Liquefied Petroleum Gas

Liquefied petroleum gases (LPG) provide fuel for such things as powered industrial trucks, barbecue grills, and residential heating. Liquefied petroleum gases are comprised of several different fuel gases. These gases are butane, propane, isobutane, propene, butene, and any mixture of these. Liquefied petroleum gases are flammable gases without any natural odor and they are also nontoxic.

Since liquefied petroleum gases are flammable, employees need to understand the hazards of working with them and the proper procedures for handling, transferring, and storing them.

Hazards

Liquefied petroleum gas is flammable and is considered an asphyxiant. In its liquid form, LPG can cause freezing of tissue upon skin contact. Most manufacturers odorize LPG so it can be detected. The odor must be detected at one fifth of LPG's lower flammable limit. 29 CFR 1910.110 (Storage and handling of liquefied petroleum gases) applies to your company if you store, use, or have on the premises any material that is composed predominantly of any of the following hydrocarbons, or mixtures: propane, propylene, butanes (normal butane or isobutene), and butylenes. Different sections of the regulation are in effect depending on the amounts of the chemical on site.

Containers must be located so as to minimize exposure to abnormally high temperatures, physical damage, or tampering by unauthorized persons. Heat producing equipment must be located and used in a way that minimizes the possibility of ignition of combustibles.

Portable containers should not be taken into buildings except when operational requirements make it necessary to do so. Containers and equipment are permitted to be used inside of buildings or structures according to specific provisions of the regulations.

An example would be as follows:

1. Portable engines in buildings.
2. LP gas fueled industrial trucks.
3. Garaged LP gas fueled vehicles.
4. Stored containers awaiting use or resale.

Containers must be kept in a suitable enclosure or otherwise protected against any tampering.

For information regarding liquefied petroleum gases information can be obtained from OSHA or from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

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