Information concerning Vehicle Barrier Protection. Our interpretation of the requirements in the LP-Gas Code, including equivalent protection for dispensing sites.
General Requirements
LP-Gas containers within 10 feet of a public vehicular thoroughfare shall be provided with a means of Vehicle Barrier Protection (VBP).
Concrete filled guard posts are specified in NFPA 58 section 6.28.3.14 (A) and shall meet the requirements listed below. These requirements are not retroactive to sites installed prior to January 1, 2014
The requirements in the LP-Gas Code section 6.28.3.14(A) for bollards are:
“Concrete filled guard posts shall be constructed of steel not less than 4 in. (100 mm) in diameter with the following characteristics:
- Spaced not more than 4 ft (1200 mm) between posts on center
- Set not less than 3 ft (900 mm) deep in a concrete footing of not less than 15 in. (380 mm) diameter
- Set with the top of the posts not less than 3 ft (900 mm) above ground
- Located not less than 3 ft (900 mm) from the protected installation”
Bollards attached to anchor plates and anchor bolted to concrete are not approved equivalent protection and require specific approval letters.
Equivalent Protection for Dispensers
Acceptable equivalent protection devices are NOT automatically approved and require specific approval letters be issued from our office and attached to the firm record. Examples of acceptable equivalent protection devices (images are shown in linked document):
- Concrete Jersey Barriers
- Bin Blocks and Security Planters
- Highway Guard Rails
- Highway Cable Barriers
- Wooden Guard Rails
Requirements for Containers Other Than Dispensers
Cylinder exchange cabinets that are lockable, ventilated enclosures of metal exterior construction do not need VBP. For cabinets not meeting this description, protection will generally be curbing or concrete-filled guard posts, bollards.
Contact the LP-Gas Engineer at 984-236-4750 or lp.requests@ncagr.gov for more details.