Winter is coming: Safety tips for the season

December 21, 2025 By John McCoy 0 Comments

The phrase “winter is coming” has taken on a new meaning since the “Game of Thrones” saga. Nonetheless, for our industry, winter is our busy season.

I have heard that 70 percent of industry demand for fuel occurs during the winter months, from late October to late April each year.

Winter also brings with it some rules to follow as we seek to make our customer systems safe and code compliant.

If your customers have tanks that are subject to high snowfall, make sure those tanks are marked with visible stakes that substantially exceed the highest anticipated snowfall in your area. Doing so will help people filling or servicing the tank to find it. It also will help people avoid the tank if they are doing other work in the area, such as plowing snow.

Many years ago, our firm defended a case where someone plowing snow out west drove into a propane tank that was buried in over 10 ft. of snow. The tank was full of 800 gallons of propane. The tank was cut open, and two people were badly burned.

In that case, an analysis of the national and local codes and ordinances resulted in a determination that no stake was required for that tank. The propane company tried that case and obtained a defense verdict. Be sure to look at your local rules and weather records to determine if your area requires propane tanks to have visible stakes and, if so, install them.

Seasonal homes or cabins are another focus area in winter weather. In many parts of the country, customers have seasonal cabins they only use occasionally, such as for hunting or short weekend getaways. Sending reminder warnings about the need for leak checks after turning on gas and seeking professional assistance for light appliances is helpful.

NFPA 58 (2024) Section 6.18.1 also requires snow load protection for piping, regulators, meters and other equipment in areas where ground snow load is anticipated to meet or exceed 100 pounds per sq. ft. from accumulated snow. Local and state rules, regulations and ordinances may have more strict requirements. So, always check the snow load requirements in your area.

Determining the anticipated snow load requires reviewing weather data. Each of your customers may have different anticipated snow loads where they live.

There are several options that you may use to provide snow load protection. It can include installing regulators, piping or meters above the anticipated snow load. You also may consider installing this equipment at the gable end of the structure. You also may consider providing added support for the piping, regulator and meter, or secure these items to the structure to withstand the anticipated snow load.

In the event of an explosion caused by a failed regulator, piping or a meter due to excess snow load, it is critically important to gather as many facts about the actual event as possible. Weather records need to be gathered. Pre-explosion photos of the area of failure are extremely valuable. Often, the area has melted from the explosion and ensuing fire. So, looking at adjacent buildings may give great insight into the snow load present in the area of failure.

Looking at what the anticipated snow load was in the area is often key. Even if there is a failure, the anticipated snow load in the area may not have required protection by code. Alternatively, the snow load that caused the failure may have exceeded the force for which protection was required under the code.

Ensure that your customer tanks have domes attached and that the first-stage regulator is securely under the dome, with the vent pointed down. This will help keep melting and freezing snow from turning to ice and causing damage to the regulator.

Finally, keep tanks full. Out-of-gas and interruption-of-service calls are the primary factors that lead to fires and explosions. Use degree-day calculations and tank monitors to avoid these situations. For will-call customers, strive to avoid situations where they run out of gas as well.

Winter is a busy time for this industry. Being safe should always be a priority. Keeping track of these tips will help.

John V. McCoy is with McCoy, Leavitt, Laskey LLC. His firm represents industry members nationally. He can be reached at jmccoy@MLLlaw.com or at 262-522-7007.

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