American Tower Corporation asked OSHA to resolve a conflict between OSHA's LP-Gas standard (29 CFR 1910.110) and NFPA 58 (2017). NFPA 58 Sections 6.28.2 and 6.28.3 allow reduced separation distances between LPG containers and buildings, specifically one-half the standard distance, when containers for stationary engines have a fill valve with an integral manual shutoff. OSHA's standard, by contrast, requires containers to meet the Table H-23 distance specifications from buildings under 29 CFR 1910.110(b)(6)(ii).
OSHA declined to accept the reduced NFPA distances as compliant. The agency acknowledged that a fill valve with an integral manual shutoff provides better isolation, but concluded that this control 'relies on human intervention' and does not address other release scenarios, such as failure of a vapor withdrawal line or service valve, pressure relief valve venting, and liquid withdrawal valve failure.
The takeaway for anyone siting LPG containers for stationary engines: following the newer NFPA 58 half-distance allowance will not protect you from an OSHA citation. OSHA emphasized that the greater separation distance in its standard is a passive mitigation measure that provides an equivalent level of safety superior to NFPA's valve-based alternative, so the full Table H-23 distances still apply.