Purpose: To
establish a guideline for responding to a propane gas emergency.
General: Propane
gas is colorless and odorless. The
propane company adds an odorant (ethyl mercaptan) so personnel can smell the
propane in the event of a leak. Propane
gas is heavier than air and will migrate to lowest points (i.e. basements,
crawls spaces). A gallon of liquid propane weighs 4.24 pounds and contains
91,650 BTU’s and will vaporize at any temperature above -44 degrees
Fahrenheit.
DISPATCH:
Upon
receiving an alarm, a full first alarm assignment (5211, 5231, and 5255) will
respond to the scene for investigation. All
firefighters must be in full personnel protective equipment including SCBA’s.
ON
SCENE:
All
responding apparatus will approach the area with caution.
The Incident Command System will be initiated.
The Incident Commander will determine the nature of the leak, set up
perimeters (hot, warm, and cold) and request the required services if not
already enroute (propane provider, Haz-Mat, EMS).
Escaping Propane Outside of a Structure
A.
Eliminate ignition sources.
B.
Restrict access to the area.
C.
Determine if the leak can be isolated and, if
possible, isolate.
D.
Call Propane Provider if possible.
Escaping Propane Inside of
a Structure
A.
Eliminate ignition sources.
B.
Restrict access to the area.
C.
Shut off the propane flow at the storage tank
vapor service shutoff valve outside the structure or to the affected area of the
structure (i.e.: stove, boiler, water heater, etc.)
D.
Natural ventilation is to be setup.
E.
A 1 ¾ safety line shall be in place.
F.
Check structure for propane levels by using a
meter after the leak has been secured.
Burning
Propane Outside of a Structure
A.
Protect exposures and recognize the high
radiant heat hazards.
B.
If possible, attempt to secure the propane gas
leak by utilizing the storage tank vapor service shutoff valve.
C.
Call propane provider if possible.
Burning
Gas Inside of a Structure
A.
Shut off the flow of propane at the storage
tank vapor service shutoff valve outside the structure.
B.
Protect the exposures.
C.
Extinguish the remaining fire.
D.
Call the Fire Inspector to the scene.