NFPA Standard Explorer

Code covering the storage, handling, transportation, and use of liquefied petroleum gas (LP-Gas/propane). Applies to residential, commercial, agricultural, and vehicular LP-Gas installations and informs response considerations for LP-Gas-related incidents.

Propane incidents—vehicle accidents, tank fires, appliance leaks, and overpressure events—are common across urban and rural response areas. First-due crews that understand LP-Gas behavior, BLEVE risk indicators, and isolation distances make faster and safer decisions on propane calls.

• Storage and installation requirements for LP-Gas containers (conceptual/high level)
• Separation and clearance requirements (high level)
• Pressure relief device function concepts
• Transfer and dispensing safety concepts (high level)
• Vehicular LP-Gas installation concepts
• Emergency shutoff and isolation concepts

• Establishing isolation and evacuation distances at residential and commercial propane tank incidents
• Recognizing BLEVE risk indicators during propane tank fire operations
• Preplanning propane storage sites (farms, bulk storage, commercial facilities)
• Briefing crews on propane behavior: heavier than air, pooling, ignition risk
• Supporting inspectors reviewing LP-Gas installation permits and compliance

• Propane fires are always safe to fight directly (direct flame impingement on a tank can lead to BLEVE without warning).
• Propane dissipates quickly (it is heavier than air and can pool in low areas, creating distant ignition risks).
• If you can't smell propane, there isn't any (odor masking by saturation or odor fade can occur in some situations).

• Train crews on BLEVE warning signs: pressure relief valve venting, tank discoloration, flame impingement, boiling sound
• Establish a minimum isolation distance for every uncontrolled propane release—don't commit until you know the source
• Preplan large propane storage sites in your response area: tank locations, shutoffs, and isolation zones
• Review mutual aid protocol for large-scale propane incidents requiring specialized hazmat resources