AIMS TECHNICAL MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE
ROAD-2, NEAR UNION BANK, GANDHI MAIDAN, AZADNAGAR, MANGO, JSR
Hazards of Propane and its Safe use:
What is PROPANE:
We have switched over to PROPANE in place of dissolved acetylene for cutting of slabs at torch cutting machine. Here is some
information about propane:
1. Chemical formula-C3H8.
2. Composition by vol.% a)Propane-97.8% ,Butane-0.01%,Ethane-2.1%,Pintane-rest(traces).
3. Total volatile sulphur by wt.=0.02%max.
4. Hydrogen sulphide-nil.
5. Dryness-No free moisture.
6. Explosive range-1.8%to9.5% vol. of gas in air.
7. Auto ignition temp.-410*c to 580*c.
8. Calorific value=22000Kcal/Nmcube to 22250Kcal/Nmcube(max).
9. Vapour pressure at 65*c=26kg/cmsq.
10. Boiling temp.= -42*c.
11. Colourless,Slightly toxic,Not poisonous,Asphyxiation.
12. Sp.gr.=1.55(with respect to air=1)
General description:
¨ Propane is a colourless gas with faint petroleum like order.
¨ It is shipped as a liquefied gas under its vapour pressure. For transportation it may be stanched.
¨ Contact with the liquid can cause frostbite.
¨ It is easily ignited.
¨ Its vapours are heavier than air and a flame can flash back to the source of leak very easily. This leak can be either a liquid or
vapour leak.
¨ It can asphyxiate by the displacement of air.
¨ Under fire conditions the cylinders or tank cars may violently rupture and rocketed.
Propane-A cleaner alternative fuel:
PROPANE is a hydrocarbon (C3H8) and is available from refinery gases or natural gas . Propane from natural gas dose not
contains impurities like moisture, sulphur compounds or any tarry residue and is available in highly pure form. Hence, it is ideal
fuel for gas cutting, scarfing of steel and heating process for sophisticated and high quality products.
Attractive advantages are:
1) High vapour pressure, easy for transportation and application. No pumps and compressors needed.
2) Gas based system requires negligible maintenance.
3) Higher Calorific value and high flame temperature and hence efficient heat transfer.
4) Environment friendly fuel with surety of complete combustion, higher combustion efficiency and minimal pollution.
No condensation of Propane in pipeline network thereby no atomisation of fuel needed before firing.
Material safety data sheet for propane gas:
Physical/chemical characteristics
a. Appearance and odor: colorless odorized gas w/sickening sweet smell
b. Boiling point : -43.8f
c. Melting point : -305.9f
d. Vapor pressure (mm hg/70 f): 147 psi.
e. Vapor density (air=1) : 0.117
f. Specific gravity : 1.56
g. Solubility in water : 6.5% by volume
Fire and explosion hazard data:
Flash point : -156f
Lower explosive limit : 2.1
Upper explosive limit : 9.5
Extinguishing media : dry chemical, co2, halon.
Special fire fighting proc : rescue personnel should avoid exposure/wear PPE. Don't enter areas w/in flammable range
due to immediate fire & explosion hazard. Cool containers w/water spray.
Contact 9234704886,9308289697 Safety Management 1
AIMS TECHNICAL MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE
ROAD-2, NEAR UNION BANK, GANDHI MAIDAN, AZADNAGAR, MANGO, JSR
Unusual fire and expl hazrds: propane gas vapors are dense/can collect & Remain in low spots even after the source of
gas has been eliminated. Containers can rupture violently due to fire.
Reactivity data
a. Stability : yes
b. Cond to avoid (stability) : heat, flame, ignition source, static electrical discharge.
c. Materials to avoid : oxidizers, oxygen, chlorine, flourine
d. Hazardous decomp products : none
e. Hazardous poly occur : no
f. Conditions to avoid (poly): none
Health hazard data
a. Route of entry - inhalation: yes.
b. Route of entry – skin : yes
c. Route of entry – ingestion : no
d. Health haz acute and chronic: inhalation: exposure to propane depending on Concentration & duration of exposure
may include rapid respiration, air hunger, death. Skin: may cause frostbite.
e. Carcinogenicity – ntp : no
f. Carcinogenicity – iarc : no
g. Carcinogenicity – osha : no
h. Explanation carcinogenicity: none.
i. Signs/symptoms of overexp : incoordination, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, Convulsions, loss of consciousness, skin
color changed to gray/white, cold feeling, numbness.
j. Emergency/first aid proc : inhalation: move to fresh air. Give cpr/ oxygen If needed. Keep warm & quiet. Skin:
in event of freezing, frozen tissues should be flooded/soaked w/tepid water (105-115f). Don't use hot water. First
degree burns which result in fire exposure/other small area of body may be immersed in cool water for 10-20 mins
to relieve pain. Don't immersed whole body in a cold bath. (see supp)
Precautions for safe handling and use
a. Steps if material released/spill : ventilate area to prevent flammable mixture from forming. Remove sources of ignition,
b. Heat, sparks. Avoid entering area of flammable atmosphere. Carefully remove cylinders w/slow leaks to a remote,
outdoor location.
c. Waste disposal method : don't attempt to dispose of residual propane in cylinders. Return to air products for disposal
w/positive pressure in cylinder, cylinder valve tightly closed & valve caps in place. Dispose of law/federal, state & local
regulations.
d. Precautions-handling/storing : use only in well ventilated area. Propane gas cylinders contain gas at high pressure, handle
with care. Never expose a propane cylinder to heat.
e. Other precautions: always keep propane cylinders upright/secure cylinders. When in use. Always open & close valves
slowly. Avoid dragging/rolling/sliding cylinders. Storage of 300 lbs/less of propane is permissible w/in industrial
buildings.
Control measures
a. Respiratory protection: use organic vapor canister/scba.
b. Ventilation: natural/mechanical where gas is present. Local exhaust/
general as necessary.
c. Protective gloves: leather/welding.
d. Eye protection: safety glasses/welders goggles
e. Other protective equipment: leather sleeves, leather apron, safety shoes.
f. Suppl. Safety & health data: first aid cont'd: cover burns w/clean
Material. Don't use burn ointments/greasey materials on burns that show more than localized reddening. Obtain medical attention
in all cases. When the concentration of propane in atmosphere > the flammable limit there is an immediate fire/explosion hazard.
Special hazard precautions:
Inhalation: exposure to propane depending on concentration & duration of exposure may include rapid respiration, air hunger,
death. Skin: may cause frostbite. Incoordination, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, convulsions, loss of consciousness, skin colour
changed to gray/white, cold feeling, numbness.
Contact 9234704886,9308289697 Safety Management 2
AIMS TECHNICAL MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE
ROAD-2, NEAR UNION BANK, GANDHI MAIDAN, AZADNAGAR, MANGO, JSR
Fire Fighting:
Do not extinguish fire unless flow can be stopped. Use water in flooding quantities as fog. Cool all affected containers with
flooding quantities of water. Apply water from as far a distance as possible.
First aid in case of propane hazards :
1. If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash the eyes with large amount of water occasionally lifting the lower
and upper lids.
2. Contact lenses should not be worn when working with this chemical.
3. If this chemical contacts the skin, immediately flush the contaminated skin with water clothing.
4. Immediately remove the clothing and flush the skin with soap and water. Get medical attention promptly.
5. If a person breathes large amount of this chemical, move the exposed person to fresh air at once. If breathing has stopped
perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Keep the affected person warm and at rest.
6. Get medical attention as soon as possible.
Contact 9234704886,9308289697 Safety Management 3
