Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services: Safety and Buildings Division Gas Systems Q&A -

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Safety and Buildings Division Gas Systems Q&A

Gas Systems Certificate of Installation - Per SPS 340, Gas Systems

Every propane tank must have a current Gas Systems Certificate of Installation before it is filled with propane. There are no exceptions.

Question: When do I have to fill out and sign a Gas Systems Certificate of Installation (SBD-9656-E)?
Answer: A new Gas Systems Certificate of Installation must be completed and signed for
1) every new system installation.
2) every time there is an interruption in service.
3) every time you test the system for any reason.   It is also an industry best practice to do a Gas Systems Certificate of Installation if you are servicing a tank for the first time or if you have not serviced the tank for an extended period of time.

Question: If the propane tank has been in service for 1, 2, 5, 10 or more years and the customer doesn’t have a Gas Systems Certificate of Installation do I need to provide one before I fill the tank?
Answer: Yes, AND before you sign the certificate you must do a leak test.

Question: Does a test always have to be done before the Gas Systems Certificate of Installation is signed?
Answer: Yes, you are certifying that the system meets all Wisconsin administrative rules (SPS 340) and all standards adopted by reference (NFPA 58 – 2004 Edition and NFPA 54 – 2002 Edition). The required test provides you with the assurance to do the certification?

Question: Do I do a pressure test or a leak test before I sign a Gas Systems Certificate of Installation?
Answer:   You are required to do a pressure test, with air, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, or an inert gas, if the system is new or a new branch or has been run from the existing pipe to a new appliance. Oxygen shall never be used. You are required to do a leak test if there has been an interruption of service or if you are issuing a new Gas Systems Certificate of Installation for an existing tank system.

Question: What is considered to be an interruption of service?
Answer: Rule of thumb – an interruption of service occurs if any part of the system loses pressure or the tank runs out of propane.   Examples of an interruption of service include: planned repair, replacement, addition to, removal of, or service to propane gas piping or pipe fittings; pressure regulators; or replacing appliances that use propane, such as a stove, furnace, or hot water heater; emergency repair, replacement, or servicing of propane gas piping or fittings; pressure regulators; or replacement of appliances that use propane, such as a stove, furnace, or hot water heater; running out of propane for any reason.

Question: My customer has a signed Gas Systems Certificate of Installation but it was not signed by me or anyone from my company. Do I need to do a new test and Gas Systems Certificate of Installation?
Answer: No. If you fill the tank and there is an accident, you may be in an uncertain legal position if you use the existing certificate.

Question: I don’t have a Gas Systems Certificate of Installation in my file for a customer but they told me    on the phone that they have one. Can I fill the tank?
Answer: No. You or the delivery person must see the certificate before the tank is filled.

Question: Who gets a copy of the Gas Systems Certificate of Installation?
Answer: 1) the tank owner; 2) the tank installer; 3) in some cases the local fire department;
It is also a good idea to give the tank operator a copy if it is a leased tank or rented real estate.

Question: When do I have to give the fire department a copy of the Gas Systems Certificate of Installation?
Answer: For tanks of less than 2000 gallons, only when local code requires it. ALWAYS provide a copy to the fire department if the tank holds 2000 gallons or more, or if there are multiple tanks that all together hold a total of 4000 gallons or more.

Question: Where can I get a Gas Systems Certificate of Installation (SBD-9656-E) form?
Answer: You can download a copy from the Safety and Buildings Division forms Website as a Word fillable form or an Adobe Acrobat form.   You can purchase printed triplicate Gas System Certificate of Installation forms from Wisconsin Document Sales, 608-264-9429. The cost at the time of this writing is $15.25 for a package of 25.

Question: What are the penalties if I or my employees do not comply with the regulations for the Gas Systems Certificate of Installation?
Answer:     Wisconsin statutes and rules as written in Wisconsin SPS 340 state that “any employee, owner or other person” violating this chapter shall pay not less than $10 nor more than $100 per   violation, per day. Further, “any person, firm, association, or corporation” who issues a false installation statement under s.101.16(4) “will be fined not less than $25 nor more than $100, or imprisoned not less than 30 days nor more than 6 months.”

Liquefied Gas Supplier License

Question: Does a person holding a Liquefied Gas Supplier License have to operate its delivery vehicles and storage tanks with the name on the license as recorded with the Department of Safety and Professional Services?
Answer: No, the names used by the company to operate do not have to match the name recorded as holding the license. However, it is helpful to all involved to have some license identification closely available to Commerce staff or other interested parties as to what license the equipment is being operated under. Commerce maintains a list of all licensed LP suppliers. This list is accessible through the Safety and Buildings Division’s Website to aid customers and the department in identifying properly-licensed companies. (Select the "Advanced Search" feature to find the list of Liquefied Gas Suppliers and Suppliers - Restricted.)

Question: Does a supplier have to post their license number at their bulk sites?
Answer: No. However, the department recommends posting a sign or placard with the Liquefied Gas Supplier License number at bulk sites to assist in providing identification to inspectors and other parties.

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The Department of Safety and Professional Services Safety and Buildings Division is an equal opportunity service provider and employer. If you need assistance to access services or need material in an alternate format, please contact us, 608-266-3151, TDD Relay dial 711 in Wisconsin or 800-947-3529.