Propane is a versatile product with many residential and industrial uses.  It serves as a fuel for heating buildings and recreational vehicles, for powering automobiles and forklifts, and for operating barbeques, construction heaters, torches and hot tar kettles.  Like any other hazardous material, propane can be used safely – if the user knows and follows the necessary precautions.

Characteristics and Hazards

Propane, a.k.a. liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), is stored and transported as a pressurized liquid.  All propane containers, therefore, must be manufactured to strict standards and be equipped with safety devices such as pressure relief valves.  Every ten years portable propane containers (cylinders) must be recertified and have their valves replaced by an agency certified by Transport Canada.

Propane boils at -42°C.  So, at most temperatures, liquid propane will vapourize when released to atmosphere.  It’s heavier than air; in the absence of ventilation, propane will settle in low-lying areas such as ditches, trenches, sumps, and basements. 

Propane is flammable.  The right mixture of propane and air (approx. 2.4% to 9.5% propane) in the presence of a source of ignition will burn readily.  If the propane in a pressurized container catches fire, there is also risk of explosion or a BLEVE (boiling liquid expanding vapour explosion).

Beware of Leaks

Propane leaks must be taken seriously.  Propane concentrations can build to dangerous levels in poorly ventilated spaces, posing a fire /explosion hazard.  Propane can also displace oxygen, creating an oxygen-deficient environment that’s harmful to occupants.  Leaks may occur when containers, valves, hoses or other fittings are damaged.  Propane may also be released via the pressure relief valve, if the container is exposed to high temperatures or direct sunlight. 

Propane that’s sold commercially is odourized with ethyl mercaptan, which smells like rotten eggs or boiling cabbage - so that leaks can be detected.  However, the odourant can’t be smelled by everyone, and should therefore not be the sole means of identifying leaks.  Other leak detection methods include sight (white fog), sound (hissing), leak checks with soap solution (watch for expanding bubbles) or measurements with electronic instruments calibrated for propane gas.

In the event of a leak (real or suspected), or if you smell propane, the Propane Gas Association of Canada, recommends¹:

• “Extinguish all smoking materials and open flames.
• Do NOT touch electrical switches.
• Do NOT light matches or create any other source of ignition.
• Leave the premises.
• Get everyone out of the building or vehicle IMMEDIATELY.  Move upwind, away from the smell.
• Go to a nearby phone and call your propane supplier, 911, or your Fire Department emergency number.
• Do NOT re-enter the area until it is safe.
• After the area has been deemed safe, a service technician must repair the leak, turn on the propane, check all the propane appliances and re-light the pilots on the appliances.”

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Propane can cause deep and painful burns to the skin and can damage the eyes.  When handling propane, especially when dispensing propane or making / breaking connections, the following PPE should be worn:

• protective eyewear (chemical splash goggles are best);
• gloves made of neoprene or other materials rated for use with propane;
• long sleeves and long pants; and
• full foot cover (no open-toed shoes or sandals).

Many Precautions are Legislated

The storage, dispensing, handling, and transportation of propane are addressed in a number of standards and regulations.  Safety devices and work practices are outlined in:

• CAN/CSA-B149.2-05: Propane Storage & Handling Code – This standard has been adopted by many provinces (e.g., Alberta Gas Code Regulation).
• Alberta Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) Code – Section 10 addresses fire and explosion hazards. See also Part 2 (hazard assessments), Part 4 (chemical hazards), Part 7 (emergencies) and Part 29 (WHMIS).  Similar regulations are in force in other provinces.
• Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act and Regulations – TDG legislation applies to the transportation, handling, and offering for transport of propane.
• Federal Weights & Measures Regulations – Applies to the sale of propane.

Training Is Key

One of the best ways to ensure that propane is handled safely is to obtain the necessary knowledge and skills through training.  The Propane Storage & Handling Code, TDG Regulations, and OH&S Code all cite training requirements for personnel working with propane. 

Useful References

In addition to the legislation mentioned above, the following references should be consulted to ensure that propane is transported, stored, and handled safely.

• “Propane Gas Safety: What You and Your Family Need to Know”, Propane Gas Association of Canada, 2004.

• Propane Gas Association of Canada website: www.propanegas.ca

• CAN/CSA-B149.2-05: Propane Storage & Handling Code, Canadian Standards Association, 2005

• CAN/CSA-B149.1-05: Natural Gas and Propane Installation Code, Canadian Standards Association, 2005

• CAN/CSA-B149.5-05: Installation Code for Propane Fuel Systems and Tanks on Highway Vehicles, Canadian Standards Association, 2005