Used correctly, LPG is a safe product. However, being a combustible fuel, we must recognise the potential dangers it can present and minimise risk to our customers, employees and the wider public alike.
At Gas Warehouse, we view Safety as our top priority. We have a rigorous process of Safety Management across our organisation and at customer installations. This includes a programme of random site audits, staff training for all depot staff and tanker drivers, and monthly performance reviews by myself at Board level.
The core foundation behind the process is a genuine culture of safety across all staff who place safety at the heart of everything we do. We never take safety for granted, and encourage our customers to take a similar approach. We would therefore encourage any-one using LPG to read through our Safety and Technical Guide, and consider your approach to safety.
This guide is designed to give customers an easily accessible guide to LPG and how best to manage it, from dealers storing and transporting large quantities of LPG to domestic users with a bulk supply, or even just a cylinder for a Barbecue (BBQ).
Please take the time to look through this section and familiarise yourself with its contents. While it covers all the basic safety advice you might normally require, it is not a complete and authoritative representation of the law.
Properties and Hazards of LPG
Properties
LPG is liquefied petroleum gas and is:
Fire PrecautionsAt Gas Warehouse, we view Safety as our top priority. We have a rigorous process of Safety Management across our organisation and at customer installations. This includes a programme of random site audits, staff training for all depot staff and tanker drivers, and monthly performance reviews by myself at Board level.
The core foundation behind the process is a genuine culture of safety across all staff who place safety at the heart of everything we do. We never take safety for granted, and encourage our customers to take a similar approach. We would therefore encourage any-one using LPG to read through our Safety and Technical Guide, and consider your approach to safety.
This guide is designed to give customers an easily accessible guide to LPG and how best to manage it, from dealers storing and transporting large quantities of LPG to domestic users with a bulk supply, or even just a cylinder for a Barbecue (BBQ).
Please take the time to look through this section and familiarise yourself with its contents. While it covers all the basic safety advice you might normally require, it is not a complete and authoritative representation of the law.
Properties and Hazards of LPG
Properties
LPG is liquefied petroleum gas and is:
- Obtained during the processing of crude oil, or direct from the North Sea.
- Colourless and odourless. An odourising agent is added before distribution to give its characteristic smell.
- Half as heavy as water when in liquid form. It will float on water before vapourising.
- Easily liquefied by pressure, taking up only around 1/250th of its gaseous volume. This means that a large amount of LPG can be stored in a small place.
- Either commercial butane or commercial propane. These are similar in use but propane has a boiling point and hence a higher storage pressure. Commercial propane is predominantly an outdoor fuel.
- Commercial BUTANE
- 2BAR (28psig)
- Commercial PROPANE
- 7BAR(100psig)
- LPG is approximately twice as heavy as air when in gas form and will tend to sink to the lowest possible level and may accumulate in cellars, pits, drains etc.
- LPG in liquid form can cause severe cold burns to the skin owing to its rapid vapourisation.
- Vapourisation can cool equipment so that it may be cold enough to cause cold burns.
- LPG forms a flammable mixture with air in concentrations of between 2% and 10%.
- It can, therefore, be a fire and explosion hazard if stored or used incorrectly.
- Vapour/air mixtures arising from leakages may be ignited some distance from the point of escape and the flame can travel back to the source of the leak.
- At very high concentrations vapour can have an anaesthetic effect and subsequently become an asphyxiant by diluting the available oxygen.
- A cylinder that has contained LPG is normally empty but may still contain LPG vapour and be potentially dangerous. Therefore treat all LPG cylinders as if they were full.
ALWAYS STORE BOTTLES CORRECTLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ADVICE IN THIS DOCUMENT AND LPGA CODE OF PRACTICE NO 7.
Action in an Emergency
- Sound the alarm and summon the fire fighting services.
- Evacuate all personnel, except those necessary to deal with the emergency, from the danger area (particularly if in path of any cloud).
- Always approach fire or leak from upwind and ONLY if safe to do so.
- Isolate the leaking bottle(s) and if possible stop the source of the leak.
- If the leak cannot be stopped remove the bottle(s) to an isolated area i.e. clear of people, buildings, drains and sources of ignition. The point of leakage should be kept uppermost.
- A small fire from a bottle may be smothered with a wet cloth or dry powder extinguisher, ONLY if it is possible to stop the leak.
- Cool with water any adjacent bottles, which cannot be moved to a safe place.
- Always approach any fire or leak from upwind and using all protection available.
Due regard should be taken of the possibility of exploding bottles and jets of flame from relief valves.
Handling And Use
General Advice
* Do not store or use bottles in the horizontal position. A leak could be very serious and liquid could enter gas lines.
* Do not drop bottles off vehicles or platforms, as damage to bottles and valves can be caused.
* Always display safety and operating notices prominently.
* Don't change or store bottles in the presence of naked flames.
* Trace leaks using liquid detergent solution, NEVER a naked flame.
* Never store or use below ground level, as any leakage will collect at low levels. Storage should be well ventilated, preferably outdoors.
* Don't use tools to operate bottle valves.
* Propane bottles should not be used indoors for domestic appliances, due to their higher pressure.
* Always replace safety caps/plugs when the bottle is empty or not in use.
* Check hoses regularly. Ensure properly secured with hose clips. If hoses are damaged or showing signs of wear, replace them (using hose of correct quality).