Subpart F
Yes. Under 1926.153(a)(1) each LP-Gas system must use containers, valves, connectors, manifold valve assemblies, and regulators that are of an approved type — you cannot substitute unapproved or homemade components. See the specific requirement in 1926.153(a)(1).
Yes. Under 1926.153(a)(2) all cylinders must meet the Department of Transportation specification identification requirements found in 49 CFR part 178 for shipping containers. See 1926.153(a)(2).
No. Under 1926.153(b) welding on LP-Gas containers is prohibited because it can weaken the container and risk leaks or explosions. See 1926.153(b).
Valves, fittings, and other accessories connected directly to the container must be rated for at least 250 p.s.i.g. and be made of materials and designed for LP‑Gas service as required by 1926.153(c)(1).
Shutoff valves (except for safety relief connections, liquid-level gauges, and plugged openings) must be located as close to the container as practicable so gas flow can be stopped quickly at the source; this is required by 1926.153(c)(2).
Yes. Under 1926.153(d)(1) every container and vaporizer must have one or more approved safety relief valves or devices, and their discharge must vent freely to the outside air at least 5 feet horizontally away from any building opening below the discharge; see 1926.153(d)(1).
Generally no. Under 1926.153(d)(2) shutoff valves must not be installed between the safety relief device and the container unless the valve arrangement still allows the full required capacity flow through the relief device at all times. See 1926.153(d)(2).
They must be located not less than 5 feet in any direction from air openings into sealed-combustion appliances or mechanical ventilation air intakes, as required by 1926.153(d)(3).
Filling truck or motor vehicle fuel containers from bulk storage must be done at least 10 feet from the nearest masonry-walled building or at least 25 feet from the nearest building or other construction and at least 25 feet from any building opening, per 1926.153(e)(1). Filling portable containers or containers on skids from storage containers must be performed at least 50 feet from the nearest building according to 1926.153(e)(2).
Yes, but only after proper conversion. Under 1926.153(f)(2) an appliance originally manufactured for a gaseous fuel other than LP‑Gas may be used with LP‑Gas only if it is in good condition and has been properly converted, adapted, and tested for LP‑Gas performance before use. See 1926.153(f)(2).
Containers must be upright on firm foundations or otherwise firmly secured, and outlet piping must be protected against settling effects by using a flexible connection or special fitting, per 1926.153(g).
Yes. Under 1926.153(h)(3) systems using containers with a water capacity greater than 2½ pounds (nominal 1‑lb LP‑Gas capacity) that are connected for use must have excess flow valves, either integral to the container valve or in the connection to the container valve outlet. See 1926.153(h)(3).
Regulators must be directly connected to container valves or manifolds suitable for LP‑Gas, and manifolds/fittings to the regulator inlets must be designed for at least 250 p.s.i.g., per 1926.153(h)(4). Hose must be designed for at least 250 p.s.i.g., listed by a nationally recognized testing agency for suitability, and kept as short as practicable, per 1926.153(h)(7).
No. Under 1926.153(h)(6) aluminum piping or tubing shall not be used for LP‑Gas systems. See 1926.153(h)(6).
Portable heaters must have an approved automatic device that shuts off gas to the main burner (and pilot if used) in the event of flame failure, and heaters above 50,000 B.t.u./hr input must have either a pilot that must be lighted and proved before main burner operation or an electrical ignition system; see 1926.153(h)(8).
No — under 1926.153(h)(9) container valves, connectors, regulators, manifolds, piping, and tubing must not be used as structural supports for heaters. Per 1926.153(h)(10), containers and equipment must be located to minimize exposure to high temperatures or physical damage. And 1926.153(h)(11) requires containers over 2½ lb water capacity to stand on a firm, level surface and be secured upright when necessary.
The maximum individual container water capacity is 245 pounds (nominal 100‑lb LP‑Gas capacity) under 1926.153(h)(12).
Heaters (other than integral heater‑container units) must be at least 6 feet from any LP‑Gas container, and blower or radiant heaters must not be directed toward any container within 20 feet, per 1926.153(h)(13). If multiple heater‑container units are in the same unpartitioned area, containers for each unit must be separated from other units by at least 20 feet (1926.153(h)(14)). When heaters are connected to manifolded containers on the same floor, the total water capacity of the manifold must not exceed 735 pounds (nominal 300‑lb LP‑Gas capacity) and manifolds must be separated by at least 20 feet (1926.153(h)(15)).
Valves in multiple‑container systems must be arranged so containers can be replaced without shutting off system flow (1926.153(i)(1)). Heaters must have an approved regulator in the supply line and cylinder connectors must have an excess flow valve to limit flow if the fuel line ruptures (1926.153(i)(2)). Regulators and low‑pressure relief devices must be rigidly attached to cylinder valves, cylinders, supporting standards, or building walls and protected from the elements (1926.153(i)(3)).
Storage of LP‑Gas inside buildings is prohibited under 1926.153(j). For outside storage of containers awaiting use, Table F‑3 in 1926.153(k)(1) sets minimum distances from the nearest building: 0 feet for 500 lbs. or less, 10 feet for 501–6,000 lbs., 20 feet for 6,001–10,000 lbs., and 25 feet for over 10,000 lbs. See 1926.153(k)(1).
Storage locations must have at least one approved portable fire extinguisher with a rating of not less than 20‑B:C as required by 1926.153(l).
Paragraph (m) requires non‑DOT storage containers be designed and classified per Table F‑31 and have minimum design pressures based on the container type as set out in 1926.153(m)(2). Skid tanks used temporarily (≤6 months) need adequate ferrous supports and must meet the skid and elevation requirements in 1926.153(m)(3), including limits on elevation above ground and skid dimensions, and field welding is limited to manufacturer‑applied saddle plates or brackets per 1926.153(m)(4).
When LP‑Gas and one or more other gases are stored or used in the same area, containers must be marked to identify their contents in compliance with American National Standard Z48.1‑1954, as required by 1926.153(n).
When vehicle traffic might damage LP‑Gas systems, employers must take precautions to prevent such damage (for example, barriers or protective bollards) as required by 1926.153(o).
Valves on containers with a water capacity greater than 50 pounds (nominal 20‑lb LP‑Gas capacity) must be protected from damage while in use or storage, per 1926.153(h)(5). Protection can include physical cages, guards, or placement to avoid impacts.
Yes. Under 1926.153(i)(2) cylinder connectors must be provided with an excess flow valve to minimize gas flow if the fuel line is ruptured, and heaters must have an approved regulator in the supply line; see 1926.153(i)(2).
No. Under 1926.153(m)(3)(ii) skid tanks not located on fire‑resisting supports shall not have the outside bottom of the container shell more than 5 feet above ground; if higher elevation is needed, fire‑resisting supports must be provided. See 1926.153(m)(3)(ii).
“Containers in use” means containers that are connected for use according to 1926.153(h)(2). Systems using containers with a water capacity greater than 2½ pounds (nominal 1‑lb LP‑Gas capacity) and connected for use must be equipped with excess flow valves as specified in 1926.153(h)(3).
You must guard against settlement effects on outlet piping by using flexible connections or special fittings as required by 1926.153(g); similarly, where skid tanks are not permanently on fire‑resisting foundations, piping must be sufficiently flexible to minimize breakage or leakage if the container settles or moves per 1926.153(m)(3)(v).
Hose must be as short as practicable to comply with spacing requirements without kinking or straining and must be designed for at least 250 p.s.i.g.; design, construction, performance, and suitability must be determined by listing by a nationally recognized testing agency, according to 1926.153(h)(7) and the spacing provisions of 1926.153(h).
Yes. While 1926.153 sets equipment and siting rules for LP‑Gas, employers must assess workplace hazards and select appropriate PPE when hazards are present; OSHA requires a hazard assessment and written certification when PPE is required (see the PPE interpretation at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2024-03-28 and refer to 1926 for applicable construction standards). The OSHA letter of interpretation on PPE hazard assessment explains that employers must assess hazards and provide PPE based on that assessment (https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2024-03-28).
Field welding is only allowed on saddle plates or brackets that were applied by the tank manufacturer, per 1926.153(m)(4). Welding elsewhere on the tank shell is not permitted.