§ 5811-01 Compressed Natural Gas.
RCNY § 5811-01
(a)Scope. This section sets forth standards, requirements and procedures applicable to the storage, handling and use of CNG. This section shall not apply to the following operations: (1) the storage and use of CNG in a non-production chemical laboratory, the requirements for which are subject to the provisions of FC 5006.
(2)the storage and filling of containers with CNG for use as a fuel in motor vehicles and other approved purposes, the requirements for which are subject to the provisions of FC 2308.
(3)the storage and use of CNG in connection with special effects, the requirements for which are set forth in FC 5609 and the rules.
(4)the transportation of CNG, the requirements for which are set forth in FC 5007.
(b)General Provisions.
(1)General CNG requirements. The provisions of this section shall be applicable to all CNG materials, operations and/or facilities as follows: (A) All CNG storage, handling and use governed by this section shall comply with the design and installation document, permit, supervision, and general storage, handling and use requirements set forth in 3 RCNY § 5811-01(c), (d), (e) and (f). (B) Outdoor and indoor CNG storage shall be in facilities that comply with the requirements for such facilities set forth in 3 RCNY § 5811-01(g) and (h). (C) Stationary CNG installations shall comply with the requirements for such installations set forth in 3 RCNY § 5811-01(i). (D) CNG storage, handling and use for the special applications set forth in 3 RCNY § 5811-01(j) (on construction sites, for emergency indoor repairs, for manhole operations, on motor vehicles, for mobile cooking uses, in commercial establishments, on moored vessels, torches used in the manufacture of jewelry, and use of CNG for emergency oil burner ignition) shall additionally comply with the applicable requirements of 3 RCNY § 5811-01(j).
(c)Design and Installation Documents.
(d)Permits.
(e)Supervision.
(f)General Storage, Handling and Use Requirements.
(5)CNG containers shall be stored in an upright position and secured to prevent movement.
(6)CNG containers shall not be stored on shelves.
(7)All connection and disconnection of CNG containers for use shall be performed outdoors, except as otherwise authorized by this section. Where CNG use is allowed indoors, all connection and disconnection of CNG containers shall be performed in a well-ventilated area.
(8)CNG containers connected for use shall be adequately supported and braced.
(9)CNG containers connected for use shall be placed on a firm and noncombustible foundation.
(10)CNG devices, equipment and systems shall be maintained at all times in a gas-tight condition. Any appliance, equipment or component which is not in a gas-tight condition shall be removed from use and promptly repaired or lawfully disposed of.
(11)Each time a connection is made to a CNG container, or a leak is suspected, the connection shall be tested by the application of a soap solution or its equivalent to joints, valves and fittings. Open flames shall not be used to test connections for leaks.
(12)CNG containers shall be protected at all times from the effects of weather and physical damage.
(13)CNG shall be stored and used only if all safety devices on the equipment and systems are in good working order. Such devices shall not be disconnected or defeated. Any appliance or equipment with a safety device that is not in good working order shall be removed from use and promptly repaired, or lawfully disposed of.
(14)Any empty CNG container that at any time previously has been filled with CNG shall be treated as though it contains CNG, and shall be stored and used in the same manner as a full CNG container, including storage in a storage facility in accordance with this section. Damaged or otherwise unusable CNG containers shall be promptly removed from the premises and lawfully disposed of.
(15)Warning signs complying with the OSHA requirements, as set forth in Section 1910.145(D) of Part 1910 of Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations, shall be conspicuously posted at each CNG installation, storage location or use site. Such signs shall be at least ten (10) inches by fourteen (14) inches in size and shall bear the wording "DANGER – FLAMMABLE GAS – KEEP FIRE OR FLAME AWAY – NO SMOKING" in lettering at least two (2) inches high. The word "Danger" shall be in white on a red oval bordered in white which shall be on a black background at the upper part of the sign. The other required wording shall be in black on a white background in the lower part of the sign.
(16)A CNG container shall not be moved unless the container's valves are closed, except when the container is mounted on a motor vehicle for use as a fuel for motive power.
(17)CNG containers shall not be rolled or dragged on their side or rims. CNG containers shall only be moved by lifting and lowering, by hand or with equipment designed for such purposes.
(18)CNG containers shall not be dropped or thrown from any height.
(g)Outdoor Storage Facilities.
(h)Indoor CNG Storage.
(i)Stationary CNG Installations. In addition to complying with the requirements of FC 5003.12 and 5804.2, and FC Table 5804.2.1, stationary CNG installations shall comply with the following requirements: (1) All CNG containers connected for use in a stationary installation shall be stored outdoors.
(j)Special Storage and Use Requirements.
