Regulations last checked for updates: Nov 26, 2024
Title 33 - Navigation and Navigable Waters last revised: Nov 21, 2024
§ 127.1101 - Piping systems.
Each piping system within the marine transfer area for LHG used for the transfer of LHG must meet the following criteria:
(a) Each system must be designed and constructed in accordance with ASME B31.3-2020 (incorporated by reference, see § 127.003).
(b) Each pipeline on a pier or wharf must be located so that it is not exposed to physical damage from vehicular traffic or cargo-handling equipment. Each pipeline under navigable waters must be covered or protected to meet 49 CFR 195.248.
(c) The transfer manifold of each liquid transfer line and of each vapor return line must have an isolation valve with a bleed connection, such that transfer hoses and loading arms can be blocked off, drained or pumped out, and depressurized before disconnecting. Bleeds or vents must discharge to a safe area such as a tank or flare.
(d) In addition to the isolation valve at the transfer manifold, each liquid-transfer line and each vapor return line must have a readily accessible isolation valve located near the edge of the marine transfer area for LHG.
(e) Each power-operated isolation valve must be timed to close so that it will not produce a hydraulic shock capable of causing failure of the line or equipment. Unless the layout of the piping allows the isolation valve at the transfer manifold to close within 30 seconds without creating excessive stresses on the system, the layout must be reconfigured to reduce the stresses to a safe level.
(f) Each waterfront facility handling LHG that transfers to or from a vessel requiring vapor return during transfer must be equipped with a vapor return line designed to attach to the vessel's vapor connection.
(g) Where two or more LHGs are loaded or unloaded at the same facility, each manifold must be identified or marked to indicate each LHG it handles.
(h) Each pipeline used to transfer flammable liquids or vapors must be provided with precautions against static, lightning, and stray current in accordance with API RP 2003 (incorporated by reference, see § 127.003).
[CGD 88-049, 60 FR 39796, Aug. 3, 1995, as amended by USCG-2019-0444, 87 FR 5691, Feb. 2, 2022]
§ 127.1102 - Transfer hoses and loading arms.
(a) Each hose within the marine transfer area for LHG used for the transfer of LHG or its vapors to or from a vessel must—
(1) Be made of materials resistant to each LHG transferred, in both the liquid and vapor state (if wire braid is used for reinforcement, the wire must be of corrosion-resistant material, such as stainless steel);
(2) Be constructed to withstand the temperature and pressure foreseeable during transfer, with a MAWP not less than the maximum pressure to which it may be subjected and at least 1030 kPa gauge (149.4 psig);
(3) Be designed for a minimum bursting pressure of a least five times the MAWP;
(4) Have—
(i) Full-threaded connections;
(ii) Flanges that meet ASME B16.5-2020 (incorporated by reference, see § 127.003); or
(iii) Quick connect couplings that are acceptable to the Commandant;
(5) Be adequately supported against the weight of its constituent parts, the LHG, and any ice formed on it;
(6) Have no kinks, bulges, soft spots, or other defects that will let it leak or burst under normal working pressure; and
(7) Have a permanently attached nameplate that indicates, or otherwise be permanently marked to indicate—
(i) Each LHG for which it is suitable;
(ii) Its MAWP at the corresponding service temperature; and
(iii) If used for service at other than ambient temperature, its minimum service temperature.
(b) Each loading arm used for the transfer of LHG or its vapor must—
(1) Be made of materials resistant to each LHG transferred, in both the liquid and vapor state;
(2) Be constructed to withstand the temperature and pressure foreseeable during transfer;
(3) Be adequately supported against the weight of its constituent parts, the LHG, and any ice formed on it;
(4) Be provided with an alarm to indicate when it is approaching the limits of its extension, unless the examined Operations Manual requires a person to perform the same function; and
(5) Have a permanently attached nameplate that indicates, or otherwise be permanently marked to indicate—
(i) Each LHG it may handle;
(ii) Its MAWP at the corresponding service temperature; and,
(iii) If it is used for service at other than ambient temperature, its minimum service temperature.
[CGD 88-049, 60 FR 39796, Aug. 3, 1995, as amended by USCG-2019-0444, 87 FR 5691, Feb. 2, 2022]
§ 127.1103 - Piers and wharves.
(a) Each new waterfront facility handling LHG, and all new construction in the marine transfer area for LHG of each facility, must comply with the standards for seismic design and construction in 49 CFR part 41.
(b) Each substructure on a new waterfront facility handling LHG, and all new construction in the marine transfer area for LHG of each facility, except moorings and breasting dolphins, that supports or is within 4.5 meters (14.8 feet) of any pipe or equipment containing a flammable LHG, or that is within 15 meters (49.2 feet) of a loading flange used to transfer a flammable LHG, must have a fire-endurance rating of not less than two hours.
[CGD 88-049, 60 FR 39796, Aug. 3, 1995, as amended by USCG-2019-0444, 87 FR 5691, Feb. 2, 2022]
§ 127.1105 - Layout and spacing of marine transfer area for LHG.
Each new waterfront facility handling LHG, and all new construction in the marine transfer area for LHG of each facility, must comply with the following:
(a) Each building, shed, and other structure within each marine transfer area for LHG must be located, constructed, or ventilated to prevent the accumulation of flammable or toxic gases within the structure.
(b) Each impounding space for flammable LHGs located within the area must be designed and located so that the heat flux from a fire over the impounding space does not cause, to a vessel, damage that could prevent the vessel's movement.
(c) Each manifold, loading arm, or independent mating flange must be located at least 60 meters (197 feet) from each of the following structures, if that structure is intended primarily for the use of the general public or of railways:
(1) A bridge crossing a navigable waterway.
(2) The entrance to, or the superstructure of, a tunnel under a navigable waterway.
(d) Each manifold, loading arm, or independent mating flange must be located at least 30 meters (98.5 feet) from each public roadway or railway.
[CGD 88-049, 60 FR 39796, Aug. 3, 1995, as amended by USCG-2019-0444, 87 FR 5691, Feb. 2, 2022]
§ 127.1107 - Electrical systems.
Electrical equipment and wiring must be of the kind specified by, and must be installed in accordance with, NFPA 70 (incorporated by reference, see § 127.003).
[CGD 88-049, 60 FR 39796, Aug. 3, 1995, as amended by USCG-2019-0444, 87 FR 5691, Feb. 2, 2022]
§ 127.1109 - Lighting systems.
(a) Each waterfront facility handling LHG, at which transfers of LHG take place between sunset and sunrise, must have outdoor lighting that illuminates the marine transfer area for LHG.
(b) All outdoor lighting must be located or shielded so that it cannot be mistaken for any aids to navigation and does not interfere with navigation on the adjacent waterways.
(c) The outdoor lighting must provide a minimum average illumination on a horizontal plane 1 meter (3.3 feet) above the walking surface of the marine transfer area that is—
(1) 54 lux (5 foot-candles) at any loading flange; and
(2) 11 lux (1 foot-candle) for the remainder of the marine transfer area for LHG.
§ 127.1111 - Communication systems.
(a) The marine transfer area for LHG must possess a communication system that enables continuous two way voice communication between the person in charge of transfer aboard the vessel and the person in charge of transfer for the facility.
(b) The communication system required by paragraph (a) of this section may consist either of fixed or portable telephones or of portable radios. The system must be usable and effective in all phases of the transfer and all weather at the facility.
(c) Devices used to comply with paragraph (a) of this section during the transfer of a flammable LHG must be listed as intrinsically safe by Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., Factory Mutual Research Corporation, or other independent laboratory recognized by NFPA, for use in the hazardous location in which it is used.
§ 127.1113 - Warning signs.
(a) The marine transfer area for LHG must have warning signs that—
(1) Meet paragraph (b) of this section;
(2) Can be seen from the shore and the water; and,
(3) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, bear the following text:
Warning
Dangerous Cargo
No visitors
No Smoking
No Open Lights
(b) Each letter on the sign must be—
(1) In block style;
(2) Black on a white background; and
(3) At least 7.6 centimeters (3 inches) high.
(c) The words “No Smoking” and “No Open Lights” may be omitted when the product being transferred is not flammable.
§ 127.1203 - Gas detection.
(a) Each waterfront facility handling LHG that transfers a flammable LHG must have at least two portable gas detectors, or a fixed gas detector, in the marine transfer area for LHG. Each detector must be capable of indicating whether the concentration of flammable vapors exceeds 30% of the Lower Flammable Limit for each flammable product being transferred and must meet IEC 60079-29-1 (incorporated by reference, see § 127.003).
(b) Each waterfront facility handling LHG that transfers a toxic LHG, other than anhydrous ammonia, must have at least two portable gas detectors, or a fixed gas detector, available in the area. The detectors must be capable of showing whether the concentration of each toxic LHG being transferred is above, at, or below any Permissible Exposure Limit listed in 29 CFR 1910.1000, Table Z-1 or Z-2.
(c) Each gas detector required by paragraph (a) or (b) of this section must serve to detect leaks, check structures for gas accumulations, and indicate workers' exposure to toxic gases in the area.
[CGD 88-049, 60 FR 39797, Aug. 3, 1995; 60 FR 49509, Sept. 26, 1995; USCG-2019-0444, 87 FR 5691, Feb. 2, 2022]
§ 127.1205 - Emergency shutdown.
(a) Each piping system used to transfer LHG or its vapors to or from a vessel must have a quick-closing shutoff valve to stop the flow of liquid and vapor from the waterfront facility handling LHG if a transfer hose or loading arm fails. This valve may be the isolation valve with a bleed connection required by § 127.1101(c).
(b) The valve required by paragraph (a) of this section must be located as near as practicable to the terminal manifold or loading-arm connection and must—
(1) Close on loss of power;
(2) Close from the time of activation in 30 seconds or less;
(3) Be capable of local manual closing and remotely controlled closing; and,
(4) If the piping system is used to transfer a flammable LHG, either have fusible elements that melt at less than 105 °C (221 °F) and activate the emergency shutdown, or have a sensor that performs the same function.
(c) A remote actuator for each valve must be located in a place accessible in an emergency, at least 15 meters (49.2 feet) from the terminal manifold or loading arm, and conspicuously marked with its designated function. When activated, the actuator must also automatically shut down any terminal pumps or compressors used to transfer LHG, or its vapors, to or from the vessel.
[CGD 88-049, 60 FR 39797, Aug. 3, 1995; 60 FR 49509, Sept. 26, 1995]
§ 127.1207 - Warning alarms.
(a) Each marine transfer area for LHG must have a rotating or flashing amber light that is visible for at least 1,600 meters (1 mile) from the transfer connection in all directions.
(b) Each marine transfer area for LHG must also have a siren that is audible for at least 1,600 meters (1 mile) from the transfer connection in all directions.
(c) Each light and siren required by this section must be located so as to minimize obstructions. If any obstruction will prevent any of these alarms from meeting paragraph (a) or (b) of this section, the operator of the waterfront facility handling LHG must propose for approval by the local COTP additional or alternative warning devices that provide an equivalent level of safety.
[CGD 88-049, 60 FR 39798, Aug. 3, 1995; 60 FR 49509, Sept. 26, 1995; USCG-2019-0444, 87 FR 5691, Feb. 2, 2022]
§ 127.1209 - Respiratory protection.
Each waterfront facility handling LHG must provide equipment for respiratory protection for each employee of the facility in the marine transfer area for LHG during the transfer of one or more of the following toxic LHGs; anhydrous ammonia, chlorine, dimethylamine, ethylene oxide, methyl bromide, sulphur dioxide, or vinyl chloride. The equipment must protect the wearer from the LHG's vapor for at least 5 minutes.
§ 127.1301 - Persons in charge of transfers for the facility: Qualifications and certification.
(a) No person may serve, or use the services of any person, as a person in charge of transfers for the facility regulated under this subpart, unless that person—
(1) Has at least 48 hours' transfer experience with each LHG being transferred;
(2) Knows the hazards of each LHG being transferred;
(3) Knows the rules of this subpart; and
(4) Knows the procedures in the examined Operations Manual and the examined Emergency Manual.
(b) Before a person in charge of transfers for a waterfront facility handling LHG supervises a transfer of LHG, the operator of the facility must certify in writing that that person has met the requirements in paragraph (a) of this section. The operator must ensure that a copy of each current certification is available for inspection at the facility.
[CGD 88-049, 60 FR 39798, Aug. 3, 1995; 60 FR 49509, Sept. 26, 1995; USCG-2019-0444, 87 FR 5691, Feb. 2, 2022]
§ 127.1302 - Training.
(a) Each operator of a waterfront facility handling LHG must ensure that each person assigned to act as a person in charge of transfers for the facility has training in the following subjects:
(1) Properties and hazards of each LHG being transferred to or from the facility.
(2) Use of the gas detectors required by § 127.1203.
(3) Use of the equipment for respiratory protection required by § 127.1209.
(4) Basic firefighting procedures, including the use of the portable fire extinguishers required by § 127.1503.
(5) Content and use of the examined Operations Manual and examined Emergency Manual.
(6) The configuration and limitations of cargo systems of LHG vessels.
(7) Procedures for transferring LHG to and from LHG vessels.
(8) Procedures for response to a release of the LHG handled by the facility.
(9) First aid for persons—
(i) With burns;
(ii) Needing cardio-pulmonary resuscitation;
(iii) Exposed to toxic liquid or toxic vapors (if a toxic LHG is handled by the facility); and
(iv) Needing transport to a medical facility.
(10) Restrictions on access to the marine transfer area for LHG.
(b) Each person that receives training under paragraph (a) of this section shall receive refresher training in the same subjects at least once every 5 years.
(c) The operator must maintain, for each person trained, a record of all training provided under paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section. The operator must retain these records for the duration of the person's employment on the waterfront facility plus 12 months.
(d) Training conducted to comply with the hazard communication programs required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) of the Department of Labor [29 CFR 1910.120] or the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) [40 CFR 311.1] may be used to satisfy the requirements in paragraph (a) of this section, so far as the training addresses the requirements in paragraph (a) of this section.
[CGD 88-049, 60 FR 39796, Aug. 3, 1995, as amended by USCG-2019-0444, 87 FR 5691, Feb. 2, 2022]
§ 127.1303 - Compliance with suspension order.
If the COTP issues to the owner or operator of a waterfront facility handling LHG an order to suspend a transfer, no transfer may take place at the facility until the COTP withdraws the order.
§ 127.1305 - Operations Manual.
Each Operations Manual must contain—
(a) A description of each liquid-transfer system and vapor transfer system, including each mooring area, transfer connection, and (where installed) control room, and a diagram of the piping and electrical systems;
(b) The duties of each person assigned to transfers;
(c) The maximum relief-valve setting or MAWP of the transfer system;
(d) The telephone numbers of supervisors, persons in charge of transfers for the facility, persons on watch in the marine transfer area for LHG, and security personnel of the facility;
(e) A description for each security system provided for the transfer area;
(f) A description of the training programs established under § 127.1302;
(g) The procedures to follow for security violations; and
(h) For each LHG handled, the procedures for transfer that include—
(1) Requirements for each aspect of the transfer (start-up, gauging, cooldown, pumping, venting, and shutdown);
(2) The maximum transfer rate;
(3) The minimum transfer temperature;
(4) Requirements for firefighting equipment; and
(5) Communication procedures.
§ 127.1307 - Emergency Manual.
(a) Each Emergency Manual must contain—
(1) For each LHG handled—
(i) A physical description of the LHG;
(ii) A description of the hazards of the LHG;
(iii) First-aid procedures for persons exposed to the LHG or its vapors;
(iv) The procedures for response to a release of the LHG; and,
(v) If the LHG is flammable, the procedures for fighting a fire involving the LHG or its vapors;
(2) A description of the emergency shutdown required by § 127.1205;
(3) The procedures for emergency shutdown;
(4) A description of the number, kind, place, and use of the fire equipment required by § 127.1501(a) and of the portable fire extinguishers required by § 127.1503;
(5) The telephone numbers of local Coast Guard units, hospitals, fire departments, police departments, and other emergency-response organizations;
(6) If the facility has personnel shelters, the place of and provisions in each shelter;
(7) If the facility has first-aid stations, the location of each station;
(8) Emergency procedures for mooring and unmooring a vessel; and,
(9) If an off-site organization is to furnish emergency response, a copy of the written agreement required by § 127.1505(a)(2).
(b) The employee-emergency plan and fire-prevention plan required by OSHA in 29 CFR 1910.38 may be used to comply with this section to the extent that they address the requirements specified in paragraphs (a) (1) through (9) of this section.
[CGD 88-049, 60 FR 39799, Aug. 3, 1995; 60 FR 49509, Sept. 26, 1995]
§ 127.1309 - Operations Manual and Emergency Manual: Use.
The operator must ensure that—
(a) LHG transfer operations are not conducted unless the person in charge of transfer for the waterfront facility handling LHG has a printed or electronic copy of the most recently examined Operations Manual and Emergency Manual readily available in the marine transfer area. Electronic devices used to display the manuals must comply with applicable electrical safety standards in this part;
(b) Each transfer is conducted in accordance with the examined Operations Manual; and
(c) Each emergency response is conducted in accordance with the examined Emergency Manual.
[CGD 88-049, 60 FR 39796, Aug. 3, 1995, as amended by USCG-2020-315, 86 FR 43940, Aug. 11, 2021]
§ 127.1311 - Motor vehicles.
(a) When LHG is being transferred or stored in the marine transfer area of a waterfront facility handling LHG, the operator must ensure that no person—
(1) Stops or parks a motor vehicle in a space other than a designated parking space;
(2) Refuels a motor vehicle within the area; or
(3) Operates a vehicle or other mobile equipment that constitutes a potential source of ignition within 15 meters (49.2 feet) of any storage container, manifold, loading arm, or independent mating flange containing a flammable liquid or vapor.
(b) If motor vehicles are permitted to stop in the marine transfer area for LHG, the operator shall designate and mark parking spaces that—
(1) Do not block fire lanes;
(2) Do not impede any entrances or exits; and
(3) Are not located within 15 meters (49.2 feet) of any storage container, manifold, loading arm, or independent mating flange containing a flammable liquid or vapor.
[CGD 88-049, 60 FR 39796, Aug. 3, 1995, as amended by USCG-2019-0444, 87 FR 5691, Feb. 2, 2022]
§ 127.1313 - Storage of hazardous materials.
(a) Each operator of a waterfront facility handling LHG must ensure that no materials listed in the table of hazardous materials under 49 CFR 172.101, except for the following, are stored in the marine transfer area for LHG:
(1) The LHG being transferred.
(2) Fuel required by the vessel, or by emergency equipment in the area.
(3) Oily wastes received from vessels.
(4) Solvents, lubricants, paints and similar materials in the amount required for one day's operations and maintenance.
(b) The operator must ensure that flammable liquids not stored in bulk are stored in accordance with NFPA 30 (incorporated by reference, see § 127.003).
[CGD 88-049, 60 FR 39796, Aug. 3, 1995, as amended by USCG-2019-0444, 87 FR 5691, Feb. 2, 2022]
§ 127.1315 - Preliminary transfer inspection.
Before each transfer, the person in charge of transfer for the facility must—
(a) Inspect piping and equipment within the marine transfer area for LHG to be used for transfer and ensure that it meets the requirements in this part;
(b) Determine the contents, pressure, temperature, and capacity of each storage tank to or from which LHG will be transferred, to ensure that it is safe for transfer;
(c) Confer with the person in charge of transfer aboard the vessel, to review and agree on—
(1) The sequence of acts required for transfer;
(2) The rate, maximum working pressure, and minimum working temperature of transfer;
(3) The duties, stations, and watches of each person assigned for transfer; and
(4) The emergency procedures in the examined Emergency Manual;
(d) Ensure that the vessel is securely moored and that the transfer connections allow it to move to the limits of its moorings without placing a strain on the piping, hose, or loading arm used for transfer;
(e) Ensure that each part of the transfer system is aligned to allow the flow of LHG to the desired place;
(f) Ensure the display of the warning signs required by § 127.1113;
(g) Ensure that the requirements of this part concerning smoking and fire protection are met;
(h) Ensure that qualified personnel are on duty in accordance with the examined Operations Manual and §§ 127.1301 and 127.1302; and
(i) Test the following to determine that they are operable:
(1) The communication system required by § 127.1111.
(2) The gas detectors required by § 127.1203.
[CGD 88-049, 60 FR 39796, Aug. 3, 1995, as amended by USCG-2019-0444, 87 FR 5691, Feb. 2, 2022]
§ 127.1317 - Declaration of Inspection.
(a) Each person in charge of transfer for the facility must ensure that no person transfers LHG to or from a vessel until a Declaration of Inspection that meets paragraph (c) of this section is executed and signed by both the person in charge aboard the vessel and the person in charge for the facility.
(b) No person in charge of transfer for the facility may sign the Declaration unless that person has fulfilled the requirements of § 127.1315 and has indicated fulfillment of each requirement by writing his or her initials in the appropriate space on the Declaration.
(c) Each Declaration must contain—
(1) The name of the vessel and that of the facility;
(2) The date and time that the transfer begins;
(3) A list of the requirements in § 127.1315 with the initials of both the person in charge aboard the vessel and the person in charge for the facility after each requirement, indicating the fulfillment of the requirement;
(4) The signatures of both the person in charge aboard the vessel and the person in charge for the facility, and the date and time of signing, indicating that they are both ready to begin transfer; and
(5) The signature of each relief person in charge and the date and time of each relief.
(d) The person in charge of transfer for the facility must give one signed copy of the Declaration to the person in charge of transfer aboard the vessel and retain the other.
(e) Each operator of a facility must retain a signed copy of the Declaration at the facility for 30 days after the transfer.
[CGD 88-049, 60 FR 39796, Aug. 3, 1995, as amended by USCG-2019-0444, 87 FR 5691, Feb. 2, 2022]
§ 127.1319 - Transfer of LHG.
(a) The operator of a waterfront facility handling LHG must notify the COTP of the time and place of each transfer of LHG in bulk at least 4 hours before it begins.
(b) During transfer, each operator of a waterfront facility handling LHG must ensure that—
(1) The marine transfer area for LHG is under the supervision of a person in charge certified for transfers of LHG, who has no other assigned duties during the transfer;
(2) The person in charge supervises transfers only to or from one vessel at a time unless authorized by the COTP.
(3) No person transferring fuel or oily waste is involved in the transfer; and
(4) No vessel is moored outboard of any LHG vessel unless allowed by the COTP or the examined Operations Manual of the facility.
(c) During transfer, each person in charge of transfer for the facility must—
(1) Maintain communication with the person in charge of transfer aboard the LHG vessel;
(2) Ensure that an inspection of the transfer piping and equipment for leaks, frost, defects, and other threats to safety takes place at least once every transfer;
(3) Ensure that—
(i) Transfer of LHG is discontinued as soon as a release or fire is detected in the area or aboard the vessel; and
(ii) Transfer of flammable LHG is discontinued when electrical storms or uncontrolled fires approach near the area; and
(4) Ensure that the outdoor lighting required by § 127.1109 is turned on between sunset and sunrise.
(d) Upon completion of transfer of LHG, each operator of a waterfront facility handling LHG must ensure that hoses and loading arms used for transfer are drained of LHG residue and depressurized before disconnecting from the vessel.
Note to § 127.1319:
Corresponding standards for vessels appear at 46 CFR part 154.
[CGD 88-049, 60 FR 39796, Aug. 3, 1995, as amended by USCG-2019-0444, 87 FR 5691, Feb. 2, 2022]
§ 127.1321 - Release of LHG.
(a) Each operator of a waterfront facility handling LHG must ensure that—
(1) No person intentionally releases LHG into the environment; and
(2) If a release of LHG or its vapor threatens vessels or persons outside the marine transfer area for LHG, they are notified by the warning devices.
(b) If LHG or its vapor is released, the person in charge of transfer for the facility must—
(1) Immediately notify the person in charge of transfer aboard the vessel that transfer must be shut down;
(2) Shut down transfer in coordination with the person aboard the vessel;
(3) Notify the COTP of the release; and
(4) Not resume transfer until authorized by the COTP.
[CGD 88-049, 60 FR 39796, Aug. 3, 1995, as amended by USCG-2019-0444, 87 FR 5691, Feb. 2, 2022]
§ 127.1325 - Access to marine transfer area for LHG.
Each operator of a waterfront facility handling LHG must ensure that—
(a) Access to the marine transfer area for LHG from shoreside and waterside is limited to—
(1) Personnel who work in the area, transfer personnel, vessel personnel, and delivery and service personnel in the course of their business;
(2) Federal, State, and local officials; and
(3) Other persons authorized by the operator;
(b) Each person allowed into the area is positively identified as someone authorized to enter and that each person other than an employee of the facility displays an identifying badge;
(c) Guards are stationed, and fences or other devices are installed, to prevent, detect, and respond to unauthorized access, fires, and releases of LHG in the area, except that alternative measures approved by the COTP (such as electronic monitoring or random patrols) will be sufficient where the stationing of guards is impracticable; and
(d) Coast Guard personnel are allowed access to the facility, at any time, to make any examination or to board any vessel moored at the facility.
[CGD 88-049, 60 FR 39796, Aug. 3, 1995, as amended by USCG-2019-0444, 87 FR 5691, Feb. 2, 2022]
§ 127.1401 - General.
Each operator of a waterfront facility handling LHG must ensure that all cargo handling equipment is operable, and that no equipment that may cause the release or ignition of LHG is used in the marine transfer area for LHG.
[CGD 88-049, 60 FR 39796, Aug. 3, 1995, as amended by USCG-2019-0444, 87 FR 5691, Feb. 2, 2022]
§ 127.1403 - Inspections.
(a) Each operator of a waterfront facility handling LHG must conduct a visual inspection for defects of each pressure relief device not capable of being tested.
(b) The operator must conduct the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this section at least once each calendar year, with intervals between inspections not exceeding 15 months.
[CGD 88-049, 60 FR 39796, Aug. 3, 1995, as amended by USCG-2019-0444, 87 FR 5691, Feb. 2, 2022]
§ 127.1405 - Repairs.
Each operator of a waterfront facility handling LHG must ensure that—
(a) Equipment is repaired so that—
(1) The equipment continues to meet the applicable requirements in this subpart;
(2) Safety is not compromised; and
(b) Welding and cutting meet NFPA 51B (incorporated by reference, see § 127.003).
[CGD 88-049, 60 FR 39796, Aug. 3, 1995, as amended by USCG-2019-0444, 87 FR 5692, Feb. 2, 2022]
§ 127.1407 - Tests.
(a) Each operator of a waterfront facility handling LHG must conduct a static liquid-pressure test of the piping, hoses, and loading arms of the LHG-transfer system located in the marine transfer area for LHG, and must verify the set pressure of the safety and relief valves—
(1) After the system or the valves are altered;
(2) After major repairs to the system or the valves;
(3) After any increase in the MAWP of the system; and
(4) At least once each calendar year, with intervals between tests not exceeding 15 months.
(b) The pressure for the test under paragraph (a) of this section must be at least 1.1 times the MAWP and last for at least 30 minutes.
(c) The operator must conduct a test of each pressure gauge, to ensure that the displayed pressure is within 10 percent of the actual pressure, at least once each calendar year, with intervals between tests not exceeding 15 months.
(d) The operator must conduct a test of each item of remote operating or indicating equipment, such as a remotely operated valve, at least once each calendar year, with intervals between tests not exceeding 15 months.
(e) The operator must conduct a test of the emergency shutdown required by § 127.1205 at least once every two months, to ensure that it will perform as intended. If transfers of LHG occur less often than every two months, the operator may conduct this test before each transfer instead of every two months.
(f) The operator must conduct a test of the warning alarm required by § 127.1207 at least once every six months, to ensure that it will perform as intended. If transfers of LHG occur less often than every six months, the operator may conduct this test before each transfer instead of every six months.
[CGD 88-049, 60 FR 39796, Aug. 3, 1995, as amended by USCG-2019-0444, 87 FR 5692, Feb. 2, 2022]
§ 127.1409 - Records.
(a) Each operator of a waterfront facility handling LHG must keep on file:
(1) A description of the components inspected or tested under § 127.1403 or 127.1407.
(2) The date and results of each inspection or test under § 127.1403 or 127.1407.
(3) A description of any repair made after the inspection or test.
(4) The date and a description of each alteration or major repair to the LHG transfer system or its valves.
(b) The operator must keep this information on file for at least 24 months after the inspection, test, alteration, or major repair.
[CGD 88-049, 60 FR 39796, Aug. 3, 1995, as amended by USCG-2019-0444, 87 FR 5692, Feb. 2, 2022]
§ 127.1501 - General.
(a) The number, kind, and place of equipment for fire detection, protection, control, and extinguishment must be determined by an evaluation based upon sound principles of fire-protection engineering, analysis of local conditions, hazards within the waterfront facility handling LHG, and exposure to other property. A description of the number, kind, place, and use of fire equipment determined by this evaluation must appear in the Emergency Manual for each facility. The evaluation for each new facility and for all new construction on each facility must be submitted to the COTP for review when the emergency manual is submitted under § 127.1307.
(b) All fire equipment for each facility must be adequately maintained, and periodically inspected and tested, so it will perform as intended.
(c) The following must be red or some other conspicuous color and be in places that are readily accessible:
(1) Hydrants and standpipes.
(2) Hose stations.
(3) Portable fire extinguishers.
(4) Fire monitors.
(d) Fire equipment must bear the approval, if applicable, of Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., Factory Mutual Research Corporation, or other independent laboratory recognized by NFPA.
[CGD 88-049, 60 FR 39796, Aug. 3, 1995, as amended by USCG-1999-5832, 64 FR 34714, June 29, 1999; USCG-2019-0444, 87 FR 5691, Feb. 2, 2022]
§ 127.1503 - Portable fire extinguishers.
Each operator of a waterfront facility handling LHG must provide portable fire extinguishers of appropriate, number, size, and kind in the marine transfer area for LHG in accordance with NFPA 10 (incorporated by reference, see § 127.003).
[CGD 88-049, 60 FR 39796, Aug. 3, 1995, as amended by USCG-2019-0444, 87 FR 5692, Feb. 2, 2022]
§ 127.1505 - Emergency response and rescue.
(a) Each waterfront facility handling LHG must arrange for emergency response and rescue pending the arrival of resources for firefighting or pollution control. Response and rescue may be performed by facility personnel or by an off-site organization.
(1) If response and rescue are performed by facility personnel, appropriate training and equipment for personnel protection must be furnished to those personnel. Training and equipment that meets 29 CFR 1910.120, hazardous-waste operations and emergency response, will be appropriate.
(2) If response and rescue are performed by an off-site organization, the organization must enter into a written agreement with the facility indicating the services it will perform and the time within which it will perform them to injured or trapped personnel.
(b) [Reserved]
§ 127.1507 - Water systems for fire protection.
(a) Each waterfront facility handling LHG must have a supply of water and a means for distributing and applying the water to protect personnel; to cool storage tanks, equipment, piping, and vessels; and to control unignited leaks and spills in the marine transfer area for LHG except when the evaluation required by § 127.1501(a) indicates otherwise. The evaluation must address fire protection for structures, cargo, and vessels. Each water system must include on the pier or wharf at least one 2
1/2-inch supply line, one 2
1/2-inch fire hydrant, and enough 2
1/2-inch hose to connect the hydrant to the vessel.
(b) Each water system must fully and simultaneously supply, for at least 2 hours, all fixed fire-protection systems, including monitor nozzles, at their designed flow and pressure for the worst single incident foreseeable, plus 63 L/s (1000 gpm) for streams from hand-held hoses.
§ 127.1509 - Equipment for controlling and extinguishing fires.
(a) Within each marine transfer area for LHG of each waterfront facility handling LHG that transfers a flammable LHG, portable or wheeled fire extinguishers suitable for gas fires, preferably dry chemical extinguishers, must be available at strategic sites, as determined by the evaluation required by § 127.1501(a).
(b) Fixed systems for extinguishing or controlling fires may be appropriate for protection against particular hazards. The evaluation required by § 127.1501(a) may specify the use of one or more of the following fixed systems:
(1) Low-, medium-, or high-expansion foam.
(2) Dry chemicals.
(3) Water applied as deluge, spray, or sprinkle.
(4) Carbon dioxide.
(5) Other NFPA approved fire extinguishing media.
§ 127.1511 - International shore connection.
Each marine transfer area for LHG that receives foreign flag vessels must have an international shore connection meeting the requirements of ASTM F1121-87 (Reapproved 2019) (incorporated by reference, see § 127.003).
[CGD 88-049, 60 FR 39796, Aug. 3, 1995, as amended by USCG-2000-7223, 65 FR 40057, June 29, 2000; USCG-2019-0444, 87 FR 5692, Feb. 2, 2022]
§ 127.1601 - Smoking.
Each operator of a waterfront facility handling LHG must ensure that no person smokes in the marine transfer area for LHG unless—
(a) Neither flammable LHG nor its vapors are present in the area; and
(b) The person is in a place designated and marked in accordance with local law.
[CGD 88-049, 60 FR 39796, Aug. 3, 1995, as amended by USCG-2019-0444, 87 FR 5692, Feb. 2, 2022]
§ 127.1603 - Hotwork.
Each operator of a waterfront facility handling LHG must ensure that no person conducts welding, torch cutting, or other hotwork on the facility, or on a vessel moored to the facility, unless—
(a) The COTP has issued a permit for that hotwork; and
(b) The conditions of the permit are met.
[CGD 88-049, 60 FR 39796, Aug. 3, 1995, as amended by USCG-2019-0444, 87 FR 5692, Feb. 2, 2022]
§ 127.1605 - Other sources of ignition.
Each operator of a waterfront facility handling LHG must ensure that in the marine transfer area for LHG—
(a) There are no open fires or open flame lamps;
(b) Heating equipment will not ignite combustible material;
(c) Each chimney and appliance has a spark arrestor if it uses solid fuel or is located where sparks may ignite combustible material; and
(d) All rubbish, debris, and waste go into appropriate receptacles.
[CGD 88-049, 60 FR 39796, Aug. 3, 1995, as amended by CGD 97-023, 62 FR 33363, June 19, 1997; USCG-2019-0444, 87 FR 5692, Feb. 2, 2022]
source: CGD 78-038, 53 FR 3376, Feb. 7, 1988, unless otherwise noted.
cite as: 33 CFR 127.1309