Follow industry best practices in the 2015 NFPA 329 for responding to hazardous liquid and gas releases.
NFPA 329: Recommended Practice for Handling Releases of Flammable and Combustible Liquids and Gases outlines the appropriate methods for responding to fire, explosion, and human health hazards resulting from the release of a flammable, combustible, or otherwise hazardous liquid, gas, or vapor that may migrate to a subsurface structure. It incorporates provisions from NFPA 328: Recommended Practice for the Control of Flammable and Combustible Liquids and Gases in Manholes, Sewers, and Similar Underground Structures.
NFPA 329 is vital for emergency planning and response.
In the case of an accidental release, the severity of the hazard depends on a number of factors -- such as the amount of liquid or gas released, where it is found, how it is confined, and possible sources of ignition that may be present. First responders, oil and chemical spill response organizations and contractors, facility safety staff, and municipal personnel all need to be equipped with the latest best practices concerning:
- Flammable and combustible liquids and gases fires, explosions, and sources of ignition
- Initial response recommendations including indicators of a release, initial response to physical discovery, eliminating sources of ignition, and entering the area
- Searching for the source and procedures to verify the source
- Detecting releases from tanks and piping
- Tracing liquids underground
- Removal and disposal of flammable and combustible liquids
Revisions correlate NFPA 329 with OSHA and other NFPA® codes.
- "Material Safety Data Sheets" is renamed "Safety Data Sheets" in accordance with OSHA Hazard Communication alignment with the United Nation’s Global Harmonization System (GHS).
- The 2015 edition also includes updated referenced publications.
Annexes provide helpful information, such as Annex B: Examples of Sources of Flammable and Combustible Liquids and Vapors; Annex D: Sources of Damage to Storage Containers and Lines; and Annex E: Inventory Control Procedures. (Softbound, 27 pp., 2015)
