PETROLEUM GAS

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

Vapourised liquefied petroleum gas is highly flammable and can form explosive mixtures with air. The vapourised liquid does not support life. It can act as a simple asphyxiant by diluting the concentration of oxygen in the air below the levels necessary to support life. It can act as a simple asphyxiant. Adverse Health effects The liquefied petroleum gases are non-toxic. Prolonged inhalation of high concentrations has an anaesthetic effect Chemical Hazards Propane and butane (known as extensively in commercial and popular terms as Lpgas or LPG) have an extremely wide range of domestic, industrial, commercial, agricultural and internal combustion engine uses. It is estimated that two gases, un-mixed and in mixtures, have several thousand industrial applications and many more in other fields. Their very broad application stems from their occurrences as hydrocarbons between natural gas and natural gasoline, and from their corresponding properties. As a result of their wide application, misuse could result in serious chemical hazards. Biological Hazards. Contact with the liquid phase of liquefied petroleum gases with the skin can result in frostbite. Vapour Inhalation As the vapourised liquid act as a simple asphyxiant death may result from errors in judgement, confusion, or loss of consciousness which prevents self-rescue. At low oxygen concentrations, unconsciousness and death may occur in seconds without warning. Eye Contact The liquid can cause severe burn-like injuries. Contact with the liquid phase can cause severe burn- Skin Contact like injuries. No known effect Ingestion