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Occupational Hazards
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) can pose a significant health hazard in the workplace. The chemical properties of LPG, combined with its potential for combustion and exposure to combustion byproducts, make i handling, storing, and using LPG safely key to mitigating health hazards and preventing accidents.
LPG is a colourless, odourless, flammable gas. It is a mixture of propane and butane with smaller amounts of isobutane, butylene, and other hydrocarbons. When sold and shipped, an odorant (such as Methyl mercaptan) is added as a warning for potential leaks.
LPG is commonly used as a fuel for domestic or camping heating and cooking appliances. It is also used as a lighter fuel, refrigerant, propellant in aerosols, substitute for gasoline and in the production of other chemicals and plastics.
LPG is an asphyxiant gas that can cause unconsciousness and/or death if oxygen levels are below 20%. LPG is heavy enough to displace oxygen and cause rapid suffocation. LPG is an extremely flammable gas and, when under pressure, may explode if heated.
Exposure to LPG is mainly by inhalation or by eye and skin contact. Inhaling LPG vapor at high concentration even for a short time can cause asphyxiation, seizures, comas, heart problems and death.
Inhalation of LPG may cause drowsiness or dizziness and respiratory irritation (cough, sneezing, headache, nose and throat pain). Long-term exposure may lead to central nervous system damage, nosebleeds, rhinitis, oral/nasal ulcerations, conjunctivitis, weight loss and fatigue.
Eye and skin irritation may occur due to contact with LPG. LPG released under pressure can also cause frostbite burns due to rapid temperature decrease. Symptoms of frostbite include permanent eye damage or blindness, change in skin color to white or grayish-yellow.
Both employers and employees need to be aware of LPG hazards and the safety precautions necessary.
Exposure to LPG may be due to emissions of gases from pressurized equipment, a leak from containment or residue during breaking containment in the following workplaces:
• Natural gas processing facilities.
• Petroleum refineries, distillating, cracking or reforming crude oil.
• Manufacture of refrigerants and aerosols.
• Manufacture of chemicals using LPG as chemical feedstock.
• Loading, unloading, transportation and storage of petroleum products.
• Petroleum product filling/transfer stations.
If your workplace uses liquified petroleum gas, it is important to familiarize yourself with the safety data sheet chemical labels and appropriate control measures to prevent exposure. If you would like to elevate the health & safety standards for your company, contact Chemscape Safety Technologies today.
