(1) Containers must be located to minimize the possibility of damage to the container. Containers located in the rear of trucks and buses, when protected by substantial bumpers meet this requirement. Fuel containers on passenger-carrying vehicles must be installed as far from the engine as is practical, and the passenger space and any space containing radio equipment must be sealed from the container space to prevent direct seepage of gas to these spaces. The container compartment must be vented to the outside. In case the fuel container is mounted near the engine or the exhaust system, the container must be shielded against direct heat radiation.
(2) Containers must be installed with as much clearance as practical and at least the minimum road clearance of the vehicle under maximum spring deflection. This minimum clearance must be to the bottom of the container or to the lowest fitting on the container or housing, whichever is lower.
(3) Permanent and removable fuel containers must be securely mounted to prevent jarring loose, slipping, or rotating, and the fastenings must be designed and constructed to withstand static loading in any direction equal to twice the weight of the tank and attachments when filled with fuel using a safety factor of at least four based on the ultimate strength of the material to be used. Field welding, when necessary, must be made only on saddle plates, lugs or brackets, attached to the container by the manufacturer.
(4) Fuel containers on buses must be permanently installed.
(5) Containers from which only vapor is to be withdrawn must be installed and equipped with suitable connections to minimize the accidental withdrawal of liquid.
[Statutory Authority: RCW
49.17.010,
49.17.040,
49.17.050, and
49.17.060. WSR 20-21-091, § 296-307-42507, filed 10/20/20, effective 11/20/20. WSR 97-09-013, recodified as § 296-307-42507, filed 4/7/97, effective 4/7/97. Statutory Authority: RCW
49.17.040, [49.17.]050 and [49.17.]060. WSR 96-22-048, § 296-306A-42507, filed 10/31/96, effective 12/1/96.]