Don’t Trust Your Nose to Detect Propane
Posted by proforma on February 2, 2011
Count yourself lucky if you smell mercaptan. Unfortunately, not everyone can. Even worse, sometimes the mercaptan odor fades when it reacts chemically or is absorbed by other materials. Mercaptan can react with the material of the tank, with rust or water. “Odor fade” also can occur when a propane tank is new, partially filled, or is not in continuous use. And it can occur when propane is in proximity to masonry. Odor fade was attributed as the cause of a fatal explosion last year at a condominium project in Massachusetts.
While odor fade has been known in the industry for several decades, it is still not generally known among the general public, so it’s helpful to inform employees and their families of the dangers associated with propane use and proper use and maintenance of tanks. In spite of the cold weather, consumers continue to pursue outdoor gas grilling, and the use of patio heaters and fire pits are becoming increasingly popular. According to this report by the U.S. Fire Administration, gas grills are involved in four times as many outdoor fires as structure fires. The leading ignition factor is a result of some mechanical failure, such as a part failure, leak, or break and lack of maintenance (43%). And you might not even smell it until it’s too late.
There is lots of good information available on this page published by the National Propane Association, and a fun site to teach children safety around propane at http://www.propanekids.com/. Science author and teacher Steve Spangler offers practical guidance for leak testing and cylinder storage here.
Filed Under: Home Safety, Workplace Safety
