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Safety Tips

This Chapter contains information on:

• Safety Rules
• Fire Protection
• Some Special Precautions

Safety Rules

There shall be no smoking on the driveway of Propane service centers, in the dispensing areas, of transport truck unloading, Bobtail loading area or cylinder storage areas. Conspicuous signs prohibiting smoking shell be posted within sight of the customers being served. Letters on such signs shall be not less than 4 inches high. The motors of all vehicles being fueled shall be shut off during the fueling operation.

Fire Protection

Each station shall be provided with at least one portable fire extinguisher having at least an 18 B-C rating (RE: NFPA Pamphlet 58, 3-10.2.5). Ratings shall be in accordance with the Standard for Installation of Portable Fire Extinguishers NFPA No. 10.

Some special precautions are listed briefly:

If it becomes necessary to enter a room of enclosure containing large quantities of Propane that has escaped, certain things should be remembered. The gases can cause asphyxiation. In entering an area where a mixture of gas and air exist, refrain from breathing to whatever extent possible. Propane is heavier than air and will usually be found in greater quantities nearer the floor. Extreme caution should be taken to prevent ignition of any type, sparks, open flames, etc. Get as much ventilation and use fans if available. Gas indicators are available to measure the quantity of gases in the atmosphere.

In case of a fire where Propane equipment is installed and the equipment is exposed to excessive heat, keep the containers as cool as possible to prevent the discharge of gas through the relief valve, caused by pressure build-up. This is done by applying a stream of water tot he containers. The same procedure should be used on large storage tanks that are adjacent to a fire. Gas escaping at the relief valves should be ignited if this does not create an additional hazard. The flame will go out when tank pressure diminishes.

Generally, it is best to permit any escaping gas to burn itself out. If the fire is extinguished without stopping the leakage, the gas may accumulate and if re-ignited, cause explosion. If a gas line is broken and the escaping gas ignited, try to stop the flow of gas. Closing the tank valve can do this. When the flow if gas is stopped, the fire can be put out with an ABC or BC fire extinguisher. Please remember that the fir should be controlled, but not put out unless the leakage is stopped.

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