Fuel Safety Bulletin 2006-05

August 04, 2006

Subject: Release of propane vapors/liquid to atmosphere prohibited

During the past few months, we have received an increasing number of complaints from fire departments regarding the release of propane to atmosphere at plant sites. These vary from a smell, noticed by neighbors, to a visible cloud of vapor. All are incidents that the local fire department have responded to and, in doing so, have subjected volunteer firefighters to extremely hazardous situations.

Section 17 of the Fire Safety Act (see below) clearly addresses matters of this sort and the hazards that they create.

17 Unless this Act or the regulations otherwise prescribe, every owner of land or premises, or a part thereof, and every person shall take every precaution that is reasonable in the circumstances to achieve fire safety

Please note: This process must cease, in the interest of public safety. In the future, release of product may only be through an approved flare tower. As these towers will take some time to construct, this Bulletin has an implementation date of September 30, 2006. Any releases of product before that date must be kept to a minimum and must be supervised by trained staff at all times.

Sincerely,

Dale C. Stewart
Chief Inspector - Fuel Safety