Liquid Gas UK Announces Updated Code of Practice for Liquid LPG Dispensing Facilities (COP 20)

Liquid Gas UK is pleased to announce the release of the refreshed and updated Code of Practice 20: Liquid LPG Dispensing Facilities (COP 20), now available for immediate use. This vital resource provides essential guidelines for the safe design, installation, and operation of LPG dispensing facilities, ensuring industry standards are met and safety remains the top priority.

The updated Code offers comprehensive details across nine sections that cover key areas including equipment location, separation distances, design, installation, electrical apparatus, fire protection, commissioning, operations, and maintenance. These standards are crucial for those responsible for the management of facilities dispensing liquid phase LPG and are designed to maintain safe practices within a range of operational environments.

Key Sections of COP 20 include:

• Introduction, Scope, and Application
• LPG Equipment Location and Separation Distances
• Design
• Installation
• Electrical Apparatus
• Fire Protection and Security
• Commissioning
• Operations
• Inspection & Maintenance

COP 20 is specifically aimed at those responsible for the design, construction, and operation of facilities dispensing liquid LPG for various uses. This includes refilling vehicles, machinery, and consumer vessels such as cylinders, drums, and tanks. The updated guidance applies to installations operating at ambient temperatures between -20°C and +38°C and pressures ranging from 0 to 25 bar, ensuring compliance with safety requirements for both standard and non-standard applications.

Notably, the updated Code applies to a broad range of installations, including:

• Petrol filling stations and other retail installations
• Non-retail sites such as back-to-base vehicle fleets
• Fork-lift truck facilities
• Non-road applications like hot air balloons and crop burners
• Marine and inland waterways refilling facilities

For those working with LPG dispensing facilities, COP 20 provides the necessary guidance to ensure safe, compliant operations, from initial design through to ongoing inspection and maintenance.

Key Highlights of the Updated Code of Practice:

• Clear guidelines for minimum separation distances and plant layout
• Comprehensive fire protection and security measures
• Detailed steps for commissioning, operations, and ongoing inspection
• Coverage for a wide range of LPG dispensing facilities, including retail, fleet, and non-road duty installations

COP 20 is now available to industry professionals and operators who require up-to-date standards to ensure their LPG dispensing facilities meet safety and regulatory requirements.

For more information and to access the updated Code of Practice 20, please visit the Liquid Gas UK website here or contact our team directly on mail@liquidgasuk.org