Many state fire marshal’s are starting to enforce barrier protection at propane tank exchange racks. We have seen these racks placed in some wild locations at gas stations and other retail businesses and to date no code or standard actually dictates their location. But there are applicable NFPA requirements, for the impact protection for these liquefied petroleum gas exchange cages, which calls for these racks/cages to be protected by posts (i.e. bollards) that comply with the following:
1. Constructed of steel not less than 4 inches (102 mm) in diameter and concrete filled.
2. Spaced not more than 4 feet (1219 mm) between posts on center.
3. Set not less than 3 feet (914 mm) deep in a concrete footing of not less than a 15 inches (381 mm) in diameter.
4. Set with the top of the posts not less than 3 feet (914 mm) above ground.
5. Located not less than 3 feet (914 mm) from the protected object.
6. Physical barriers shall resist a force of 12,000 pounds (53 375 N).
Other approved physical barriers that are designed in accordance with UL 2085 may be approved with the submittal of documentation to the Hazardous Materials Section and approved by the XXXXXXX State Fire Marshal before installation.
For those looking for a nice design of an “official” bollard, here you go…
