Propane Exchange Cages

When applying for a propane exchange cage installation, the Applicant needs to 1.) complete an Application for Permit, 2.) include a check for $50.00 to cover the cost associated with the construction permit, and 3.) include a site plan indicating the details of the cage (i.e., dimensions, number and size/capacity of bottles to be stored), where the cage is going to be located, where the bollards (i.e., crash protection) will be, where building openings (i.e., doors, windows, vents, etc.) are in relation to the exchange cage.

After the construction permit to install the propane exchange cage has been issued, the installation will be inspected by the Fire District.  Upon successful completion of the final inspection, an operational permit will be issued to the operator of the propane exchange cage.  The fee for the operational permit will be invoiced to the operator of the propane exchange cage and will be based on a fee schedule of $50.00 per hour for as long as the inspection takes to determine compliance with the requirements of the Fire Code ($50.00 minimum).

Propane Exchange Cage Checklist
The installation of the exchange cage shall be in accordance with the Fire Code and NFPA 58, 2008 Edition.
• Storage is limited to one cage, containing up to twenty-five (25), twenty (20) pound propane cylinders (500 pounds) without any separation from a structure. A second cage may be installed next to a structure on the same property as long as a minimum of 20 feet separation in maintained between the two cages.
• A site plan for the installation shall be submitted to the Fire District’s Fire Prevention Division. The site plan shall indicate the sizes and locations of the propane exchange cages, as well as the separation distances between cages, the distances to property lines, structures, and public ways.
• Propane exchange cages shall not be located within 20 feet of any doorway or opening in a building frequented by the public or within 20 feet of a motor vehicle fuel dispenser or 10 feet from any combustible material.
• Propane exchange cages shall be located at least 5 feet from any exterior source of ignition, openings into direct-vent (sealed combustion system) appliances or mechanical ventilation air intakes.
• Propane exchange cages shall be located so that any discharge from a propane cylinder pressure relief device is at least 3 feet horizontally away from any building opening below the level of such discharge.
• The cage shall be a lockable, ventilated metal locker or rack that prevents tampering and pilferage.
• The cage shall be designed so that containers cannot be stacked on top of each other and designed so that containers are positioned upright with the pressure-relief valve in direct communication with the vapor space of the container.
• Screw-on type caps or collars shall protect all containers stored.  Container outlet valves shall be closed and plugged when in storage.
• Defective containers or containers showing denting, bulging, or excessive corrosion shall be removed from service and properly disposed of.
• The cage and area shall be kept free and clear of all combustible materials, including storage, for a distance of at least 10 feet on all sides.
• NO SMOKING signs shall be posted on the exchange cage and within 25 feet of the surrounding area.
• Approved NFPA 704 hazard identification signs shall be posted on the cage.
• Signs listing exchange procedures, company name, and 24-hour phone numbers shall be posted on the cage.
• Signs requiring that customers leave LPG containers outside the building shall be posted at the building entrance(s).
• All employees with access to the exchange cage shall be trained in the proper handling and operating procedures, including the procedure for handling defective containers. Documentation of this training shall be provided to the Fire Prevention Division at the time of final inspection.
• A written inspection checklist for receiving empty containers as well as giving out full cylinders shall be available and used by employees when handling containers.
• Provisions shall be made for controlling and mitigating unauthorized discharges. A Hazardous Materials Management Plan shall be readily available on site.
• A minimum of one 2-A,20-BC fire extinguisher shall be located within 75 feet, but not less than 25 feet from the cage area.
• Propane exchange cages exposed to probable vehicular damage due to proximity to alleys, driveways or parking areas, shall minimally be protected as follows:
• Install 4-inch diameter steel pipes filled with concrete
• Pipes shall be spaced no more than 4 feet apart
• Pipes shall be set not less than 3 feet deep in a concrete footing of not less than 15 inches in diameter
• The tops of posts shall be a minimum of 3 feet above the ground
• Posts shall not be located less than 5 feet from the propane exchange cage