Classification of LPG Filling Plants and Stations

The Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and MSMEs of the Dominican Republic has issued a new resolution to regulate Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) filling plants and establish safety and control requirements.

The plants are classified into three types (A, B, and C) based on their location and the number of centers where people congregate within a radius of 150 meters. Safety requirements are also set for plants with more than 4,001 gallons. A monitoring and evaluation committee will oversee compliance with the regulations.

New classification of LPG filling plants in the Dominican Republic

The Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and MSMEs of the Dominican Republic has issued Resolution 201-2017 to establish a new classification of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) filling plants into three categories: Type A, Type B, and Type C.

This new classification is based on the location of the plants and the number of centers where people congregate within a 150-meter radius, with the goal of ensuring the safety of those living near these plants.

Criteria established by Resolution 201-2017 of the MICM

Resolution 201-2017 establishes that LPG filling plants will be classified into the following types:

Type A: Filling plants located outside urban or densely populated areas, with fewer than 7 centers where people congregate within a 150-meter radius.
Type B: Filling plants located in urban or densely populated areas, with between 7 and 20 centers where people congregate within a 150-meter radius.
Type C: Filling plants located in urban or densely populated areas, with more than 20 centers where people congregate within a 150-meter radius.

Requirements to install an LPG filling plant

The new classification of LPG filling plants establishes different safety standards for LPG filling plants. Type A filling plants must meet basic safety requirements, while Type C filling plants must comply with more stringent requirements due to the higher risk they present.

Type B filling plants must meet the following safety requirements:

Installation of internal emergency shutoff valves in all product connections of the storage tank.
Conducting a Risk Assessment Analysis to identify potential risks and propose safety measures.
Implementing the recommendations of the Risk Assessment Analysis to improve the safety of the filling plant.

These requirements aim to ensure the safety of LPG filling plants and reduce the risk of accidents in populated areas.

Safety standards for LPG and CNG filling plants

The following are the requirements established by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and MSMEs of the Dominican Republic:

Installation of internal emergency shutoff valves: LPG filling plants with a storage capacity of more than 4,001 gallons must be equipped with internal emergency shutoff valves in all product connections of the storage tank. These valves are automatically activated in case of an emergency or gas leaks, ensuring the safety of the facilities and the people in the surrounding area.
Risk Assessment Analysis and recommended safety improvements: The owners of filling plants must conduct a Risk Assessment Analysis to determine the potential threats and risks associated with the operation of their plant. Based on the classification of the filling plant, the recommended safety improvements must be implemented to minimize risks and ensure the safety of people and the environment.

Our services include:

Legal advice on gathering the necessary documents and requirements to install an LPG filling plant.
Preparation and drafting of the authorization request, ensuring that all legal requirements are met.
Submission of the required documents to the competent authorities.
Follow-up on the evaluation and response process.