Circular No. 41/2011/TT-BCT on safety management in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) sector

CIRCULAR

Regulations on Safety Management in the Field of Liquefied Petroleum Gas

Pursuant to Decree No. 189/2007/NĐ-CP dated December 27, 2007 of the Government and Decree No. 44/2011/NĐ-CP dated June 14, 2011 of the Government amending and supplementing Article 3 of Decree No. 189/2007/NĐ-CP dated December 27, 2007 of the Government stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Industry and Trade;

Pursuant to Decree No. 06/CP dated January 20, 1995 of the Government detailing certain provisions of the Labor Code on occupational safety and health;

Pursuant to Decree No. 110/2002/NĐ-CP dated December 27, 2002 amending and supplementing certain articles of Decree No. 06/CP dated January 20, 1995 of the Government detailing certain provisions of the Labor Code on occupational safety and hygiene;

Pursuant to Decree No. 104/2009/NĐ-CP dated November 9, 2009 of the Government stipulating the list of dangerous goods and the transportation of dangerous goods by road motor vehicles;

Pursuant to Decree No. 107/2009/NĐ-CP dated November 26, 2009, promulgated by the Government on the business of liquefied petroleum gas;

Pursuant to Decree No. 42/2017/NĐ-CP of the Government dated April 5, 2017 amending and supplementing certain articles of Decree No. 59/2015/NĐ-CP of the Government dated June 18, 2015 on project management for construction investment;

The Minister of Industry and Trade hereby promulgates regulations on safety management in the field of liquefied petroleum gas as follows:

Chapter 1

General Provisions

Article 1. Scope of Regulation and Applicability

These Circulars stipulate safety management in the field of liquefied petroleum gas, applicable to businesses operating liquefied petroleum gas and related organizations and individuals.

Article 2. Interpretation of Terms

In this Circular, the following terms are understood as follows:

2. A refueling station for LPG cylinders is a station using specialized equipment to refill LPG into cylinders for sale to customers.

3. A refueling station for LPG vehicles is a station using specialized equipment to directly refill LPG into vehicles as fuel for engines.

4. An LPG supply station is a station using specialized equipment to supply LPG from fixed tanks or systems of LPG cylinder clusters through pipelines to customers.

5. An LPG store is a store selling LPG and a store specializing in LPG business.

6. An LPG cylinder inspection station is a station conducting inspections of various types of LPG cylinders.

7. An LPG cylinder manufacturing and repair facility is a facility engaged in the production and repair of LPG cylinders.

8. An LPG storage facility is a facility responsible for receiving, storing, and transferring LPG using tanks.

9. An LPG business entity (LPG business facility) is a facility engaged in the production, processing, receipt, storage, distribution, including: LPG production and processing plants; LPG import and export ports; LPG storage warehouses, LPG cylinder storage warehouses, LPG cylinder stores, refueling stations for LPG cylinders, tanker trucks; Refueling stations for LPG vehicles; LPG supply stations; LPG transportation and leasing of LPG transportation vehicles.

10. An LPG tank is a tank used to store LPG with a capacity of 0.15 cubic meters or more.

11. An aboveground tank is a tank placed on the ground without being covered with sand or soil.

12. An underground tank is a tank buried under the ground and covered with sand or soil.

13. A tank covered with earth is a tank placed on the ground and covered with sand or soil.

14. Safe distance is the minimum distance measured from the outer edge of the equipment or structure (tank, cluster of tanks, tanker truck, loading/unloading point, or refueling station) to the nearest point of adjacent equipment or structures to ensure safety.

15. Hazardous area is an area where the mixture of LPG and air can cause fire or explosion.

16. Fire-resistant wall is a brick or concrete wall or non-combustible material capable of withstanding fire for at least 60 minutes, with a minimum height of 2 meters or higher than the top of the tank, designed to prevent thermal radiation from external fires affecting the tank, while ensuring sufficient distance to disperse LPG vapor so it does not spread to nearby structures or reach external ignition sources when there is a leak of LPG.

17. An LPG pump column is a device or system for measuring the amount of LPG when refilling into the container of the usage vehicle.

18. Protected area is an area with high pedestrian traffic or residence such as residential areas, schools, hospitals, cinemas, theaters, shops, supermarkets, and public entertainment venues, other industrial and civilian buildings.

19. Ignition source is a source of energy leading to the combustion of LPG such as open flames, materials, machinery, or equipment in operation that can generate heat or sparks capable of igniting flammable gas mixtures.

1. Storage facilities for LPG, LPG refilling stations for cylinders, LPG refueling stations for vehicles, and LPG supply stations must establish a safety management system, risk assessment reports, and emergency response plans to be reviewed and approved by competent authorities.

2. In cases where LPG business premises include production workshops, processing plants, ports, storage warehouses, and adjacent LPG refilling stations under the same owner, the risk assessment report and emergency response plan shall be jointly established for such premises.

3. Annually, the facilities specified in Clause 1 of this Article must develop plans to conduct drills of the measures set forth in the approved emergency response plan.

Article 4. General Provisions on Ensuring Safety for LPG Business Premises

1. LPG business premises must be designed, manufactured, installed, and constructed in accordance with national technical standards and relevant laws.

4. The layout of LPG business premises must ensure:

a) Easy access for firefighting vehicles;

b) Ventilation and convenience for the dispersion of LPG in case of leakage, preventing accumulation and pooling of LPG;

c) Prevention of unauthorized access.

Article 5. Provisions on Safe Distances

1. LPG business premises must ensure safe distances between equipment, structures, and the boundary fence of the premises or areas requiring protection.

2. Within the safe distance range of LPG business premises, activities that directly or indirectly pose risks to safety are strictly prohibited.

Article 6. Provisions on Fire Prevention and Fighting

LPG business premises must:

1. Have comprehensive fire prevention and fighting plans.

2. Have fire alarm systems and firefighting equipment meeting requirements and suitable for the flammable materials within the premises.

4. Display signs such as "No Smoking," "No Open Flames," "Unauthorized Personnel Keep Out," "Fire Prevention and Fighting Regulations," fire-fighting instructions, and other prescribed signs. These signs must be written in Vietnamese, in uppercase letters, easily readable, and placed in visible locations. The height of the characters on the signs must be at least 120 mm.

5. Implement measures to control and prevent sources of ignition.

6. Ground all equipment and structures in accordance with national technical standards and periodically inspect them as required.

Chapter 2

Safety for LPG Storage Facilities

LPG storage facilities must comply with Articles 3 to 6 of this Circular and additional measures to prevent fires and explosions and minimize risks from LPG leaks.

Article 8. Provisions on the installation of storage tanks

4. The safe distance from LPG storage tanks to surrounding objects must be ensured according to the provisions set out in Appendix 1 attached hereto.

Article 9. Provisions on operating storage tanks

1. The amount of LPG loaded into storage tanks shall not exceed the prescribed limit. On the level indicator, there must be a mark indicating the maximum loading level.

2. All LPG storage tanks must be protected against corrosion. The protective coating must be inspected no more than once every two years to prevent tank corrosion. The thickness of the tank shell and internal inspection must be conducted periodically but not more frequently than once every five years as prescribed.

1. Above-ground pipelines of LPG storage facilities must have sturdy supports and be painted in the prescribed color.

2. Underground pipelines must be protected against corrosion using appropriate measures. Pipelines must be inspected periodically, and pipeline thickness must be checked as prescribed.

Article 11. Enhanced technical safety measures for LPG storage facilities

In cases where the required distances are not fully met or to enhance safety levels, LPG storage facilities must apply appropriate enhanced technical safety measures as specified in Section 4 of Appendix 1 attached hereto. The reduction in distance allowed for enhanced measures as specified in Section 4 of Appendix 1 attached hereto shall only apply to existing LPG storage facilities and not to new construction facilities.

Chapter 3

Safety at LPG refilling stations

Article 12. General provisions for LPG refilling stations

LPG refilling stations must comply with the provisions from Article 3 to Article 6 of this Circular and the following requirements:

4. Safe distances from storage tanks to surrounding objects, from refilling stations to nearby structures, and to storage tanks are specified in Appendix 1 attached hereto.

Article 13. Pre-refill checks

1. Check the general condition, storage tanks, accessories, and refilling equipment for damage or signs of leakage.

2. Safety devices, measuring instruments, fire prevention and extinguishing equipment must be complete, in good condition, and ready for use.

3. All safety instructions during refilling must be fully implemented. The refilling station must have an approved refilling procedure posted at the refilling location, which includes the maximum refilling level to prevent overfilling.

a) Bottles are past their inspection validity period;

b) Bottles have not been inspected or the inspection validity period cannot be determined.

a) The weight marking on the bottle body is unreadable or missing;

b) The bottle has defects or damage to the handle or collar ring;

c) The bottle has physical defects in the bottle wall;

d) Visible corrosion is present on the bottle;

đ) The bottle has burn marks from arc welding or fire;

e) The bottle, valve, or pressure relief mechanism (if installed) is leaking or damaged.

6. Strictly prohibit refilling LPG into bottles owned by others without a LPG refilling contract with the refilling station, and bottles of unknown origin.

Article 14. Evaluation for Removal and Repair of Containers

1. The evaluation for removal of containers must be carried out by the container owner in accordance with the provisions set forth in Section 5 of TCVN 7762:2007 - Containers for Gas. Welded steel refillable containers used for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) shall follow the pre-, during, and post-filling inspection procedures.

2. Containers that do not ensure safety must be destroyed to prevent reuse.

3. Container repairs can only be performed at production and repair facilities that meet the required conditions and have been issued a certificate of qualification.

Article 15. Filling LPG into LPG Containers

2. Containers filled beyond the limit must have excess LPG removed until they reach the prescribed fill level (weight, volume). When removing excess LPG, it must be done according to the safe procedure and direct discharge into the environment is prohibited.

3. All containers overfilled after excess removal must be rechecked for fill level.

1. Storage warehouses of LPG filling stations must have equipment for detecting and warning of LPG leaks.

2. LPG container storage areas must ensure good ventilation and shall not be stored in lower areas than the surrounding ground level, in basements, or underground floors.

3. Outdoor LPG container storage areas from 1000 kg and above must be divided into smaller lots. Unfilled LPG container storage areas must be at least 03 (three) meters away from filled LPG container storage areas. Indoor LPG container storage areas must meet the requirements regarding storage quantity and location as stipulated in Section 5.3 of TCVN 6304:1997 - Containers for Liquefied Petroleum Gas. Safety requirements for storage, handling, and transportation.

Chapter 4

Safety at LPG Supply Stations

Article 17. General Provisions for LPG Supply Stations

LPG supply stations must comply with the provisions from Article 3 to Article 6 of this Circular and the following requirements:

2. Major components such as tanks, pipelines, vaporizers must be surrounded by fences. Where fencing cannot be installed, major components must be within the boundary fence of the facility.

5. Must promptly respond to customer reports of safety issues related to LPG usage and take corrective actions.

Tanks installed in LPG supply stations must comply with the provisions of Articles 8 and 9 of this Circular and the following requirements:

1. Tanks shall not be installed in underground floors.

2. The distance from LPG tanks to other flammable liquid tanks with a flash point below 60°C shall not be less than 7 meters.

Article 19. Provisions for LPG refueling stations using cylinder storage systems

Clause 1. The maximum allowable capacity of the cylinder storage warehouse is 1000 kg.

Clause 2. Cylinder storage warehouses may be placed within industrial residential buildings only if their capacity is less than 700 kg and must ensure ventilation and fire prevention safety. Cylinder storage warehouses must be separated from other parts of the building by fire-resistant walls, ceilings, and floors with a minimum fire resistance limit of 150 minutes.

Clause 3. Cylinder storage warehouses equipped with pipe collection systems must be located in buildings with non-combustible roofing.

Clause 4. Cylinder storage warehouses outside residential and industrial buildings must be isolated from other buildings or adjacent site boundaries with a minimum distance of 1 meter for warehouses with a capacity under 400 kg; 3 meters for warehouses with a capacity between 400 kg to 1000 kg.

Article 20. Provisions for vaporizers

When installing vaporizers at LPG refueling stations, the following regulations must be adhered to:

Clause 1. Vaporizers must be installed safely to prevent explosions and must be at least 1.5 meters away from storage tanks or cylinders, and at least 3 meters away from the nearest building.

Clause 2. If vaporizers are installed inside a building, they must be placed on the ground floor (first floor), which must not be lower than the surrounding ground level, and must ensure adequate ventilation.

Clause 1. At the entrance for tank trucks, speed limit signs must be posted.

Clause 2. The area for receiving tank trucks must have clear markings, position indicators for tank truck reception, and must restrict unauthorized personnel from passing through during LPG loading into storage tanks.

Clause 3. The front end of the tank truck must face the main road or emergency exit when loading LPG to avoid obstruction during emergency evacuation.

Article 22. Fire-resistant partition walls

Clause 1. Fire-resistant partition walls must not have any gaps and must be constructed firmly with bricks, concrete, or other materials, ensuring a minimum fire resistance limit of 150 minutes.

Clause 2. The height of the fire-resistant partition wall of the storage warehouse must be at least 0.5 meters higher than the storage tank.

Chapter 5

Safety for LPG refueling into automobiles

Article 23. General provisions for LPG refueling stations for automobiles

LPG refueling stations must comply with the provisions from Article 3 to Article 6 of this Circular and the following requirements:

Clause 2. LPG refueling stations for automobiles must ensure good ventilation, no obstructions around them, and protective fencing or measures to prevent unauthorized access to the storage tank area.

Article 24. Provisions for floating storage tanks in LPG refueling stations for automobiles

Clause 1. Floating storage tanks must not be placed within buildings or alongside other flammable liquid storage areas and must maintain a minimum distance of 3 meters from surrounding fences.

Clause 2. Floating tanks with a volume under 0.5 cubic meters can be placed in protected areas provided they maintain a safe distance of at least 3 meters from any object. When arranged in clusters, the number of tanks must not exceed five.

Clause 3. Tanks must not be stacked on top of each other. Tanks in clusters must be placed side by side, and the ends of the tanks must face away from any nearby hazardous, flammable, or easily ignitable substances or gases.

Clause 4. The minimum distance from the edge of the floating storage tank to surrounding objects must comply with the provisions of Section 1 of Appendix 2 attached to this Circular.

Clause 5. The distance from the floating storage tank to other storage tanks and flammable material storage areas must comply with the provisions of Section 2 of Appendix 2 attached to this Circular.

Article 25. Provisions for underground storage tanks at LPG refueling stations

2. If part or all of the tank is above ground, the portion above ground must be covered with sand or soil to a thickness of at least 600mm radius. For earth-covered tanks without surrounding walls, the slope of the covering layer shall not cause the covering material to slide.

3. When arranged in clusters, tanks shall not be stacked on top of each other.

4. The minimum distance from underground storage tanks to surrounding objects shall comply with the provisions set out in Section 3 of Appendix 2 attached hereto.

1. LPG pump columns must be placed at least 10 meters away from LPG storage tanks.

2. Pump columns and connection points for LPG refueling hoses for vehicles must be located in well-ventilated outdoor areas with roof coverings.

3. A detachable coupling must be installed between the pump column and flexible hose for supplying LPG to vehicles.

Article 27. Fire prevention and firefighting provisions

LPG refueling stations must comply with fire prevention and firefighting regulations stipulated in Article 6 of this Circular and the following provisions:

3. When using fire-resistant partitions: the top of the partition must be higher than the tank by 0.5 meters. The arrangement of fire-resistant partitions and the distance from floating tanks to fire-resistant partitions must comply with the provisions in Figure 2 of Appendix 2 attached hereto and the national technical standards.

Chapter 6

Safety for LPG retail stores

Article 28. General provisions for LPG retail stores

LPG retail stores must comply with relevant provisions from Article 3 to Article 6 of this Circular and the following requirements:

1. Must comply with conditions stipulated in Articles 29 to 32 of Decree No. 107/2009/NĐ-CP, obtain a Business Condition Certificate for LPG sales, and comply with the provisions of this Circular.

1. The minimum floor area for a store is 12 square meters.

2. The store must be isolated from ignition sources by at least 3 meters in the direction without fire-resistant walls; if there are fire-resistant walls, no distance requirement applies between ignition sources and the store.

1. Only empty LPG cylinders may be displayed on advertising racks.

2. Cylinder storage areas must ensure good ventilation. They shall not be placed in enclosed rooms or basements. In cases where there is a warehouse, it must have at least one main door and one emergency exit leading outside.

3. LPG cylinders shall not be stored in entrance areas or public walkways.

4. LPG cylinders sold to customers must remain sealed, absolutely tight, and meet quality, weight, and registered labeling requirements.

5. Cylinder repair and LPG refilling operations are strictly prohibited at the store.

6. Refilled mini-LPG cylinders are forbidden for sale (cylinders are only allowed to be filled once).

Chapter 7

Safety in the use and transportation of LPG cylinders

Article 31. General Provisions on the Use and Transportation of LPG Containers

1. LPG containers must:

đ) Have a place of origin that is consistent with the purchase and sale contract or the agency sales contract for LPG and comply with the requirements stipulated in Articles 20 and 21 of Decree No. 107/2009/NĐ-CP.

Motorcycles (two-wheeled) transporting LPG containers must have a secure rack, the container must always be in an upright position, and the container valve must face upwards. It is strictly prohibited to transport LPG containers together with people in elevators.

1. Must provide guidance materials and directly guide customers on necessary safety information when using LPG, preventive measures, and steps to handle LPG leaks; the process of using gas stoves, LPG containers, and accompanying accessories for customers using gas stoves and LPG containers from the store.

2. Check the tightness of the container valve, connections, and flexible hoses after new installation or replacing LPG containers, with witnesses present during the inspection and signing confirmation on the customer's delivery receipt.

3. Only replace and supply customers with accessories that ensure safe use and are specifically designed for use with LPG; Flexible hoses must be types that prevent or protect against rodent damage.

4. Inform customers about their rights and responsibilities to ensure safety when using LPG, specifically:

a) Detailed information about the LPG container provided to the customer: Place of origin, proper sealing, product trademark, LPG volume, and container inspection validity period;

b) If an unsafe LPG container is discovered, posing a fire or explosion risk (LPG odor leaking due to non-tight valves or accessories), stop using it immediately and report to the LPG store for prompt repair; Do not attempt self-repair or replacement of equipment;

c) In cases where customers switch to another trader's LPG container or no longer need the LPG container, customers must inform the selling LPG store so that the store can recover the LPG container.

1. Cars transporting LPG containers must be granted a permit for transporting hazardous goods according to current regulations.

2. Containers must be stacked vertically, with the container valve facing upwards. For containers with a capacity over 99 liters, only one layer stacking is allowed. Containers with a capacity under 99 liters may be stacked in two or more layers but must not exceed the height of the vehicle and must have a wooden board between each layer.

3. Parking cars near sources of ignition, places with many people, and heavy traffic is prohibited. In cases where cars temporarily park for loading and unloading, they must be parked in a safe location for people and not obstruct other vehicles.

Article 35. Safety Regulations for Transporting LPG Containers by Waterway

1. When transporting LPG containers by waterway, the regulations on transporting dangerous goods of the maritime industry must be followed.

2. LPG containers within the ship's hold or cargo hold must be naturally ventilated or equipped with mechanical exhaust fans, with the air intake placed at the lowest point of the storage area.

3. LPG containers shall not be transported in fully enclosed containers.

4. The storage area for LPG containers must be equipped with an automatic fire alarm system and a water sprinkling system.

Article 36. Safety Regulations for Transporting LPG Containers by Railways

When transporting LPG containers by railways, all regulations on transporting dangerous goods of the railway industry must be strictly adhered to.

Chapter 8

Safety in the handling and transportation of LPG using tanks

Drivers, escorts, and warehouse managers must undergo safety training and obtain a Safety Training Certificate in accordance with Article 11 of Decree No. 104/2009/NĐ-CP dated November 9, 2009, issued by the Government, which stipulates the list of dangerous goods and the transportation of dangerous goods by road motor vehicles. The organization of training and issuance of safety training certificates shall be carried out in accordance with Clause 4 of Article 52 of this Circular.

Article 38. Provisions for Tank Trucks and Tank Cars

2. On each side and rear of every LPG tank, hazard symbols and warning signs must be affixed according to the model provided in Appendix 3 attached to this Circular.

3. Emergency contact numbers must be displayed on the truck cab and body, with the height of the characters not less than 40 mm.

4. LPG tanks and measuring devices on tank trucks and tank cars must comply with relevant national technical standards and be inspected in accordance with the regulations.

Article 39. Provisions for Handling LPG by Tank Trucks and Tank Cars

1. General Provisions

a) Only vehicles involved in handling LPG and other necessary equipment for station operations may enter the storage, export, and import areas for LPG.

b) The driver must remain on duty at the vehicle entry and exit area throughout the LPG export and import process. Immediately after completion of handling, the vehicle must be moved out of the station area.

c) Sources of ignition must be monitored and appropriate safety measures applied during LPG handling, specifically:

- Engines must be turned off within a minimum radius of 5 meters around the LPG export and import points, except for dedicated engines driving pumps and compressors for LPG export and import.

- Smoking, open flames, welding, cutting metal, handheld electrical tools, mobile phones, messaging devices, and other sources of ignition are prohibited within a radius of 15 meters.

- When exporting LPG from tank trucks to on-site storage tanks, air circulation devices such as large fans within a radius of 15 meters from the LPG export point must be turned off. Machines and equipment with open flames, sparks, or heat sources must also be turned off.

d) When parking for LPG handling, warning signs "STOP" and "NO FIRE" must be placed at both ends of the tank truck. Tank cars must have measures to prevent collisions with other cars or locomotives.

đ) Before exporting LPG, it must be confirmed that the receiving LPG tank and its accessories meet the required safety conditions. The person exporting LPG from the tank truck or tank car must ensure the capacity, remaining quantity, and received quantity of the receiving LPG tank.

a) While waiting for LPG handling, the tank truck must park in a safe location with appropriate barriers, at least 7 meters away from sources of fire, with the front of the tank truck facing the nearest emergency exit. The tank truck shall not be parked or operated in a fully enclosed building.

b) Before performing LPG handling operations, the tank truck must be grounded and the tires securely chocked.

c) During LPG handling at the station, the tank truck must be parked at the designated position of the station. The parking position for the tank truck during LPG export and import must facilitate pipe connection and valve operation, with the front of the truck facing the exit route. The exit route of the truck must be unobstructed throughout the LPG handling process.

Article 40. Safety Regulations for Transporting LPG Containers

1. Transporting LPG Containers by Road Vehicles

a) The driver of the tanker must comply with all regulations of the road transport sector regarding the transportation of dangerous goods;

b) Tankers carrying cargo shall not be parked overnight, in public places, or on the roadside for more than two hours, except in cases where the tanker is broken down or waiting to deliver goods, and must ensure:

 - Not parking under power lines;

- Parking at least 15 meters away from residential areas;

- Avoiding proximity to open flames;

 - Avoiding locations with flammable and explosive materials.

2. Transporting LPG Containers by Rail and Waterway Safety in the receipt, delivery, and transportation of LPG using containers by rail and waterway must comply with current regulations.

Chapter 9

LPG Cylinder Testing Station

Article 41. General Provisions for LPG Cylinder Testing Stations

1. LPG cylinder testing stations must have legal personality and be issued a Certificate of Eligibility for LPG Cylinder Testing in accordance with point c Clause 1 Article 56 of Decree No. 107/2009/NĐ-CP.

2. LPG cylinder testing stations must meet the conditions stipulated in Article 43 of this Circular.

1. Periodic testing of LPG cylinders must be conducted according to the manufacturer's specifications but not exceeding five years since the last test. For cylinders over twenty years old, periodic testing must not exceed two years.

2. The surface of the cylinder must be cleaned when conducting periodic testing. Repainting the cylinder and replacing the cylinder valve must be done during periodic testing.

3. LPG cylinder testing must be carried out strictly in accordance with the steps specified in the approved testing procedures.

Article 43. Conditions for Issuing the Certificate of Eligibility for LPG Cylinder Testing

LPG cylinder testing stations can only be issued a Certificate of Eligibility for LPG Cylinder Testing if they meet the following requirements:

1. They must have complete safety regulations and cylinder testing procedures approved by management in accordance with the provisions.

2. They must have all necessary equipment for testing, specifically:

a) Equipment for recovering remaining LPG in the cylinder;

b) Equipment for measuring metal thickness and ultrasonic welding inspection;

c) Equipment for installing and removing cylinder valves;

d) Equipment for pressure and leak testing;

đ) Equipment for removing water;

e) Equipment for internal inspection;

g) Equipment for cleaning the surface;

h) Scales;

i) Equipment for stamping;

k) Vacuum equipment. All equipment must have technical specifications and capacity suitable for the station's testing capacity.

3. They must have sufficient staff for testing. Direct testing personnel must be trained in specialized knowledge and safety in cylinder testing and have at least two years of work experience.

4. They must have complete fire prevention and firefighting plans approved, along with firefighting equipment as prescribed.

The documents for application to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility for Inspection include:

1. An application form for obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility for an inspection station for LPG cylinder testing according to the model prescribed in Appendix 4 of this Circular.

2. A copy of the Business Registration Certificate or Decision on Establishment of the unit.

3. List of staff and workers at the cylinder inspection station, along with their job assignments.

4. Copies of professional certificates, safety training, and fire prevention and firefighting training of staff and workers at the cylinder inspection station.

5. List of equipment for cylinder inspection work.

6. List of operational procedures and safety regulations for inspection equipment.

7. Cylinder inspection procedures of the inspection station and safety regulations for the inspection station.

1. The entity with a cylinder inspection station shall submit directly or send by post the application documents for obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility for LPG cylinder inspection to the Ministry of Industry and Trade (Department of Safety and Environmental Technology).

2. The Department of Safety and Environmental Technology will check the validity and completeness of the documents. In cases where the documents are incomplete or invalid, within five working days, they will notify the entity in writing to complete the documents.

3. Within seven working days from the date of receiving valid documents, the Department of Safety and Environmental Technology will review, assess, and request the Ministry of Industry and Trade to issue a Certificate of Eligibility for LPG cylinder inspection according to the model attached in Appendix 5 of this Circular.

4. The Certificate of Eligibility for LPG cylinder inspection will be issued to each inspection station and is valid for two years from the date of issuance. One month before the expiration date of the Certificate, the entity with the inspection station must submit documents to the Ministry of Industry and Trade requesting issuance of a Certificate of Eligibility for the subsequent period.

Chapter 10

Production and repair facilities for A LPG cylinders

Article 46. General Provisions for Production and Repair Facilities for LPG Cylinders

Production and repair facilities for LPG cylinders will be granted a Certificate of Eligibility for LPG cylinder production and repair when meeting the following requirements:

1. Having all safety regulations and manufacturing processes for LPG cylinders, as well as quality control procedures for products after manufacturing, approved by the facility's leadership.

2. Having inspection equipment that meets the requirements for safety and quality inspection of LPG cylinders after manufacturing, specifically:

a) Pressure testing system: capable of generating pressure not less than 3 MPa;

b) Leak detection system;

c) Non-destructive testing equipment: equipment for weld quality inspection, ultrasonic thickness measurement equipment;

d) Material composition and mechanical property testing equipment;

đ) Weight measuring equipment;

e) Torque measurement equipment.

3. Having sufficient personnel to operate inspection equipment and welders who meet the following requirements:

a) Technical staff operating inspection equipment must be professionally trained and undergo safety technical training as prescribed;

b) Welders of LPG cylinders must hold a certificate for welding pressure equipment as prescribed.

4. They must have complete fire prevention and firefighting plans approved, along with firefighting equipment as prescribed.

The documents for application for Certificate of Eligibility for Production and Repair of LPG Containers include:

1. An application form for the Certificate of Eligibility in accordance with the model prescribed in Appendix 6 of this Circular;

2. A copy of the Business Registration Certificate or Decision on Establishment of the unit.

3. List of technical staff, equipment operators, and pressure welders.

4. Copies of professional certificates and safety training certificates of technical staff, equipment operators, and pressure welders.

5. List of equipment used for inspecting LPG containers.

6. List of procedures and regulations on safe manufacturing of LPG containers.

7. Typical manufacturing process for one LPG container (including durability calculations).

8. Quality inspection process for LPG containers after manufacturing.

1. The production and repair facility for LPG containers shall submit directly or send by post the application documents for the Certificate of Eligibility for Production and Repair of LPG Containers to the Ministry of Industry and Trade (Department of Safety Technology and Environmental Protection).

2. The Department of Safety and Environmental Technology will check the validity and completeness of the documents. In cases where the documents are incomplete or invalid, within five working days, they will notify the entity in writing to complete the documents.

3. Within seven working days from the date of receipt of valid documents, the Department of Safety Technology and Environmental Protection will examine, assess, and submit to the Ministry of Industry and Trade for issuance of the Certificate of Eligibility for Production and Repair of LPG Containers according to the model in Appendix 7 attached to this Circular.

4. The Certificate of Eligibility for Production and Repair of LPG Containers is valid for five years from the date of issuance. One month before the expiry date of the Certificate, the production and repair facility for LPG containers must submit the application documents to the Ministry of Industry and Trade for renewal of the Certificate for the next period.

Chapter 11

Implementation

Article 50. Responsibilities of the Department of Safety Technology and Environmental Protection

1. Direct, guide, and inspect the implementation of safety work in the LPG sector.

Direct market management forces to cooperate with relevant agencies to organize inspections and supervision of LPG business establishments and related organizations and individuals nationwide regarding compliance with this Circular and other relevant laws on LPG business.

Article 52. Responsibilities of Provincial Departments of Industry and Trade

1. Guide and inspect the implementation of safety regulations in the LPG sector for business establishments within their jurisdiction.

Within one year from the date this Decree takes effect, insurance enterprises currently operating both life insurance and non-life insurance businesses must complete the procedures to separate their life insurance business operations from their non-life insurance business operations.

1. For LPG storage facilities, LPG refilling stations, LPG vehicle refueling stations, and LPG supply stations operating before the effective date of this Circular, if they do not meet the requirements of this Circular, they must implement corrective measures and enhanced safety measures.

2. Five years after the effective date of this Circular, all LPG business establishments specified in Clause 1 of this Article must fully comply with the provisions of this Circular.

Article 54. Implementation Provisions

1. In cases where there are different provisions on safety distances in legal normative documents and national technical standards, the provisions shall be applied according to the specialized legal normative documents and national technical standards for LPG or those with higher requirements.

2. This Circular takes effect from February 1, 2012./.