Propane Safety
This distinctive odor is added to propane to help people detect a leak.
What is ethyl mercaptan
Before beginning work at a customer's property, a technician should first identify these potential dangers around the work area.
What are hazards?
If you smell a strong propane odor inside a building, this should be your first priority.
What is getting everyone to a safe location
These should be worn whenever there is a potential for flying particles or debris.
What are safety glasses?
This document provides information about chemical hazards, PPE, handling, and emergency measures.
What is an SDS?
Propane vapor is heavier than this common substance, causing it to collect in low areas
What is air?
Before restarting propane equipment after an interruption of service, technicians must verify the system is safe and perform the required procedure.
What is a leak check?
During a suspected gas leak, operating this type of device could potentially provide an ignition source.
What is an electrical switch/device?
Before using a power tool, technicians should check the cord, guards, and overall condition by performing this.
What is a pre-use inspection?
This federal agency establishes many workplace safety requirements affecting technicians.
What is OSHA?
Propane stored inside a container exists primarily in these two forms.
What are liquid and vapor?
This device regulates propane pressure before gas reaches appliances.
What is a regulator?
When arriving at an emergency scene, technicians should avoid rushing directly into the hazard and first perform this.
Hazard Assessment
This type of PPE is selected based on the hazards associated with the task being performed.
Task Appropriate PPE
This analysis should be completed before performing a non-routine or potentially hazardous job.
What is a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA)?
Filling a propane container beyond its permitted level can eliminate the space needed for this to occur safely.
What is liquid expansion?
This test is used to determine whether a NEW propane piping system can maintain pressure without leakage.
What is a pressure test?
In an uncontrolled propane release, technicians should protect people, isolate the area when safe, and contact these professionals when emergency assistance is required.
Who are emergency responders/fire department?
Before servicing equipment that could unexpectedly energize or release stored energy, technicians use this safety process.
What is lockout/tagout?
This DOT/FMCSA requirement limits how long qualifying commercial drivers may drive or remain on duty.
What are Hours of Service regulations?
Propane's flammable range in air is approximately between these two percentages by volume.
What are approximately 2.15% and 9.6%?
After completing service work involving a fuel-gas system, this final step helps verify that the system and affected equipment are safe before leaving the customer.
What is performing required safety/leak checks and documenting the work?
During a propane emergency, shutting a valve is appropriate only when this critical condition exists.
What is when it can be done safely without entering or increasing exposure to the hazard?
Before entering an area that could potentially contain a hazardous atmosphere, technicians may need this device to determine oxygen and combustible-gas concentrations.
What is an atmospheric/gas monitor?
Under OSHA's Hazard Communication requirements, employees must understand labels, SDSs, chemical hazards, and these protective measures before working with hazardous chemicals.
What are safe handling procedures and required PPE?