DC2013-09-0022 — Minimum Safety Standards in the Transportation and Distribution of LPG in Cylinders

Status: operative
Confidence: high
Effective date: 2013-10-04
Parent law: ra-7638

Department Circular No. DC2013-09-0022, issued 19 September 2013 by DOE Secretary Carlos Jericho L. Petilla. Prescribes minimum safety standards for the transportation and distribution of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in cylinders by all LPG Industry Participants.

Authority and background

Based on RA 7638 (Department of Energy Act of 1992), which vests DOE with power to formulate rules and regulations for energy product transportation and distribution [DC2013-09-0022, Whereas, 2013-09], and RA 8479 (Downstream Oil Industry Deregulation Act of 1998), which requires DOE to monitor petroleum product manufacturing and marketing to ensure clean and safe technologies [DC2013-09-0022, Whereas, 2013-09]. Recognizes that LPG is a highly volatile and flammable product requiring preferential safety attention [DC2013-09-0022, Whereas, 2013-09].

Scope and definitions

Applies to all persons involved in LPG cylinder importing, refining, refilling, storing, transporting, marketing, distribution, hauling, retailing, selling, and trading — collectively termed “LPG Industry Participants” [DC2013-09-0022, §1, 2013-09].

Vehicle design requirements

All vehicles for LPG transportation and distribution must conform to technical specifications [DC2013-09-0022, §2, 2013-09]:

Body and cargo isolation: Main body must be metal cage; closed vehicles (with side/back walls or roof) strictly prohibited except as permitted under household delivery provisions (§4.2) [DC2013-09-0022, §2.1, 2013-09]. Cargo space must be isolated from driver compartment, engine, and exhaust system, with substantially flat floors [DC2013-09-0022, §2.1c, 2013-09]. Cylinders must be secured with suitable racks and belts to minimize movement, tipping, and physical damage [DC2013-09-0022, §2.1d, 2013-09].

Electrical systems: All signal, brake, emergency/hazard lights, and horn must be working; light bulbs and wirings must not be exposed; rubberized battery terminal cover required; windshield wipers must be working; cigarette lighter must be removed [DC2013-09-0022, §2.2, 2013-09].

Tires: Tire ply must be intact with no visible separation, tears, holes, or bulges; no recapped tires allowed; wheel chocks required; minimum 2 mm thread depth; all wheel nuts complete [DC2013-09-0022, §2.3, 2013-09].

Brakes: No visible leaks or excessive pedal movement; air pressure gauge (if applicable) must operate; handbrake must be operational [DC2013-09-0022, §2.4, 2013-09].

Signage: Side cargo signage per Annex 1 dimensions; back cargo signage per Annex 2 dimensions; company name signage on cab doors (both sides); front “LPG Delivery” mirror-image signage subject to Land Transportation Office rules [DC2013-09-0022, §2.5, 2013-09].

Other requirements: Vehicles entering refilling plant loading areas must have compression-ignition (diesel) engines per PNS/DOE FS 2:2006; BPS-certified fire extinguishers (minimum 2×10 pounds, dry chemical or CO₂, B:C rating) placed accessibly; functional seat belts for driver and attendants; early warning devices; no engine/radiator leaks; no cracked windshields or mirrors [DC2013-09-0022, §2.6, 2013-09].

Personnel safety

Drivers and attendants must receive LPG handling training from Philippine Liquefied Petroleum Gas Association or Liquefied Petroleum Gas Industry Association, Inc., with trainors securing Certificate of Competency from Bureau of Fire Protection [DC2013-09-0022, §3.1a, 2013-09]. Drivers must hold professional driver’s license per restriction code [DC2013-09-0022, §3.1b, 2013-09]. All personnel must wear long pants, t-shirts, safety shoes, carry valid company I.D.s, and use safety gloves when handling cylinders [DC2013-09-0022, §3.1c, 2013-09].

Cylinder handling and transport

General stacking: Filled and used empty cylinders must be loaded upright and tied securely; no side-loading, horizontal, or inverted positions allowed [DC2013-09-0022, §4.1a, 2013-09]. Filled cylinders must retain security valve seal intact during transport [DC2013-09-0022, §4.1b, 2013-09]. Small cylinders without collar support must be transported in appropriate crates [DC2013-09-0022, §4.1c, 2013-09]. Empty cylinders for repair, requalification, or scrapping may be exempted if shipment is covered by delivery receipt or proof indicating destination [DC2013-09-0022, §4.1d, 2013-09].

Household delivery: Two-wheeled and three-wheeled vehicles permitted for household distribution subject to pertinent authority rules (DPWH, DOTC, LGUs) and specific conditions: cargo space with crates/compartments for upright cylinders; two-wheeled vehicles limited to 2-11 kg cylinders or 4-2.7 kg cylinders with half-width back signage and dealer identification; three-wheeled/four-wheeled vehicles limited to 2-stack load of 12-11 kg cylinders with half-width front and side signages and dealer identification; cylinders over 11 kg prohibited on motorcycles; driver must have 360° unobstructed view; compliance with fire extinguisher and other §2 requirements [DC2013-09-0022, §4.2, 2013-09].

Compliance and liability

LPG Industry Participants must prevent non-compliant vehicles from entering premises; household delivery vehicles must meet this circular’s and DOTC/DPWH/LGU requirements [DC2013-09-0022, §5, 2013-09]. Certificate of Road Worthiness from Land Transportation Office or Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board required for SCC securing/renewal [DC2013-09-0022, §5, 2013-09].

In case of apprehended violation, joint liability applies to: (a) vehicle contractor; (b) facility operator permitting withdrawal/loading immediately prior to apprehension; and (c) vehicle owner/operator [DC2013-09-0022, §6, 2013-09].

All vehicles transporting LPG cylinders must have Standards Compliance Certificate (SCC) or equivalent issued by DOE through OIMB, including list of vehicle plate numbers [DC2013-09-0022, §7, 2013-09].

Penalties and effectivity

Violations subject to sanctions and penalties under existing laws and circulars [DC2013-09-0022, §8, 2013-09]. Effective 15 days after complete publication in a newspaper of general circulation [DC2013-09-0022, §9, 2013-09].

Full text: Cleaned copy