Are you interested in the considerations for garage and maintenance shops when using CNG & LPG? Learn about the considerations of using a garage to maintenance CNG & LPG and the guidelines that need to be followed.

1. CNG, LNG, and LPG in
Repair and Maintenance
Facilities: Code Issues
and Compliance
> February 2014

2. Natural Gas Overview
Safety
Identify
Objectives &
Codes
Facility Audit
Code
Requirements
Modifications
Resources
2

3. Safety
Hazards
•
•
•
•
•
High Pressure Natural Gas (CNG)
Ignition Sources – Fire (CNG & LNG)
Noise Produced During Depressurization (CNG)
Cryogenic Burns (LNG)
Asphyxiation (CNG & LNG)
Precautions
• Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)
• Proper Grounding and Venting Procedures per IFC and
NFPA
• Facility Modifications per code
3

4. Objectives and Codes
Objectives for Garage Owner/Personnel
• Identify requirements for different types of AFVs to be serviced
• Code compliant & safe shop
Codes and Standards referenced in this presentation (applicable
C&S will vary by jurisdiction)
• International Fire Code (IFC 2009)
• International Building Code (IBC 2009)
• International Mechanical Code (IMC 2009)
• NFPA 30A – Code for Motor Fuel Dispensing Facilities and Repair
Garages (2012)
• NFPA 52 – Vehicular Gaseous Fuel Code (2013)
• NFPA 70- NEC: Article 511 (2011)
4

5. Facility Audit
Determine type of work performed/expected
• Major- modifications to existing facility are required
• Minor- exempt from most modifications required to
accommodate CNG or LNG vehicles
Code compliance of existing facility
• For existing conventional fueled vehicle work and
activities (IFC, IBC, & IMC or NFPA)
• Involvement of Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) &
establish which codes are accepted
5

6. Code Requirement- Major vs. Minor
Major vs. Minor Repair Activities:
Hazard Separation
• With proper separation, only major repair areas
require modification per code
6

7. Code Requirements- Ventilation
Mechanical Ventilation Requirements:
*allows for non-continuous ventilation with proper gas detection
7

8. Code Req. -Electric Classification
Electrical & Hazardous Area Classification:
• Hazardous area classification can be avoided by supplying
continuous ventilation per NFPA 30A and 70
8

9. Code Req. -Electric Classification
Electrical & Hazardous Area Classification:
• Hazardous area classification can be avoided by supplying
continuous ventilation per NFPA 30A and 70
9

10. Code Topic – Gas Detection
Gas Detection is not required by code for odorized
CNG applications however it can reduce ventilation
operating cost
Gas Detection (when installed):
• System designed to identify flammable gas mixtures in
excess of 25% of LFL
• Activation shall (NFPA 30A, Chapter 7):
1. Initiate audible and visual alarms
2. Turn off garage heating elements
3. Turn on emergency ventilation if interlocked
10

11. Code Topic – Gas Detection
11

12. Code Req. – Heat Producing
Appliances
Heat Producing Appliances:
•Gas or oil fueled heaters must be install 18” above
grade for conventional fuel repair garages.
12

13. Code Requirements – Vehicle Prep
Preparation for Vehicle Repair, Inspection, and Defueling
• IFC 2211.5 requires CNG cylinder and LNG tank valves to
be closed, damaged vehicles must be inspected including
performing a leak check.
• NFPA 52: 6.12.4 (and Appendix A.6.12.4) recommends
similar practices prior to repair and service.
• Several new requirements in NFPA 52, ed. 2013, 6.13 and
6.14
• NFPA 52: 6.13 Inspections shall be performed per the
container label and the vehicle or container manufacturer’s
instructions.
• NFPA 52: 6.14 Repair garages should provide a proper
defueling post/tube.
13

14. Steps to Determine if Garage
Modifications are Necessary
14

15. Resources
• Guideline for Determining the Modifications Required
for Adding Compressed Natural Gas and Liquefied
Natural Gas Vehicles to Existing Maintenance Facilities,
Horne, Douglas B., Clean Vehicle Education
Foundation, August 31, 2012
(http://www.cleanvehicle.org/committee/technical/P
DFs/GuidelinesDocumentFinal.pdf)
• Wisconsin State Energy Office: Natural Gas for
Transportation Vehicle Repair Garage Guidelines
(http://www.stateenergyoffice.wi.gov/docview.asp?do
cid=24889&locid=160)
15

16. Resources Cont. - Illinois
Identifying which Codes apply in Illinois:
• There is no unifying building code(s) for the state nor
overarching state funded buildings department
• The state website has a listing of codes required by
village and county http://www.illinois.gov/cdb/business/codes/Pages/B
uildingCodesRegulations.aspx
16

17. Resources Cont. - Wisconsin
Identifying which Codes apply in Wisconsin:
Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services,
Commercial Building Program:
• Administrative Code SPS 361 establishes building codes for
the state which include IBC (2009) & IMC (2009).
• The state also recognizes International Existing Building
Code (2009) that may affect retrofitted structures.
• SPS 361.03 (14) does not recognize IFC chapter 22: Motor
Fuel-Dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages
• http://dsps.wi.gov/Default.aspx?Page=80b145e2-4b2946f9-a7aa-047009b0342f
• SPS 316 recognizes NEC/ NFPA 70 2008 for electrical
17

18. Resources Cont. - Indiana
Identifying which Codes apply in Indiana:
Indiana Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission:
• Administrative Code 675 IAC establishes building codes
for the state which include Indiana Building Code 2008
Article 12 (based on IBC 2006), Indiana Fire Code 2008
Article 22 (based on IFC 2006) & Indiana Mechanical
Code 2008 Article 18 (based on IMC 2006).
• State of Indiana recognizes its own Indiana Electrical
Code 2009 (based on NEC/NFPA 70 2008)
• http://www.in.gov/dhs/2490.htm
18

19. Natural Gas Key Takeaways
• Major vs. Minor Repairs drive requirements
• Separation of Major Repair Bays can minimize
modifications
• Gas Detection is not required for CNG but it can
reduce ventilation operating cost
• Proper Procedures and Training are key
• Preparation for Vehicle Repair, Inspection, and
Defueling
• Understanding of high pressure gas
• Certified, trained technicians
19

20. Propane Overview
Safety
Identify
Objectives &
Codes
Facility Audit
Code
Requirements
Modifications
Resources
20

21. Safety
Physical Characteristics
• NFPA Class IA Flammable Liquid
• Volatility – LPG at atmospheric pressure will change phase from liquid
to vapor
• Propane in vapor state is 1.5 x heavier than air
Hazards
• Ignition Sources – Fire
• Asphyxiation
Precautions
• Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)
• Proper Safety Procedures
• Facility Modifications (if required)
21

22. Objectives and Codes
Objectives for Garage Owner/Personnel
• Code compliant & safe shop
Codes and Standards referenced in this presentation
(applicable C&S will vary by jurisdiction)
•
•
•
•
International Fire Code (IFC 2009)
International Building Code (IBC 2009)
International Mechanical Code (IMC 2009)
NFPA 30A – Code for Motor Fuel Dispensing Facilities and
Repair Garages (2012)
• NFPA 58 – Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code (2013)
• NFPA 70- NEC: Article 511 (2011)
22

23. Facility Audit
Determine type of work performed/expected
• Major v. Minor- for code compliance (NFPA 30A and IFC)
for existing facility
Code compliance of existing facility
• For existing conventional fueled vehicle work and
activities (IFC, IBC, & IMC or NFPA)
• Involvement of Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) &
establish which codes are accepted
23

24. Code Requirement- Major vs. Minor
Major vs. Minor Repair Activities:
• Includes associated floor space used for offices, parking, and/or
showrooms.
• Assuming no fuel will be stored or transferred in garage
24

25. Code Requirements- Ventilation
Mechanical Ventilation Requirements:
•
There are no additional ventilation requirements for LPG facilities
25

26. Code Req. -Electric Classification
Electrical & Hazardous Area Classification:
26

27. Code Req. – Sources of Ignition
Source of Ignition:
•A major concern of ignition source in repair
garages is space heater design.
27

28. Code Requirements – Vehicle Prep
NFPA 58 addresses requirements for indoor parking and vehicle
repairs.
• The code differentiates between public and owner operated repair
facilities.
9.7.3.5 & 6: Prior to repair in a private repair ship:
• Repair Facility should be built in accordance to NFPA 58 Chap 10
• Public shall be excluded from shop areas
• Floor level ventilation is required
• Leaks in system should be repaired
• Tank valves should be closed
• Vehicle tanks can not be in direct path of heated air supply
• Amount of fuel is limited to max. capacity stated in NFPA 58 Section 7.4
28

29. Code Requirements – Vehicle Prep
9.7.3.6: Prior to repair in a public repair shop:
• Operator shall be in attendance at all times while vehicle is
indoors
• Leaks in system should be repaired
• Tank valves should be closed
• LPG should be removed from piping, pump, meter, and
delivery hose
• Pressure must be equalized with atmospheric
• Vehicle tanks can not be in direct path of heated air supply
• Amount of fuel is limited to maximum filling capacity stated in
NFPA 58 Section 7.4
29

30. Steps to Determine if Garage
Modifications are Necessary
Facility
Audit
Codes
Shop
Mods
• Is the existing facility code compliant?
• Are shop activities minor or major?
• Is the shop public or private?
• What codes will the AHJ use for compliance and inspection?
•
•
•
•
Ventilation
Hazardous Area Classification
Sources of Ignition
Defueling System and Vehicle Prep Procedures
30

31. Resources
Additional Reading:
• Propane Autogas: Repair and Maintenance Facility
Requirements, Propane Education & Research Council
(PERC), 2013.
(http://www.autogasusa.org/uploadedFiles/Fuel/Resour
ces/Training_Manuals/Repair_and_Maintenance%20Fac
ility_Requirements.pdf)
31

32. Resources Cont. - Illinois
Identifying which Codes apply in Illinois:
• There is no unifying building code(s) for the state nor
overarching state funded buildings department
• The state website has a listing of codes required by
village and county http://www.illinois.gov/cdb/business/codes/Pages/B
uildingCodesRegulations.aspx
32

33. Resources Cont. - Wisconsin
Identifying which Codes apply in Wisconsin:
Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services,
Commercial Building Program:
• Administrative Code SPS 361 establishes building codes for
the state which include IBC (2009) & IMC (2009).
• The state also recognizes International Existing Building
Code (2009) that may affect retrofitted structures.
• SPS 361.03 (14) does not recognize IFC chapter 22: Motor
Fuel-Dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages
• http://dsps.wi.gov/Default.aspx?Page=80b145e2-4b2946f9-a7aa-047009b0342f
• SPS 316 recognizes NEC/ NFPA 70 2008 for electrical
33

34. Resources Cont. - Indiana
Identifying which Codes apply in Indiana:
Indiana Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission:
• Administrative Code 675 IAC establishes building codes
for the state which include Indiana Building Code 2008
Article 12 (based on IBC 2006), Indiana Fire Code 2008
Article 22 (based on IFC 2006) & Indiana Mechanical
Code 2008 Article 18 (based on IMC 2006).
• State of Indiana recognizes its own Indiana Electrical
Code 2009 (based on NEC/NFPA 70 2008)
• http://www.in.gov/dhs/2490.htm
34

35. Propane Key Takeaways
• Is the existing facility code compliant for traditional
fuels?
• LPG facility compliance is similar to traditional fuel
compliance (ventilation, electrical classification,
sources of ignition)
• Proper Procedures and Training are key
• Preparation for Vehicle Repair, Inspection, and
Defueling (NFPA 58 – 9.7.3.6)
• Understanding of high pressure gas
• Certified, trained technicians
35

36. Acknowledgement of Support
36

37. FEBRUARY 5, 2014
WISCONSIN CLEAN CITIES
WEBINAR
NGV MAINTENANCE FACILITIES
Code Related Modifications For NGVs In Existing Maintenance
Facilities
Steve Arnold, P.E.
Senior Design Manager

38. TODAYS AGENDA
 Wisconsin specific
requirements and
compliance strategies
 Case Studies
 Costs
 Q&A

39. ET ENVIRONMENTAL
 First CNG project
completed in 2004
 Over 90 fueling projects
completed
 Team dedicated to turn-key
CNG projects
• Design staff – 18
• Construction staff – 40
• 40+ projects in progress
 12 offices

40. SEO Guidelines Document
 Background
• State outreach programs identified
a barrier to growth of the NGV
market
 Purpose
• Provide industry guidance on maintenance shop code and
safety requirements
• Encourage consistent code interpretation
 Document Development
• In coordination with SEO, DSPS, Fire Officials, and Fleet
Owners

41. WI Applicable Codes
Partial list of codes and standards:
 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
• NFPA 30A Code for Motor Fuel Dispensing Facilities
and Repair Garages
• NFPA 70 National Electric Code (NEC)
• NFPA 52 Vehicular Gaseous Fuel Systems Code
 I-Codes – IBC, IMC, IFC, IEBC
 Municipal / Local requirements and amendments

42. MAINTENANCE FACILITES
GARAGE RETROFITS FOR NGVs
 Every shop is unique
 Consult a professional
 Code compliance is only
one component
• Operations
• Training

43. NGV MAINTENANCE FACILTY
EVALUATION
1)
2)
3)
4)
Ventilation
Gas Detection
Heating Systems
Electrical Systems and Components
 Existing Conditions and Code Triggers
 Other items that may be applicable
(for now, assume “Major Repair Garage”)

44. NGV MAINTENANCE FACILITY
VENTILATION
TWO DISTINCT VENTING CRITERIA
1) PURGE VENTING
•
Only required for
NGV’s, not Diesel or
Gasoline Vehicles
2) AIR QUALITY FOR
OCCUPIED SPACES
•
•
Same for Natural Gas,
Diesel, and Gasoline .
WI revision SPS 364
(0.5 cfm/sf)

45. NGV MAINTENANCE FACILITY
VENTILATION
Compliance Requirements:
• Airflow - low to high
• 5 air changes per hour (ACH)
• 3 ways to operate
Compliance Strategies:
•
•
•
•
Roof mounted fans
Makeup air
Hazardous environment rating
# and location of fans

46. NGV MAINTENANCE FACILITY
DETECTION





Detector heads – where and how many?
Tied to a fire alarm system or monitoring?
Calibration
Relay Panel
LNG
46

47. NGV MAINTENANCE FACILITY
HEAT & FLAMES




Areas of ignitable concentrations
Non-compliant heaters
Other non-compliant appliances
Compliant heat
• Floor Radiant
• Low Intensity
Radiant
• Air handler*
• Steam

48. NGV MAINTENANCE FACILITY
HEATERS

49. NGV MAINTENANCE FACILITY
ELECTRICAL
Classified Zone
“the area with 18” of the
ceiling shall be designated a
Class 1, Division 2
hazardous location ………
Except in Wisconsin
Ref SPS 316.511
effective Dec 1, 2013

50. NGV MAINTENANCE FACILITY
ADJACENT OCCUPANCIES
“Enclosed rooms for [NGVs] …
should prohibit the transmission
of gases to other areas of the
building.”
Compliance Strategies:
 Positive pressure in adjacent
occupancy
 Separation wall sealed to
prevent transmission of gas

51. ADDITIONAL ITEMS TO
CONSIDER
 Floor Drains
• Provisions should be made to prohibit LNG from
entering a closed drain conveyance system or oil water
separator.
 LNG Venting
• Parking/Maintenance of LNG vehicles indoors

52. Existing Building & Conditions
 WI has adopted the
2009 IEBC
 Identify “triggers” for
current code compliance
 Alteration Level and
Change in Occupancy

53. Existing Buildings & Conditions
 Building Alteration Level 2 is common
 Change of Occupancy is applicable. = change in level of
activity that involves a change in the application of the code
 Must comply with new code provisions
specifically for NGVs
 Energy Conservation – amended by SPS
366.0607….unaltered portions not required to
comply with energy codes
 Structural – 5% rule
 Fire Protection – Automatic Sprinkler “Triggers”

54. NGV MAINTENANCE FACILITY
HEAT
< 750 °F and no open flames
Gas Detection
required for
LNG
VENTILATION
Required at 5 ACH
Interlocked to Lighting
CNG Only (NA tot LNG)
Electrical classified areas must be
addressed for projects outside of
Wisconsin
Continuous
Interlocked to Gas
Detection
GAS
DETECTION

55. MINOR REPAIR GARAGES
MINOR REPAIR GARAGE = lubrication,
inspection, tune-ups, replacement of parts, fluid
changes, brakes, tires, and similar routine
maintenance
 NGV Minor Repair Garages are exempt from
many but not all of the code provisions.

56. MINOR REPAIR GARAGES
 Electrical – Ceiling Classified Areas
• Exempt, ceiling is “unclassified”
 Heating and Sources of Ignition
• Exempt from 750 ° F and open flame requirement
 Ventilation
• 5 ACH required by International Mechanical Code
• “Petition for Variance” may be a method of compliance
 Gas Detection
• Required for LNG
• May be used for ventilation controls (CNG)

57. MINOR REPAIR GARAGES
Electrical - Ceiling Unclassified
Heat
No 750 °F and open flame requirements
Gas Detection
required for
LNG
Ventilation - Required at 5 ACH
(or petition for a variance)
Interlocked to lighting
CNG Only (NA to LNG)
Continuous
Interlocked to Gas
Detection

58. Wisconsin Permitting
 State and/or Local reviews required from both the
Building and Fire AHJ
 Permitting Flow
charts are available in
the SEO guidelines
document

59. NGV MAINTENANCE TRAINING
& OPERATIONS
 Training
• Understanding of gas properties & hazards
• O&M of systems
• Respect the pressure
 Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• Preparation of vehicle for service
• Hot work in NGV shop- Prohibit torches, welding and
grinding near fuel system
• Run LNG vehicles prior to entering the shop ( hold time)
• Fuel Tank Inspections
• Gas Detector Calibration

60. CASE STUDIES
 Reviewed 4 examples in the state of WI
 All 4 used different means of compliance
Frito Lay
 3 bay Minor NGV Repair
 Continuous ventilation while
occupied
 Sealed separation walls
 Adjacent indoor fueling bay

61. CASE STUDIES
Waste and Recycling Vehicle Garage
 7 bay Major repair garage
 Gas detection
 Purge venting
 Infrared Heating
 Electrical rated for
Classified area at ceiling
 Sealed Separation walls at
office and wash bay

62. CASE STUDIES
Kwik Trip
 Separated 1 Bay Major NGV Repair & LNG,
 Gas detection
 Purge venting
 Compliant Heating
 Electrical removed ceiling
 Plugged floor drain
 Additional lighting

63. CASE STUDIES
City of Milwaukee
 Separated 6 Bays Major Repair for NGVs
 Partition Walls
 Gas detection
 Purge venting
 Air handler heating
 Lighting rated for
classified area

64. COSTS
 Cost information is presented in the guidelines
document.
 Costs are generic and qualified but should be useful in
getting a rough idea.
 Based on a 4 to 10 truck bay garage.
 Start with an initial assessment and method of
compliance.
 Determine # of bays to be retrofitted for NGVs.
 Not intended to replace qualified estimates.
 More cost information is in the guidelines document

65. COSTS Cont.
Some examples of cost information ……
Assessment and Design
Professional
Services
$
Lump $25,000 - $40,000
Sum
Assessment, Design,
Permitting, & Construction
Support
$
Ventilation
Exhaust fans
EA
Ducting
LF
$8,200 - $9,200
$45-$60
Ventilation required for 5
ACH. Includes Mechanical,
Electrical, Roof Framing &
Roofing Work.
Exposed non-insulated
interior duct & fittings
65

66. COSTS Cont.
Gas Detection
Detectors and
Controller
LNG – Pit
Detectors
Heating
Infrared Tube
heaters
$
1
$30,000-$45,000
Equipment, installation, and
electrical.
EA
$3,500-$5,000
Dependent on floor slab and
underground scope of work.
$
$/SF
$12-$17
Includes electrical

67. COSTS Cont.
Electrical
Shunt Trip 30A
Breakers
Other
Separation Wall
Design
Management
$
EA
$525- $650
Assumes that space is
available in the panel
$
SF
$18 - $25
5% to 10%
Metal Stud with metal panels
Schematic, design mgmt,
permitting, permit fees

68. COSTS Cont.
 Other cost items are addressed in more detail in
the guidelines document.
•
•
•
•
Misc Demolition
Lighting
LNG Floor Drains
Roof Access Ladder

69. Cost Saving Strategies
 Use a sealed partition wall to separate NGV repair
areas
 Hire experienced design professionals and
contractors
 Select HVAC system considering operational
costs
 Seek out financial incentives (WI Focus on
Energy program, grants, etc.)
 + more ideas in the guidelines document

70. QUESTIONS?
Steve Arnold, P.E.
Senior Design Manager

71. Contact Information
ET Environmental Corporation, LLC
Website: www.etenv.com
Steve Arnold
sarnold@etenv.com
708-478-8200
Jeff Lamoureux
jlamoureux@etenv.com
208-928-7361
Wisconsin Department of Administration - State Energy Office
Website: http://stateenergyoffice.wi.gov/
Maria Redmond, Senior Analyst & Program Manager, Transportation Fuels
Maria.Redmond@wisconsin.gov
608-266-1521