Title 37: Flammable and Combustible Liquids Regulations

Question 1

What are the rules for emergency vents on tanks inside vaults? (Flammable & Combustible Liquids regulations, Title 37, Section 14.2(k))

Answer 1

Emergency vents shall be vapor tight and shall be permitted to discharge inside the vault. Long-bolt manhole covers will not be permitted for this purpose.

Question 2

Where must tank vaults constructed at a retail fuel distribution facility be located? (Flammable & Combustible Liquids regulations, Title 37, Section 14.2 (a))

Answer 2

Vaults for retail distribution shall be constructed below grade.

Question 3

How much of a tank can be outside a vault? (Flammable & Combustible Liquids regulations, Title 37, Section 14.2 (b))

Answer 3

The vault shall completely enclose each tank.

Question 4

What is the minimum thickness allowed for the concrete walls and floor of the vault? (Flammable & Combustible Liquids regulations, Title 37, Section 14.2 (b))

Answer 4

The walls and floor of the vault shall be constructed of reinforced concrete at least 6 inches thick.

Question 5

How must the top of an above grade vault be constructed? Why is this so? (Flammable & Combustible Liquids regulations, Title 37, Section 14.2 (b))

Answer 5

The top of an above grade vault shall be constructed of noncombustible material constructed to be weaker than the walls to assure that in the event of an explosion inside the vault, the thrust of the explosion will be inside the vault.

Question 6

What criteria must vaults meet with regard to liquid tightness? (Flammable & Combustible Liquids regulations, Title 37, Section 14.2 (b))

Answer 6

The vault shall be substantially liquid tight and there may be no backfill around the tank.

Question 7

Can multiple tanks share the same vault? What structure may adjacent vaults share? (Flammable & Combustible Liquids regulations, Title 37, Section 14.2(e))

Answer 7

Each tank shall be in its own vault.

Question 8

Each vault must be equipped with a liquid detection system. What must happen when liquid is detected? (Flammable & Combustible Liquids regulations, Title 37, Section 14.2 (h))

Answer 8

Each vault shall be equipped with a detection system capable of detecting liquids, including water, and of activating an alarm upon detection.

Question 9

How high above grade level must vents provided for normal venting of tanks in vaults be? (Flammable & Combustible Liquids regulations, Title 37, Section 14.2 (j))

Answer 9

Vent pipes that are provided for normal tank venting shall extend at least 12 feet above ground level.

Question 10

What are the rules for emergency vents on tanks inside vaults? (Flammable & Combustible Liquids regulations, Title 37, Section 14.2(k))

Answer 10

Emergency vents shall be vapor tight and shall be permitted to discharge inside the vault. Long-bolt manhole covers will not be permitted for this purpose.

Question 11

To what standard must tanks designed for use within vaults be tested? What maximum capacity is allowed? (Flammable & Combustible Liquids regulations, Title 37, Section 14.2 (p))

Answer 11

Tanks within vaults shall be approved for aboveground use and shall have been tested in accordance with UL 142, Standard for Steel Aboveground Tanks For Flammable Or Combustible Liquids, or an equivalent test procedure.

Question 12

Tanks in above grade vaults must meet minimum set back distances. (Flammable & Combustible Liquids regulations, Title 37, Section 14.2 (q)) What is the minimum distance required between the tank and any building on the same property?

Answer 12

Tanks within above grade vaults shall be at least 25 feet from buildings on the same property.

Question 13

What should be installed to protect aboveground tanks from collision? (Flammable & Combustible Liquids regulations, Title 37, Section 14.6 (3))

Answer 13

Bollards shall be installed to protect against collision.

Question 14

Tanks in above grade vaults must meet minimum set back distances. (Flammable & Combustible Liquids regulations, Title 37, Section 14.2 (q)) What is the minimum distance required between the tank and the nearest side of a public way?

Answer 14

Tanks within above grade vaults shall be at least 25 feet from the nearest side of a public way.

Question 15

Tanks in above grade vaults must meet minimum set back distances. (Flammable & Combustible Liquids regulations, Title 37, Section 14.2 (q)) What is the minimum distance required between the tank and any property line that may be built upon?

Answer 15

Tanks within above grade vaults shall be at least 50 feet from a property line that may be built upon.

Question 16

What is the maximum capacity allowed of tanks within vaults? (Flammable & Combustible Liquids regulations, Title 37, Section 14.2 (p))

Answer 16

Individual tanks shall be limited to a maximum capacity of 12,000 gallons.

Question 17

Where may vaults constructed at non-retail fuel distribution facilities be located? (Flammable & Combustible Liquids regulations, Title 37, Section 14.2 (a))

Answer 17

Vaults for nonretail distribution may be constructed either above or below grade.