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To
readily recognize a leak, know what propane smells like.
Propane retailers have pamphlets available with a scratch-and-sniff
spot so that your entire family can recognize the smell.
Propane leak detectors, similar to carbon monoxide detectors,
are available. See your propane supplier to obtain one.
If
you smell a leak, immediately evacuate everyone from the
building and call your local propane supplier or the fire
department from your neighbor's phone.
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DO
NOT remain in the building, use the telephone or light
switches or try to determine the source of the leak by yourself.
Be aware of where gas service lines are located, especially
when working in your yard.
Water can damage the internal safety mechanism in the gas
controls of an appliance. If you suspect that your appliance
gas controls may have gotten wet (because of flooding, for
example), have a trained technician replace them immediately.
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While
propane vapor is readily ignitable,
it has a very narrow flammability range when compared to other
petroleum products. In order to ignite, the propane/oxygen
mix must contain from 2.15 to 9.60 percent propane vapor.
This means that a propane/air mixture containing less than
2.15 percent gas is too lean to burn. If the mixture contains
more than 9.6 percent gas, it is too rich to burn.
The range of flammability is important to remember when LP
gas is transferred or discharged. If the propane/air mixture
is within the flammability range, sources of ignition could
include fans, electrical switches, auto ignition, static electricity
or cigarettes. The ignition temperature of propane is approximately
920° F to 1120° F. By comparison, a cigarette will
burn at approximately 600° F to 1350° F, and a light
switch will arc at 2000° F.
Propane is non-toxic and is not harmful to breathe in small
concentrations. However, breathing large concentrations may
result in suffocation. Inhaling propane vapor may produce
dizziness, loss of coordination, unconsciousness, or death.
This depends upon the level of concentration and the time
of exposure. Never enter an area if a vapor cloud is present,
or if the area is suspected of having a high vapor concentration. |
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| Barbeque
Safety |
Always
use the grill outdoors in a well-ventilated area. Do not bring
propane cylinders indoors or into an enclosed space such as
a garage or basement.
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Make sure the grill burner controls are turned off. Keep
the cylinder valve closed when not in use.
Make sure the gas grill is shut off and cooled off before
covering your grill after use.
Always
use or store cylinders in an upright, vertical position.
Store them outdoors away from sources of ignition.
When
you have your cylinder refilled, have your supplier check
for dents, damage, rust or leaks.
After
filling, take your cylinder home immediately. Keep your
vehicle ventilated with the cylinder valve closed and plugged
or capped. Do not leave the cylinder in your car.
When
your grill is not in use, cover disconnected hose-end fittings
and burner air intakes with small plastic bags, or obtain
protective fitting caps from your propane supplier to keep
out dirt, insects and moisture.
Before
lighting your propane gas grill burner, use a leak-detection
solution to check all connections for tightness. Contact
your local propane gas supplier to obtain the leak-detection
solution and instructions on how to use it.
Never
use matches or lighters to check for leaks.Do not smoke
while handling the propane cylinder.
Do
not allow children to tamper or play with the cylinder or
grill.
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If
there is a significant and uncontrollable release of gas or
a fire, call the fire department immediately and move all
people and pets away from the unit. |
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| Stove
Safety |
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Do
not cover the oven bottom with foil - it can restrict air
circulation.
Never
use gas ranges for space heating.
Keep flammable materials away from burner flames.
Keep
pot handles turned inward.
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Have
your unit serviced if the burner flame is not blue. The
blue flame indicates complete combustion. A yellow flame
means air inlets are clogged or burners need to be adjusted.
Schedule
regular preventive maintenance checks for your appliances.
Never
allow children to turn the burner control knobs on your
propane gas range.
Keep
the range surface clean.
Do
not leave food simmering unattended.
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You
can also download the latest grill safety booklet from the
Propane Education & Research Council (PERC). (Adobe PDF).
Click on their logo to the right. |
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The
Effects of Oxygen Deficiency are Life Threatening
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POTENTIAL EFFECTS OF OXYGEN-DEFICIENT ATMOSPHERES
Oxygen content effects and Symptoms
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(%
bv Volume)
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(At
Atmospheric pressure)
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19.05%
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Minimum
permissible oxygen level.
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15-19%
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Decreased
ability to work strenuously. May impair coordination and
may induce early symptoms in persons with coronary, pulmonary,
or circulatory problems.
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12-14%
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Respiration
increases in exertion, pulse up, impaired coordination,
perception, judgment.
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10-12%
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Respiration
further increases in rate and depth, poor judgment, lips
blue.
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08-10%
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Mental
failure, fainting, unconsciousness, ashen face, blueness
of lips, nausea, and vomiting.
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06-08%
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8
minutes, 100% fatal; 6 minutes, 50% fatal; 4-5 minutes,
recovery with treatment.
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04-06%
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Coma
in 40 seconds, convulsions, respiration ceases, death.
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These
values are approximate and vary as to the individual's state
of health and his physical activities.
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Exposure
to atmospheres containing 12% or less oxygen can bring about
unconsciousness without warning, and so quickly that the
individual cannot help or protect himself.
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| CONTAINER
FAILURE |
There
are two types of problems that can cause failure of an LP gas container
-hydrostatic destruction and impinging fire on the vapor space of
the container.
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*Hydrostatic
destruction
If a vessel is overfilled and fire occurs, the relief valve simply
cannot handle the volume needed. The same situation occurs when
relief valves are faulty or the vessel is upset and the relief valves
are buried in mud or hard soil. When the vessel becomes 100% full
of liquid, and the temperature continues to rise, the vessel will
break approximately 1/3 the distance from one end. The large part
will turn inside out where it lies, while the smaller part will
take off like a rocket. The small ends have gone as far as a mile
on several occasions. This is why LP fires should always be approached
from the sides. The commonly used term for a container failure resulting
in the sudden release and expansion of liquid is BLEVE (Boiling
Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion).
*Impinging
fire on vapor space
If a vessel gets intense, concentrated heat on the shell area on
top, the metal will get hot and start losing its tensile strength.
The tank will begin to swell in the hot area. This is an indication
that the high pressure will soon blow out as the hot steel is being
drawn thinner. When the blister rips, the whole tank contents will
erupt upwards, causing a brief tower of fire.
The liquid level is very important in a fire. The area of the shell
that has liquid behind it is safe as the liquid absorbs the heat
and the shell remains safe. The danger area is that part of the
tank that does not have liquid touching it. This dry area is where
the water is needed to keep it cool.
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| Liquid
Propane (LP) Gas Containers |
LP
gas containers are equipped with pressure relief valves which are
designed to operate on vapor. This is a very important safety device,
especially if the container is involved in fire. When vapor is released,
it tank pressure drops, decreasing the possibility of tank failure.
Vapor release also has a refrigeration effect on the tank contents
which further lowers the internal pressure. After the tank is cooled,
the pressure will reduce, closing the relief valve, and the flame
will automatically extinguish itself.
If, due to accident, fire or overfill, the relief valve opens and
releases liquid, the internal pressure on the tank is not materially
changed. For this reason, upset or overfilled LP tank(s) present
a problem when involved in a fire. If a large amount of water cannot
be brought to bear on the tank(s) quickly, it is wise to stay clear
of the vessels and use deluge guns or flooding equipment.
NEVER shoot holes in any LP gas tank. |
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| HANDLING OF LIQUID SPILLS |
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The rapid
expansion of liquid LP gas as it vaporizes presents the greatest
hazard in liquid leaks (spills). In a short time, we can have
a vapor cloud to control that is approximately 270 times the volume
of the liquid spill.
Certain
information is needed in order to handle an LP gas liquid spill:
1. What is the gas?
2. What quantity was spiffed?
3. Is there a shut off valve?
4-. What is the wind direction and speed?
5. Is the ground sloping?
6. What buildings and occupancies are downwind or downslope?
7. What are the possibilities of ignition?
8. What must be done immediately?
Generally, the following steps should be taken in controlling
liquid spills:
1. All persons in the probable path of the vapor cloud should
be ordered out of the area immediately, ON FOOT. Do not allow
motors to operate in the area.
2. Cut off all sources of ignition in the probable path of the
vapor cloud: pilot lights, electrical lights (do not use wall
switches - have the utility company cut them off at the pole),
telephones, etc.
3. Approach an LP gas leak/spill from upwind and keep out of the
vapor cloud.
4. Do not permit anyone to enter the cloud, except in an extreme
emergency. Remember: LP gas displaces oxygen needed to support
life.
5. Speed up evaporation of liquid by using hose streams. Vapor
may be pushed out of the area with water fog.
6. Have fire department apparatus stand by in the event of a flash.
7. After evaporation, check low places, pockets, basements, etc.,
downwind for vapors.
8. Do not restore sources of ignition until complete evaporation
has taken place, and the area thoroughly checked.
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| ACCIDENTS
AND FLORIDA'S LAWS |
Florida
law requires LP gas companies to report immediately to the Division
of LP Gas any incidents that may occur involving their company's
equipment, employees or customers. Accidents that meet the reporting
criteria of the division must be reported as required by Florida
law (Chapter 527, Florida Statutes). These criteria are:
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(1)
An accident which causes a death or personal injury requiring
professional medical treatment;
(2) An accident which results in the uncontrolled ignition
of liquefied petroleum gas; or
(3) An accident which causes estimated damage to property
exceeding $1,000. |
Florida
law also requires LP gas companies to physically respond to verifiable
leaks calls within a reasonable time period, not to exceed 24
hours. Should your emergency response unit experience any difficulties
in reaching an LP gas company concerning a leak or require any
assistance, please contact the Division of LP Gas office nearest
you for assistance.
These offices and telephone numbers are listed below:
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Tallahassee
- Director's Office
Tallahassee Field Office
Jacksonville Field Office
Orlando Field Office
Tampa Field Office
West Palm Beach Field Office
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904/922-3175
904/922-3175,
extension 3535
904/359-6140
407/423-6340
813/975-4992
305/837-5159
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