regulation and related regulations.

2.1.6.2 All equipment and accessories directly working with LPG used for LPG refueling stations must be specifically designed for LPG.

2.1.6.3 The design documentation for LPG refueling stations must clearly define hazardous areas.

2.2. Requirements for LPG Storage Tanks

2.2.1. Design and Manufacturing

2.2.1.1 Storage tanks must be designed and manufactured in compliance with the national standards TCVN 6008:2010, TCVN 6155:1996, TCVN 6156:1996, TCVN 6486:2008, TCVN 7441:2004, and TCVN 8366:2010.

2.2.1.2 The design pressure of the storage tank must not be less than 1.7 MPa. The lowest design temperature of the storage tank must not exceed -10°C.

2.2.1.3 Labels on the tank shell must include the following minimum information:

+ Manufacturer's name.

+ Manufacturing date.

+ Design pressure.

+ Test pressure.

+ Design temperature.

+ Capacity.

2.2.2. Connecting Parts and Assembly Details

- The storage tank must have a manhole or inspection hatch. If the manhole is elliptical, its minimum dimensions must be 400 mm x 300 mm; if it is circular, its minimum diameter must be 400 mm.

- Connecting parts and assembly details must be suitable for LPG usage.

2.2.3. Ancillary Equipment

- The storage tank must be equipped with the following devices suitable for LPG:

+ Safety valve.

+ Valve on the liquid LPG inlet line.

+ Valve on the liquid LPG outlet line.

+ Valve on the vapor LPG outlet line.

+ Valve on the vapor return line.

+ Excess flow valve.

+ Bottom discharge valve.

+ Level measuring device for liquid LPG.

+ Thermometer.

+ Pressure gauge.

- Safety valve

The safety valve must be connected to the vapor space of the storage tank and have appropriate solutions to allow removal and testing of the valve.

For storage tanks with a capacity of up to 20 m³ at least one safety valve must be installed.

For storage tanks with a capacity greater than 20 m³ at least two safety valves must be installed.

The minimum discharge rate of the safety valve for submerged or earth-covered storage tanks is as shown in Table 1:

Table 1 - Minimum Discharge Rate of Safety Valves for Submerged Storage Tanks

or Earth-Covered Storage Tanks

External Surface Area, S m²Gas Flow Rate, Am³/minExternal Surface Area, S, m²Gas Flow Rate, A m³/min1,0430522,5735595,01240667,51750791022609212,52670104153080116

Where:

S is the total external surface area of the storage tank, (m²)

A is the allowable gas flow rate at 15°C and atmospheric pressure, (m³/min).

For storage tanks with sizes not listed in the table above, the formula A = 3.1965 S can be used.^0,82.

+ The discharge rate of the safety valve for floating storage tanks is 3.33 times the corresponding value in Table 1.

+ The height of the discharge pipe outlet of the safety valve must be at least 3 meters above ground level and 2 meters higher than the top of the tank.

- Valve on the Liquid LPG Inlet Line

A check valve and a shut-off valve must be installed on the liquid LPG inlet line. Pipes with nominal diameter larger than 50 mm must be fitted with flanged steel cast valves with a minimum working pressure equal to the design pressure of the pipeline system.

- Valve on the Liquid LPG and Vapor Outlet Lines

Quick-shut-off valves or automatic valves must be installed on the outlet pipes of the liquid LPG and vapor lines to cut off the supply of LPG in emergencies. Pipes with nominal diameter larger than 50 mm must be fitted with flanged steel cast valves with a minimum working pressure equal to the design pressure of the pipeline system.

- Bottom Discharge Valve

The bottom discharge pipe outlet inside the tank must be located at the lowest point of liquid accumulation, and the external discharge pipe must be fitted with two shut-off valves to prevent leakage, with a distance of 500 mm between the two valves to avoid sediment water freezing and blocking the valve.

- Level Measuring Device for Liquid LPG

At least one level measuring device for liquid must be installed on the storage tank, covering the entire tank capacity.

The diameter of the vent hole in a level meter that vents LPG to the environment must not exceed 1.5 mm.

- Pressure Gauge

+ A pressure gauge must be installed in the vapor space of the storage tank.

+ The accuracy class must not exceed 2.5.

+ The face diameter of the pressure gauge must not be less than 75 mm.

+ The scale must ensure that the maximum working pressure is from 1/3 to 2/3 of the scale.

2.2.4. Tank Support Base

- The support base and foundation of the storage tank must be able to withstand the load of a fully water-filled tank.

- The storage tank must be securely fastened to the base to prevent floating during flooding.

- The structure of the support base must provide sufficient space under the tank for installing pipelines and safely operating and maintaining equipment below.

2.3. Requirements for Pipeline Systems and Pipeline Equipment

2.3.1. General Requirements

2.3.1.1 Above-ground pipelines carrying LPG vapor must be painted yellow, while pipelines carrying liquid LPG must be painted a different color from yellow.

2.3.1.2 Underground pipelines must be protected against corrosion using appropriate measures.

2.3.1.3 The spacing between supports for above-ground pipelines installed vertically and horizontally must comply with Table 2:

Table 2 - Spacing Between Supports for Above-Ground Pipelines Installed Vertically and Horizontally

Nominal Diameter of Pipeline mmMaximum DistanceVertical Direction mHorizontal Direction m2032,52532,53232,7403,53503,53804,531004,531504,532004,53

2.3.1.4 On the pipeline, at certain necessary locations, pressure gauges and inspection points (test points) must be installed to serve operational processes or inspections before the system is put into operation.

2.3.2. Materials for Manufacturing

The LPG pipelines must be made from materials complying with the provisions of Clause 4.2.7.2 of TCVN 7441:2004.

2.3.3. Safety Valves on Pipelines

2.3.3.1 The set pressure value for opening safety valves on LPG vapor and liquid pipelines must be consistent with the pipeline operating pressure.

2.3.3.2 The discharge outlet of the safety valve must point towards a well-ventilated area and must not directly face areas where people are present, storage tanks, equipment, or sources of heat.

2.4. Installation Requirements

2.4.1 General Requirements for LPG Refilling Areas and LPG Cylinder Storage Areas

2.4.1.1 LPG refilling areas and LPG cylinder storage areas shall not be located in basements, underground, or above ground floors of multi-story buildings.

2.4.1.2 The floor of the LPG refilling area and storage area must be solid, flat, non-slippery, level or higher than the surrounding ground surface, made of non-combustible material. If the floor is higher than the surrounding ground surface, the space underneath must be filled or if left open, it must have ventilation measures. Flammable objects or substances shall not be stored or kept in this space.

2.4.1.3 When discharging water from the LPG refilling area into the common drainage system, appropriate equipment must be used to prevent LPG vapor from entering the drainage system.

2.4.1.4 Lightning protection grounding systems must have a grounding resistance not exceeding 10Ω. Safety grounding systems must have a grounding resistance not exceeding 4Ω. In cases where the safety grounding system is combined with the lightning protection grounding system, the grounding resistance must not exceed 1Ω.

All non-electrical metal parts of electrical equipment and pump columns must be connected to the safety grounding system.

2.4.1.5 Warning signs prohibiting fire and fire extinguishing instructions must be hung at easily visible locations.

2.4.1.6 Measures must be taken to eliminate all potential fire sources in the LPG refilling area and storage area, and firefighting equipment must be provided according to regulations.

2.4.1.7 Leak detection sensors must be installed in the refilling house area, tank area, tanker delivery area, and other areas with high likelihood of LPG leakage.

2.4.2 Tank Installation

2.4.2.1 LPG tanks must be placed outdoors, outside buildings, and outside enclosed structures. Tanks shall not be placed on rooftops, balconies, in basements, or under structures.

2.4.2.2 LPG tanks must be equipped with all required safety devices and measuring instruments as specified in Clause 2.2.3 of this standard. An emergency shut-off valve must be installed on each tank.

2.4.2.3 Tanks shall not be stacked on top of each other. Horizontal cylindrical tanks shall not be aligned along their longitudinal axis.

2.4.2.4 The safe distance from LPG tanks to tanks containing flammable liquids with ignition points below 65°C shall not be less than 7 meters.

2.4.2.5 The minimum safe distance from tanks to protected objects and between tanks must be ensured according to Table 3:

Table 3 - Minimum Safe Distance from Tanks to Protected Objects and Between Tanks
are protected and the distance between the storage tanks

Tank Capacity, V (m³^3)Minimum Safe Distance (m)Distance Between TanksSubmerged TanksFloating TanksV ≤ 0.531.50.5 < V ≤ 13301 < V ≤ 1.93311.9 < V ≤ 7.637.617.6 < V ≤ 11415151.511 < V ≤ 26515231/4 total diameter of two adjacent tanks265 < V ≤ 3411530341 < V ≤ 4541538454 < V ≤ 7571561757 < V ≤ 37851591V > 378515122

The safe distance from tanks to other protected objects is determined based on the results of quantitative risk assessment.

Reducing the safe distance using fire-resistant walls must comply with the provisions of Clause 6.11 of TCVN 6486:2008.

2.4.2.6 LPG refueling station tanks shall not be located under power line safety corridors.

2.4.3 Requirements for Refilling Equipment, Pipeline Systems, and Ancillary Equipment

2.4.3.1 Refilling equipment must include inspection and measurement devices to control the refilling process generally and specifically the filling level.

2.4.3.2 A shut-off valve must be installed before the equipment being refilled on each branch of the refilling system.

2.4.3.3 Emergency shut-off systems must be installed in the liquid supply line within the refilling system.

2.4.3.4 Weighing scales used to check the weight of goods in the LPG refilling system must be maintained and calibrated in accordance with legal metrology regulations.

2.4.3.5 Pipeline Installation

- Metal pipes with diameters larger than 50 mm shall not use threaded joints.

- Metal pipes with diameters up to 50 mm may use threaded joints. Threaded pipes must be specialized for LPG, capable of withstanding LPG pressure, and must be tapered threads.

- Gaskets used at flange connections on pipes must be able to withstand LPG. If gaskets are made of metal or materials containing metal with a melting point lower than 816°C, they must be protected against flame impact.

- After installation, pipes must be treated to resist corrosion, painted, and marked with arrows indicating the direction of medium flow.

- Install safety mechanisms and pipeline valves:

+ Shut-off valves must be installed to isolate equipment from pipelines.

+ Safety valves must be installed on each isolated section of the LPG liquid pipeline.

- The safe distance from the LPG refilling house to nearby structures and tanks must meet the requirements in Table 4.

Table 4: Safe Distance from the LPG Refilling House to Nearby Structures and Tanks

Nearby StructureSafe Distance (m)Uncontrolled areas, fixed spark sources, LPG entry and exit points by road or rail15Aboveground tanks with capacity under 9 m³7.5Aboveground tanks with capacity from 9 m³ to under 140 m³10Aboveground tanks with capacity from 140 m³ and above15Aboveground tanks with submerged or buried capacity:Dunder 2.5 m³5From 2.5 m³ to under 140 m³7.5From 140 m³ to under 350 m³11From 350 m³ and above15

2.4.4 Requirements for LPG Receiving Areas from Tanker Trucks

2.4.4.1 The safe distance between LPG loading/unloading points by tanker trucks or railway tank cars and nearby structures must meet the requirements in Table 5.

Table 5 - Safe Distance between LPG Loading Points by Tanker Trucks or Railway Tank Cars and Nearby Structures

Adjacent structures Safe distance (m) Building or construction with fire-resistant walls 3.1 Building or construction without fire-resistant walls 7.6 Open structures of house walls, trenches at the same or lower level than the height of the outlet point 7.6 Public places crowded with people, playgrounds, outdoor sports fields 15 Streets 7.6 Railway tracks 7.6 Above-ground LPG storage tanks with capacity from 16 m³³ to less than 25 m³³3Above-ground LPG storage tanks with capacity from 25 m³³ to less than 125 m³³6Above-ground LPG storage tanks with capacity from 125 m³³ and above 9

2.4.4.2. At vehicle entry points, speed limit signs must be posted.

2.4.4.3. The area for receiving tank trucks must have clear markings, position signs for receiving tank trucks, and prohibit unauthorized personnel from passing through during LPG intake.

2.4.4.4. The front of the tank truck when entering must face the main road or emergency exit to ensure unobstructed evacuation in case of emergency.

2.5. Regulations on inspection, testing, and certification

2.5.1. The LPG loading system, storage tanks, and LPG pipelines must undergo initial certification before operation and regular certification during use. The regular certification period shall not exceed three years.

2.5.2. Other equipment shall be inspected, tested, and certified according to the standards set forth herein and current regulations.

2.5.3. Daily, operators must check the operational status of equipment in the LPG loading station according to the operating procedures to ensure safe and effective operation and prevent LPG leakage.

2.6. Operating regulations

2.6.1. General requirements

2.6.1.1. The operating procedures, safety regulations, and incident handling procedures for the LPG loading station must be placed in visible locations within the station.

2.6.1.2. Operation logs and maintenance logs must be kept at the station.

2.6.1.3. Personnel performing operations must be professionally trained, safety trained, and fire prevention and firefighting trained as required.

2.6.2. Regulations for tank trucks

2.6.1.1. Tank trucks transporting LPG storage tanks must obtain a permit for hazardous cargo transportation as prescribed.

2.6.1.2. Each LPG storage tank must display hazard symbols and warning signs as prescribed on the exterior.

2.6.1.3. Emergency contact numbers must be displayed on the cab and sides of the truck, with characters no smaller than 40 mm in height.

2.6.2.4. LPG storage tanks and measuring devices on tank trucks must comply with relevant national technical standards and be certified as required.

2.6.3. Regulations for LPG delivery by tank trucks

2.6.3.1. General provisions

- Only vehicles for LPG delivery and other necessary vehicles for station operations may enter the storage, export, and import areas.

- Before entering to receive goods, vehicles must have complete legal documents issued by competent authorities as prescribed, still valid, and meet technical condition and safety requirements; drivers must have complete legal documents issued by competent authorities as prescribed, still valid.

- Drivers must remain continuously present in the vehicle area during the entire process of exporting and importing LPG.

- Sources of ignition must be monitored and appropriate safety measures applied during LPG delivery, specifically:

+ Prohibited: Smoking, open flames, welding, cutting metal, handheld electrical tools, mobile phones, and other sources of ignition within a radius of 15 meters.

+ When exporting LPG from tank trucks to storage tanks, air circulation devices such as large fans with suction points within a radius of 15 meters from the LPG export point must be turned off; turn off machines and devices with open flames, sparks, and heat sources.

+ When parking to deliver LPG, warning signs "STOP" and "NO FIRE" must be placed at both ends of the tank truck.

+ During LPG export, it must be confirmed that the receiving storage tank and its accessories meet safety conditions as prescribed. The person exporting LPG from the tank truck must verify the capacity, remaining quantity, and received quantity of the receiving storage tank.

2.6.3.2. Safety regulations for LPG delivery to tank trucks

- While waiting for delivery, tank trucks must park in a safe location with appropriate barriers, at least 7 meters away from sources of fire, with the front of the truck facing the nearest emergency exit. Tank trucks shall not be parked or operated in fully enclosed buildings.

- Before performing LPG delivery operations, tank trucks must be grounded and securely chocked.

- When delivering LPG at the station, tank trucks must park in designated positions. Parking positions for exporting and importing LPG must facilitate pipe connections and valve operations, with the front of the truck facing the exit route. The exit route of the truck must be free of obstructions throughout the LPG delivery process.

2.6.4. Loading LPG into storage tanks

The maximum loading volume of LPG shall not exceed 90% of the tank's capacity.

2.6.5. Pre-loading checks before loading LPG into cylinders

2.6.5.1. Check the general condition, storage tanks, accessories, and loading equipment for damage and leaks.

2.6.5.2. Ensure all safety devices, measuring instruments, fire prevention, and firefighting equipment are in good condition and ready for use.

2.6.5.3. All safety guidelines for loading LPG have been fully implemented.

2.6.5.4. LPG shall not be loaded into cylinders and cylinder removal or repair/testing shall not be performed under the following circumstances:

- The weight of the cylinder shell cannot be read or is missing.

- The cylinder has defects or damage to the handle or collar.

- The cylinder has physical defects in the cylinder body.

- The cylinder shows visible corrosion.

- The cylinder has burn marks from arc welding or fire.

- The cylinder, valve, or pressure relief mechanism (if equipped) is leaking or damaged.

- The cylinder has exceeded its certification period.

- The cylinder has not been certified or the certification period cannot be determined.

2.6.6. Loading LPG into cylinders

2.6.6.1. Operators loading LPG must wear personal protective equipment as prescribed.

2.6.6.2. Cylinders loaded with LPG must be inspected and non-compliant cylinders removed according to Article 10 of QCVN 04:2013/BCT.

2.6.6.3. Load LPG into cylinders strictly in accordance with the loading procedures of the facility.

2.6.6.4. The amount of LPG loaded into cylinders must comply with the specified weight for each type of cylinder but shall not exceed the limit set out in Article 10 of QCVN 04:2013/BCT.

2.6.6.5. LPG can only be loaded into cylinders owned by or under contract with traders who have valid certificates of qualification and cylinders that meet market circulation conditions.

2.6.7. Inspect gas cylinders, label goods, and seal cylinders

2.6.7.1. Gas cylinders filled with LPG must be inspected as follows:

- Quantity filled (by weight, volume).

- Tightness.

2.6.7.2. Overfilled gas cylinders must have excess LPG discharged until they reach the specified filling level (weight, volume).

When discharging LPG from a cylinder, it must be done according to the safe discharge procedure into the LPG recovery system. Directly discharging LPG into the open air is not permitted, nor may it be handled by transferring it to another cylinder.

All overfilled gas cylinders, after being processed to discharge excess LPG, must be re-inspected for their filling level.

2.6.7.3. When inspecting the tightness of a cylinder, attention should be paid to the following locations: Cylinder body, valve, connections between the valve and the cylinder, safety valve, valve shaft, auxiliary sealing plugs.

All leaking cylinders must be removed for repair of damaged parts and components, and it is strictly prohibited to use leaking cylinders for any purpose.

2.6.7.4. Gas cylinders filled with LPG must be labeled on the cylinder surface as required and sealed.

2.6.8. Storage, transportation, loading and unloading of gas cylinders containing LPG

The storage, transportation, loading and unloading of gas cylinders containing LPG must comply with the provisions set out in Clause 3 of Article 10 of QCVN 04:2013/BCT.

2.7. Provisions on hazardous areas

2.7.1. Classification of hazardous areas

- Zone 0: Is an area where a flammable mixture of LPG-air usually exists during normal operation.

- Zone 1: Is an area where a flammable mixture of LPG-air does not usually exist during normal operation but may occur occasionally.

- Zone 2: Is an area where a flammable mixture of LPG-air cannot exist during normal operation, if it does, it only exists for a short time.

2.7.2. Provisions on hazardous zones for equipment at LPG refilling stations:

Table 6 - Provisions on hazardous zones for equipment at LPG refilling stations

LocationClassification RangeHazardous ZoneStorage Tanka) Within 1.5 meters in all directions from the connection points of the storage tankZone 1b) Up to 1.5 meters above ground level within 3 meters from the tank shell, excluding range a)Zone 2Safety Valvea) In the direction of pressure releaseNo electrical equipment installedb) Within 1.5 meters in all directionsZone 1c) More than 1.5 meters but within 4.5 meters in all directions from the release pointZone 2Couplinga) Within 1.5 meters in all directionsZone 1b) More than 1.5 meters but within 4.5 meters in all directionsZone 2LPG Cylinder Storage AreaZone 2

2.8. Provisions on electrical safety

2.8.1. Electrical equipment

2.8.1.1. Electrical equipment used in hazardous areas must be explosion-proof, tested according to regulations, and have a maximum surface temperature rating suitable for each installation location, compatible with the rated voltage and frequency of the power grid.

2.8.1.2. Installation, operation, and maintenance of electrical equipment must strictly follow the approved design and technical instructions provided by the manufacturer.

2.8.1.3. In hazardous fire and explosion areas, non-safe electrical circuits and electronic devices must be placed in explosion-proof electrical cabinets.

2.8.2. Static electricity safety

2.8.2.1. Above-ground pipelines and auxiliary equipment behind flanges must be grounded.

2.8.2.2. Pipeline systems, storage tanks, tanker trucks must share a common grounding system.

2.8.2.3. Grounding of equipment and structures must comply with national technical standards and be regularly inspected.

2.9. Provisions on fire prevention and firefighting

2.9.1. There must be a firefighting plan approved by the competent authority as required.

2.9.2. There must be a fire alarm system and firefighting equipment that meet requirements and are appropriate for the combustible materials at the station.

2.9.3. Warning signs such as "No Fire", "No Smoking", "No Entry Without Duty", "Fire Prevention and Fighting Regulations", fire fighting orders, and other signs as prescribed must be posted. Signs must be written in Vietnamese, in uppercase letters, easily readable, and placed in visible positions. The height of the characters on the signs must be a minimum of 120 mm.

3. Responsibilities of organizations and individuals

3.1. Responsibilities of state management agencies

3.1.1. The Department of Industrial Safety and Environmental Protection shall take the lead and coordinate with relevant agencies and units to guide and inspect the implementation of this Standard.

Based on management requirements, the Department of Industrial Safety and Environmental Protection shall recommend the Minister of Industry and Trade to amend and supplement this Standard.

3.1.2. Provincial Departments of Industry and Trade under the central government shall be responsible for coordinating with relevant agencies to guide and inspect the implementation of the provisions of this Standard within their jurisdiction.

3.2. Responsibilities of organizations and individuals owning LPG refilling stations and those involved in the installation, operation, and use of LPG refilling stations

3.2.1. Organizations and individuals owning LPG refilling stations and those involved in the installation, operation, and use of LPG refilling stations must comply with current laws and regulations on gas business and technical requirements set forth in Chapter II of this Standard.

3.2.2. Organizations and individuals owning LPG refilling stations must develop a safety management program, risk assessment report, and emergency response plan to be approved by the competent authority as required.

If a gas business facility includes production plants, processing facilities, import/export ports, storage warehouses, LPG refilling stations, and adjacent supply stations under the same ownership, then the safety management program, risk assessment report, and emergency response plan will be developed jointly for the entire facility.

3.2.3. Management staff and workers directly involved in the operation, maintenance, repair, storage, receipt and dispatch, and transportation in LPG refilling stations must be trained in safety techniques, fire prevention, and firefighting and must obtain certification as required.