Liquefied petroleum gas is a flammable gas which has the potential to create a hazard. Therefore it is important that the properties and safe handling of LPG are understood and applied in the domestic and commercial/industrial situations.
- Liquefied petroleum gas is stored under pressure. The gas will leak from any joint or connection which is not sealed properly.
- Liquefied petroleum gas is heavier than air. Any significant leak will move downwards and stay on the ground. LPG will accumulate in any low-lying area such as depressions in the ground, drains or pits.
- Since LPG is stored in two phases, liquid and gaseous, there is potential for either a liquid leak or a gas leak.
- If the Liquefied petroleum gas leak is a gas leak it may not be seen (because LPG is colourless), except where the leak is of sufficient size to be seen shimmering in the air.
- When a liquid Liquefied petroleum gas leak occurs, the gas release will be seen as a patch of ice around the area of the leak, or as a jet of white liquid. This white appearance is due to the cooling effect created by the rapid expansion of the LPG liquid into a gas. The condensing atmospheric moisture makes the leak visible.
- In concentrated amounts and in uncontrolled conditions, Liquefied petroleum gas has the potential to create a fire or an explosion.
For the above-mentioned characteristics, LPG is mixed with Metyl-mercaptaneso that we can smell it upon leakage.
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