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AS/NZS 1596:2026
[Current]The storage and handling of LP Gas
AS/NZS 1596:2026 specifies requirements for the location, design, construction, commissioning and operation of installations for the storage and handling of LP Gas and other heavier than air flammable gases, and includes the management of emergencies.
Published: 06/03/2026
Pages: 197
Table of contents
Cited references
Content history
Table of contents
Header
About this publication
Preface
1 Scope and general
1.1 Scope and objective
1.2 Application
1.3 Normative references
1.4 Terms and definitions
2 Minor storage and usage
2.1 Introduction
2.2 General
2.3 Minor storage and usage of LP Gas
2.4 Groups of temporary structures in which LP Gas is used
3 General requirements
3.1 Scope of section
3.2 Restrictions on ignition sources
3.3 Pipes
3.3.1 Design for pressure
3.3.2 Joints in other than copper pipes
3.3.3 Joints in copper pipes
3.3.4 Flexible pipe connections
3.3.5 Expansion flexibility
3.4 Control of access
3.5 Separation distances
3.5.1 General
3.5.2 Separation to protected places on adjoining properties
3.5.3 Changed site conditions
3.6 Firewalls, vapour barriers and thermal screens
3.6.1 General
3.6.2 Vapour barriers
3.6.3 Firewalls
3.6.4 Thermal screens
3.7 Regulators
3.7.1 General
3.7.2 Location
3.7.3 Venting
3.7.4 Overpressure protection
3.7.5 Pressure test point
3.8 Transfer hoses
3.9 Transfer hose couplings
3.9.1 General
3.9.2 Tank transfer hose couplings
3.9.3 Cylinder transfer hose couplings
3.10 Pumps and compressors
3.10.1 Suitability and location
3.10.2 Pressure limitation
3.10.3 Pumps
3.10.4 Compressors
4 Cylinders and cylinder systems
4.1 Scope of section
4.2 Cylinders
4.2.1 General
4.2.2 Exchange-fill cylinders
4.2.3 In situ fill cylinders
4.2.4 Cylinders to be filled by decanting
4.2.5 Liquid withdrawal cylinders
4.2.6 Butane cylinders
4.3 Regulators and piping for cylinder systems
4.3.1 Regulators
4.3.2 Piping
4.4 Cylinders in use
4.4.1 General
4.4.2 Location of cylinders
4.4.3 Prohibited locations for cylinders
4.4.4 Cylinders indoors
4.4.4.1 General
4.4.4.2 Volumes of LP Gas indoors — Cylinders
4.4.4.3 Volumes of LP Gas indoors — Non-refillable containers
4.4.5 Cylinders outdoors
4.4.6 Hazardous area and controlled area requirements
4.4.7 Cylinders on a verandah
4.4.8 Cylinders under a building supported by piers
4.4.9 Cylinders in enclosure or recess
4.4.10 Cylinders in public locations
4.4.11 Installing cylinders
4.4.12 Additional requirements for cylinders for in situ filling
4.5 Cylinder storage
4.5.1 General
4.5.2 Site requirements
4.5.3 Separation distances
4.5.4 Cylinder storage and handling
4.5.5 Ventilation of cylinder stores
4.5.5.1 General requirements
4.5.5.2 Natural ventilation
4.5.5.3 Mechanical ventilation
4.6 Exchange facilities for portable cylinders
4.7 Storage of LP Gas cylinders on trolleys
4.8 Cylinder loading and unloading areas
4.8.1 General
4.8.2 Location of cylinders in loading and unloading areas
4.8.3 Ignition sources
5 Components for tank systems
5.1 Scope of section
5.2 Tank design and construction
5.2.1 Materials of construction
5.2.2 New Zealand requirements
5.2.3 Australian requirements
5.3 Control of LP Gas outflow
5.3.1 Minimization of outflow
5.3.2 Safety valves
5.3.3 Openings for gauges
5.3.4 Shutdown system
5.3.4.1 General
5.3.4.2 Primary shutdown system
5.3.4.3 Secondary shutdown system
5.3.5 Tanks larger than 200 kL
5.4 Safety valves
5.4.1 Provision of safety valves
5.4.2 Discharge provisions
5.4.3 Reserve safety valves
5.5 Valves and accessories
5.5.1 Suitability
5.5.2 Metal parts
5.5.2.1 General
5.5.2.2 Additional requirements
5.5.2.3 Exceptions
5.5.3 Marking of valve indicators
5.5.4 Filling connections on tanks
5.5.5 Liquid level and contents gauges
5.5.6 Pressure gauges
5.5.7 Temperature gauges
5.5.8 Provisions for emptying tanks
5.6 Vapourisers
5.6.1 Design and construction
5.6.2 Marking
6 Tank system installation
6.1 Scope of section
6.2 Tank spacing and separation distances
6.2.1 General location and spacing
6.2.2 Tanks in groups
6.2.3 Aerial wiring systems
6.2.4 Distances to other gas storages
6.2.5 On-site storages of other dangerous goods and flammable or combustible materials
6.3 Tank site conditions
6.3.1 Ground conditions
6.3.2 Ventilation and access
6.4 Tank foundations and supports
6.4.1 Foundations and supports
6.4.2 Fire resistance of supports
6.4.3 Expansion provisions
6.5 Flame impingement
6.6 Connections for tank filling and tanker loading
6.6.1 Filling connection
6.6.2 Direct connection
6.6.3 Remote connection
6.6.4 Tanker loading
6.6.5 Access for contents gauging
6.6.6 Hose venting
6.6.7 Separation distances
6.7 Emergency shutdown system
6.7.1 General design
6.7.1.1 General
6.7.1.2 Shut-off valves
6.7.1.3 Use of LP Gas vapour
6.7.2 Fire actuation
6.7.3 Manual actuation
6.7.4 Tank-to-tanker and tanker-to-tank transfer protection
6.8 Piping
6.8.1 Interconnected tanks
6.8.2 Liquid lines between valves
6.8.3 Piping system
6.8.4 Piping drain or bleed valves
6.8.5 Support of piping
6.8.6 Piping within buildings
6.8.7 Underground piping
6.8.8 Identification of pipes
6.8.9 Pipework testing
6.9 Vapouriser installation
6.9.1 Compatibility check
6.9.2 Shelter
6.9.3 Location
6.10 Security and impact protection
6.10.1 Tank security
6.10.2 Security fences
6.10.3 Lockable enclosures
6.10.4 Impact protection
6.11 Lightning and static electrical discharge protection
6.11.1 Lightning protection
6.11.2 Static electrical discharge protection during bulk transfer
6.12 Ladders, steps and platforms
6.13 Markings and notices
6.14 Lighting
6.15 Unodourized gas installations
6.15.1 General
6.15.2 Emergency shutdown system
6.15.3 Installation and use of detectors
6.15.4 Function
6.15.5 Signage
7 Underground tank installations
7.1 Scope and application of section
7.2 Corrosion control
7.2.1 General
7.2.2 Testing of coating
7.3 Location and installation
7.3.1 Tank location
7.3.2 Tanks in groups
7.3.3 Tank covering
7.3.4 Anchoring
7.3.5 Tank branches and tappings
7.3.6 Gas storages other than LP Gas
7.4 Access, protection, fittings and accessories
7.4.1 Access
7.4.2 Protection for above-ground equipment
7.4.3 Access pits
7.4.4 Contents gauging
7.5 Discharge from safety relief devices
7.5.1 Discharge rate
7.5.2 Point of discharge
7.6 Out-of-service underground tanks
8 Cylinder filling installations — Australia
8.1 Scope of section
8.2 General requirements
8.2.1 Pumping rate
8.2.2 Filling by mass
8.2.3 Filling by volume
8.2.4 Suitability of gas supply
8.3 Cylinder filling area
8.3.1 Location of filling point
8.3.2 Adjacent storage
8.3.3 Ventilation
8.3.4 Emergency shutdown
8.4 Decanting
8.4.1 Restrictions
8.4.2 Decanting equipment
8.4.3 Location of the decanting cylinder or tank
8.4.3.1 Decanting cylinders (supply cylinder)
8.4.3.2 Decanting tanks
8.4.3.3 Location of decanting installation
8.4.4 Positioning of cylinder to be filled
8.4.5 Security of equipment
8.4.6 Notices
8.5 Cylinder to forklift and automotive cylinder — Filling by pump
8.5.1 General
8.5.2 Application
8.5.3 Pump rate
8.5.4 Frames
8.5.5 Piping
8.5.6 System components
8.5.7 Filling requirements
8.5.8 Hose reach zone
8.5.9 Cylinder filling area
8.5.10 Fire safety
8.5.11 Positioning of cylinder to be filled
8.5.12 Notices
8.5.13 Supervision and training
9 Cylinder filling installations — New Zealand
9.1 Scope of section
9.2 General requirements
9.2.1 Definitions
9.2.2 Filling by weight
9.2.3 Filling by volume
9.2.4 Ventilation
9.2.5 Ignition sources
9.2.6 Use of vapour barriers
9.2.7 Use of firewalls
9.2.8 Security
9.2.9 Signage
9.2.10 Emergency shutdown devices
9.3 Cylinder filling area
9.3.1 Separation distances
9.3.2 Adjacent storage
9.3.3 Forecourt filling
9.4 Decanting
9.4.1 Capacity restrictions
9.4.2 Decanting connection
9.4.3 Location of decanting areas
9.4.4 Arrangement of cylinders
9.4.5 Decanting from tanks
10 Automotive filling installations
10.1 Introduction
10.2 Common requirements
10.2.1 Tank and pump piping
10.2.2 Filling areas
10.2.2.1 Illumination
10.2.2.2 Hose reach zones
10.2.2.3 Vehicle filling areas
10.3 Dispensing systems
10.3.1 General design
10.3.2 Style A dispenser systems
10.3.3 Dispensing hoses
10.3.4 Dispensing nozzles
10.3.5 Filler caps
10.4 Notices, signs and instructions
10.5 Specific requirements for service stations
10.5.1 Introduction
10.5.2 Above-ground storage tanks (Australia only)
10.5.3 Spillage control
10.5.4 Connections for tank filling
10.5.5 Provisions for emptying tanks
10.5.6 Location of LP Gas dispensers
10.5.7 Dispenser service lines
10.5.8 Piping for above-ground tanks
10.5.9 Pump bypass
10.5.10 Location of pumps
10.5.11 Use of thermal screens and fire walls
10.5.12 Tanker access and egress
10.5.13 Tanker unloading position
10.5.14 Remote shutdown systems
10.5.15 Impact protection
10.5.16 Dispenser systems
10.5.17 Locking provisions
10.5.18 Self-service
10.5.18.1 General design
10.5.18.2 Limitations
10.5.18.3 Control and supervision facilities
10.5.18.4 Additional requirements for access card-operated dispensers
10.5.19 Decanting cylinders
10.6 Site suitability for service stations
10.7 Land use controls for service stations
10.7.1 General
10.7.2 Separation distances
10.7.2.1 General
10.7.2.2 Sensitive uses
10.7.2.3 Residential uses
10.7.2.4 Recreational/commercial uses
10.7.2.5 Places of regular occupancy
10.7.2.6 Ancillary services
10.7.3 Population limit areas
10.7.3.1 General
10.7.3.2 Equivalent population factor
10.7.3.3 Occupancy rates
10.7.3.4 Separation distances and equivalent population values
10.8 Safety management system for service stations
10.9 Filling of other than automotive cylinders at service stations (Australia only)
10.9.1 Dispenser requirements
10.9.2 Cylinder requirements
10.9.3 Operational requirements
11 Operations
11.1 Scope of section
11.2 General precautions
11.2.1 Requirements
11.2.2 Odour
11.2.3 Initial pre-delivery checks
11.2.4 Subsequent pre-delivery checks
11.2.5 Post-delivery checks
11.2.6 Tanks out of service
11.2.6.1 General
11.2.6.2 Underground tanks
11.2.7 Changed usage of tanks
11.2.8 Post-installation site work
11.3 Establishment of procedures
11.3.1 Procedures required
11.3.2 Documentation of procedures
11.3.3 Review and upkeep of procedures
11.3.4 Operating procedures
11.3.5 Construction and maintenance procedures
11.3.6 Emergency procedures
11.3.7 Training
11.3.7.1 Employees
11.3.7.2 Contractors
11.3.7.3 Visitors
11.3.7.4 Specialists
11.3.7.5 Refresher training
11.4 Conformance, supervision and records
11.4.1 Conformity with procedures
11.4.2 Supervision
11.4.3 Records
11.5 Construction, inspection, testing and maintenance
11.5.1 Installation certification
11.5.2 Scheduled checks
11.5.3 Tanks
11.5.4 Piping
11.5.5 Hoses
11.5.6 Flexible connections
11.5.7 Protective flow-control valves
11.5.8 Authorization of work
11.5.9 Safe work procedures
11.5.10 Work preparation
11.5.11 Completion of work
11.5.12 Site upkeep
11.6 Specific operating procedures
11.6.1 Commissioning of new or modified equipment
11.6.2 Outlets not in use
11.6.3 Personnel safety
11.6.4 Security measures
11.7 Preparations for the transport or removal of storage tanks
11.8 Tanker operations
11.8.1 Delivery vehicles
11.8.2 Tanker loading procedures
11.8.3 Check of accessories
11.8.4 Refuelling
11.8.5 Parking and garaging
11.8.6 Tanker servicing and repair
11.9 General precautions for tanker transfer
11.9.1 Suitability of gases
11.9.2 Condition of installation
11.9.3 Advice of delivery
11.9.4 Safety of hoses
11.9.5 Use of personal protective equipment
11.9.6 Tanker locations
11.9.7 Multiple tanker transfer operations
11.10 Supervision of delivery
11.10.1 General requirements
11.10.2 If requirements are not met
11.11 Procedures for filling and emptying tanks
11.11.1 Valve handles
11.11.2 Venting
11.11.3 Procedures prior to transfer
11.11.4 Procedures during transfer
11.11.5 Procedures after transfer
11.12 Cylinder filling
11.12.1 General requirements
11.12.2 Supervision
11.12.3 Leakage check
11.12.4 Filling at automotive fuel dispensers (Australia only)
11.12.5 Decanting
11.13 Filling from tankers to cylinders other than in situ
11.13.1 Application
11.13.2 General requirements
11.13.3 Preliminary safety checks
11.13.4 Notices
11.13.5 Tanker egress
11.13.6 Cylinder handling
11.13.7 Separation distances
12 Emergency management
12.1 Scope of section
12.2 Planning for emergencies
12.2.1 Consideration in designing premises
12.2.2 Emergency plan
12.2.2.1 General
12.2.3 Review of emergency plan
12.3 Manifest
12.4 Placarding
13 Fire safety
13.1 Introduction
13.1.1 General
13.1.2 Firefighting
13.1.3 Heat protection
13.2 Application of section
13.3 General requirements for fire protection equipment
13.3.1 Integration with existing facilities
13.3.2 Variations to this section
13.3.3 Equipment compatibility
13.3.4 Location of firefighting equipment
13.3.5 Variations to requirements
13.4 Cylinders
13.4.1 Cylinder storage and use
13.4.2 Cylinder filling areas
13.5 Tank installations
13.5.1 Site evaluation
13.5.2 Heat protection
13.6 Automotive filling installations
13.7 Detailed requirements
13.7.1 Hydrant systems
13.7.2 Hose reels
13.7.3 Water spray systems
13.7.4 Monitors
13.7.5 Fire extinguishers
13.7.6 Water supply
13.7.7 Hose and tap
Appendix A
Appendix B
B.1 Introduction
B.2 Determination of standard filling level
B.3 Principle
B.3.1 General
B.3.2 Procedure
B.4 Procedure — Filling by mass
B.4.1 Application
B.4.2 Filling procedure
B.5 Procedure — Filling by volume — Standard liquid level method
B.5.1 Application
B.5.2 Filling procedure
B.6 Procedure — Filling by volume — Temperature correction method
B.6.1 Application
B.6.2 Determination of maximum permitted level
B.6.3 Filling procedure
Appendix C
Appendix D
D.1 Tank systems
D.1.1 Valve indicators and marking
D.1.2 Vapouriser marking
D.1.3 Tank data plate
D.1.4 Liquid and vapour lines
D.2 Tank installations
D.2.1 Emergency shutdown system marking
D.2.2 Tank or tank storage placarding
D.2.3 Placard
D.2.4 Construction of signs
D.3 Liquid withdrawal cylinder
D.4 Cylinder filling
D.4.1 Notices for cylinder filling
D.5 Automotive filling stations — Vehicle filling areas
D.5.1 Precautionary sign
D.5.2 Driver instructions
D.5.2.1 General
D.5.2.2 Driver instruction signs
D.5.2.3 Warning sign
D.5.2.4 Filling instructions
D.5.3 Emergency procedures
Appendix E
Appendix F
F.1 Introduction
F.2 Restrictions
F.3 Location of cages
F.4 Signs and labels
F.5 Private transport of portable LP Gas cylinders
F.6 Transport of portable LP Gas cylinders for trade use
Appendix G
G.1 Introduction
G.2 Location of site
G.3 Restrictions
G.4 Management of cylinder cage
G.5 Storage of cylinders within the cage
G.6 Safety considerations
G.7 Signs and labels
Appendix H
H.1 Introduction
H.2 Tanks
H.3 Vapourisers
Appendix I
I.1 Connections between tank or cylinder and first stage regulator
I.2 All other pipework
I.2.1 General
I.2.2 Low pressure pipework
I.2.3 High pressure pipework
Appendix J
Appendix K
K.1 Emergency plans
K.1.1 General
K.1.2 Premises emergency plan
K.1.3 Initial advice to the emergency services
K.2 Documents providing guidelines for the preparation of emergency plans
Appendix L
Appendix M
M.1 Introduction
M.2 Assumptions
M.3 Assessment procedure
M.4 Calculation of fire exposure protection
M.5 Evaluation
Appendix N
Appendix O
Appendix P
P.1 General
P.2 Open-type vehicles
P.3 Closed-type vehicles
P.4 Information and training
Appendix Q
Q.1 General
Q.2 Vulnerability
Q.3 Protection of LP Gas installation
Q.4 Impact protection assessment calculation
Appendix R
R.1 General
R.2 Definitions
R.3 LP Gas odourization
R.4 Limitations of odourant
R.5 Management of odour
R.6 Containers and pipe work
R.7 Container conditioning
R.8 Testing
Appendix S
S.1 General
S.2 Clothing and PPE
S.3 Movement and actions
S.4 Discharge of static electricity
S.5 Inspections and maintenance
Appendix T
Appendix U
U.1 General
U.2 Basis of calculations
U.3 Tables
Appendix V
V.1 General
V.2 Flammability
V.2.1 General
V.2.2 Fixed volume release separation distances
V.2.3 Continuous release separation distances
V.3 Material compatibility
V.4 Electrical equipment ratings
V.5 Design pressure
V.6 Relief valve flow rate
V.7 Fill level
V.8 Marking
V.9 Toxicity
V.10 Odourant compatibility
Bibliography
Cited references in this standard
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