5J-20.047. Connecting or Disconnecting Containers of Systems; Notice to Owner; Transportation

(1) No person, firm or corporation, other than the owner and those authorized by the owner, shall connect or disconnect any container, or system containing liquefied petroleum gas, except in an out-of-gas situation, unless due and sufficient notice has been given by any person, firm, or corporation to the owner of the container or system prior to disconnecting or connecting such container or system. Due and sufficient notice shall be received by the owner at least two (2) working days prior to installing the container or system of said person, firm, or corporation, and shall be evidenced by a signed receipt. Acceptable evidence of receipt of notification shall be a signed certified mail receipt, signed receipt of hand delivery, email delivery confirmation, or facsimile transmission receipt. If, after two working days, the container or system has not been disconnected by the owner, the said person, firm, or corporation, may then disconnect downstream of the system regulator or meter. It shall be mandatory that the person, firm, or corporation who so disconnects any such container, whether empty or full, upon the premises of a consumer, does so in a manner that renders the container tight with valves turned off, the container service valve plugged with brass or steel fittings, and all other container or system openings properly plugged. In addition, any container or system disconnected must be done so in a manner that is in compliance with the requirements of NFPA 58, as incorporated by reference in rule 5J-20.002, F.A.C. Notices of disconnect shall expire after 30 days. If the container or system is not disconnected prior to the expiration of the disconnect notice, a new notice of disconnect must be issued in compliance with the provisions of this rule.

(2) In an out-of-gas situation and upon receiving authorization from the end user or owner of the container or system, the person, firm, or corporation may disconnect the container or system downstream of the system regulator or meter. A person, firm, or corporation who disconnects any container or system shall notify the owner of the container or system within 24 hours. Acceptable evidence of receipt of notification shall be a signed certified mail receipt, signed receipt of hand delivery, email delivery confirmation, or facsimile transmission receipt.

(3) All disconnected container or systems must be timely removed from the premises of the consumer or end-user or must be timely and lawfully abandoned. Disconnected aboveground containers or systems and underground containers being stored above ground must be removed or lawfully abandoned within 5 days after disconnect. Disconnected underground containers or systems must be removed or lawfully abandoned within 30 days after disconnect. No person, firm or corporation, other than the owner and those authorized to do so, shall transport or carry by any means of conveyance whatsoever, any container containing liquefied petroleum gas, whether in the liquid or vapor state.

(4) Complaints from consumers, liquefied petroleum gas industry-members, agencies, or other entities concerning violations of this rule must be filed within 30 days of the violation's occurrence.

Rulemaking Authority 527.06 FS. Law Implemented 527.06, 527.07 FS. History–New 8-7-80, Formerly 4A-1.11, Amended 7-18-85, Formerly 4B-1.08, Amended 2-6-90, 2-5-91, Formerly 4B-1.008, Amended 7-28-14, Formerly 5F-11.047, Amended 7-10-19.