Missouri Propane Gas Commission

Friday, July 30, 2010

 

Announcements

Propane Safety Inspector - An inspector is needed to conduct safety inspections of propane storage, dispensing, and utilization facilities located at various locations within the state of Missouri including propane bulk plants, dispensing units, schools, hospitals, and fuel terminals; and enforce statutes and regulations. Must reside in, or be willing to move to, the St. Louis or Kansas City area; have a minimum of five years’ technical experience in the propane industry relating to the installation, operation, or repair of fuel storage, utilization, and dispensing systems; considerable knowledge of NFPA pamphlets 54 and 58 safety standards; and computer experience. Extensive travel with overnight stays is required. See the employment section of the site for a complete job description and application.

Internal Valve Requirements Notice - To persons and businesses having a propane storage container over 4,000 gallons water capacity. The NFPA 58 LP-Gas Code, 2001, 2004, and 2008 editions, has a requirement that certain valves on large LP-Gas containers must meet certain specifications. For new sites (those installed after July 1, 2001), these specifications must be met when the site is developed. For sites that have added tanks after that same date, the new part of the installation must immediately meet the requirements. Eventually, all installations must meet these specifications. There is no “grandfathering.” The implementation time given was intentionally long, in order to not impose undue hardships on the owners/operators of the tanks. Installations that existed before July 1, 2001, were given until July 1, 2011, to comply. The LP-Gas Code committee felt that this ten-year lead time was sufficient to allow any owner/operator to schedule a time for meeting the new specifications, if they did not already. This would allow time to find a company to do the modification, fit costs into the budget, and procure the required materials. The deadline for these requirements is quickly approaching. If you have not yet complied, contact your propane company or tank installer for specifications as soon as possible. You can also find information in the NFPA 58 LP-Gas Code 2001 edition, section 2.3.3.2(b).


MPGC's History and Purpose


The Missouri Propane Gas Commission (MPGC) was created by the Missouri Propane Safety Act of 2007. The act transferred the responsibility of regulating propane from the Department of Agriculture to the commission. The MPGC became the inspection authority in October, 2008.

Nine members comprise the commission, which are appointed by the Governor. Commissioners serve five-year terms and have specific affiliations. The executive director of the commission administers, manages, and directs the affairs and business of the commission. Responsibilities of the MPGC include developing and implementing propane safety plans and programs, and promulgating, administering, and enforcing propane rules and regulations.

A per-gallon fee is charged to owners of odorized propane in the state which covers expenses of MPGC's activities, programs, and services. The MPGC may also set fees for permits, licenses, and certificates.

Through regulation, inspection, enforcement, investigation, and education, the Missouri Propane Gas Commission's mission is to foster environments safe from the hazards of liquefied petroleum gases within the state. All efforts of the commission are made in the interest of safety to life and property.