Bulk Tank Storage Compounds

See a typical storage compound layout

Where the general public have uncontrolled access to the tank storage area, it is a requirement to provide a compound around the tanks (where the tanks are above ground) or a demarcated area (where the tanks are beneath the ground). Compounds are constructed using industrial type mesh or palisade fencing at least 1.8m high and should have at least two means of exit. Demarcated areas must prevent vehicular access, with the perimeter of the area typically marked by low fencing or chain secured to posts. Your Calor Project Manager will provide you with detailed information. Compounds and demarcated areas must be erected and secured prior to the first delivery of LPG.

Calor may require legal control over the area where the storage tanks are located. Your local Calor area Sales Specialist will provide you with guidance.

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The following guidance is taken from LPGA COP 1: Part 1 section 2.6

• Storage compounds are usually specified to protect LPG tanks and associated equipment from inadvertent or deliberant interference.
  
• The Code specifies certain criteria where storage compound should be provided and situations where alternative protection may suffice.

• A storage Compound must be installed where LPG is supplied to Multiple consumers where the general public have uncontrolled access, e.g. a Metered Estate, or a mobile home park.
  
• There are specific requirements applicable to Metered Estate installations and reference should be made to the Metered Estate section of the Technical Information Fact File.

The provision for a security fence may be relaxed for tanks of less than 9000 litres water capacity (4 tonnes) providing that access to the valves and fittings, other than the pressure relief valve is denied. Examples of ways that access could be denied are:

• By a substantial ventilated hinged cover capable of being locked in the closed position.
  
• By an open wire mesh fence with lockable access between support piers of tanks with bottom connections between the supports.

Practical applications where this rule may apply:

• At industrial sites where there is surveillance of the installation the site perimeter fence may suffice.
  
• Where the installation is remotely located on site, subject to infrequent surveillance, or where trespass on the site is known, the installation shall be enclosed by its own security fence.

Important note:

• Where a lockable cover is provided the key should be readily available in an emergency. This applies to the tank hood cover and any other covers that may be used to protect other ancillary equipment.
  
• This relaxation should not be applied where the public have uncontrolled access

• The following details are to be read in conjunction with Calor standard compound drawings.
  
• A list of compound drawings is available in this section.

Fencing

• Fencing shall be industrial type e.g. chain link fencing
  
• Minimum height of 1.8 metres
  
• Entrance gates to be non self locking and should not be adjacent to each other.
  
• Gates should open outwards and provide unobstructed means of escape.

Civil works

• The area beneath the tank(s) to be concreted and sloped to prevent the accumulation any of liquid beneath them or its flow to other tanks or important areas. It should be free from any pits and depressions.
  
• The plinth shall be suitable for the load of the tank(s) including gas contents and local ground conditions.
  
• The area between the plinth and fence shall either be concrete or gravel laid on an impervious bed to minimise weed growth.
  
• All materials used within the compound must withstand a minimum of 2 hours fire resistance.

• Wooden fencing of the trellis or "hit and miss" type is sometimes used instead of chain link fencing. This is inappropriate and constitutes a fire hazard as well as impeding ventilation.
  
• Wooden posts have been used instead of concrete or metal posts to support the chain link fencing. This act breaches the use of combustible materials with the separation zone.
  
• Gates installed either in the wrong locations, or fail to open outwards
  
• The area between the plinth and fencing has not been gravelled and just left as compacted soil encouraging prolific weed growth.
  
• Chain link fencing has not been adequately torsioned or secured.
  
• The plinth can be undersized, uneven and sometimes poorly constructed.

Where damage to the storage installation equipment from vehicular traffic is a possibility, precautions against damage should be taken. Suitable protection should be provided to prevent mechanical damage to all parts of the installation, for example by the use of crash barriers or Bollards.

Note : a compound fence does not constitute adequate vehicle protection!

• Protection shall be suitable for the type of vehicles likely to cause damage, ranging from the
  use of kerbing to heavy duty barriers suitable to protect against large HGV
  vehicles.
  
• Where bollards are used they should be adequately spaced to ensure vehicles cannot pass
  through them.
  
• Where barriers or bollards are used without compound fencing they must be sited a suitable distance from the tank(s) and associated equipment bearing in mind that powered vehicles should not park within the specified tank separation distance.
  
• Details of a suitable barrier provider are located in the miscellaneous section of this manual.

Areas for specific consideration are:

• Fork lift Truck and Autogas installations.
  
• Pub or restaurant car parks.
  
• Installations sited near to unloading bays, car parks or traffic routes.

• Evergreen shrubs may be used to screen the compound on one side only, but should not be used as an integral part of the part of the security fence.
  
• A wall may be used on one side only providing it meets the 2 hour fire resistance rating. The wall may be either of solid construction or ornamental walling may be used which as the added benefit of providing good ventilation.

A Firewall may be used on one side only to reduce the separation distance where necessary providing it is sited in accordance with the following guidance:

• It is constructed from brick, concrete or solid masonry
  
• It shall be imperforate (solid construction with no holes)
  
• Achieve a minimum of 30minutes fire resistance
  
• Achieves a minimum of 60 minutes fire resistance where the wall forms part of residential accommodation
  
• The minimum height is 2 metres which allows for both 2000L and 4000L tanks.

Warning notices

• Suitable warning notices should be fixed at appropriate points on the compound fence where they will give effective warning. The signs shall comply with the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996. These are defined in BS 5378 Part 1.
  
• Calor will provide appropriate warning notices. They are available from stock and should be quoted on the CGO. Two of each is usually sufficient.
  
  • Calor ID: 104922: Compound sign (No Smoking No Naked Lights)
  • Calor ID: 104920: Trip Hazard Sign (where low level pipework is used)
  • Calor ID: 104923: Emergency Service Sign (Optional)
    
• Details of suitable fixing points are given on the appropriate Calor compound drawing.

• To be read in conjunction with tank configuration drawings