What to do in Case of an LPG Leakage?

May 06,2020

LPG is an exceptional fuel. The energy provided by LPG is unmatched by most of the fuels mainly due to the calorific value it carries also with the portability LPG offers as a fuel. Maybe because of this reason, LPG as a fuel can serve even the remotest of the locations. Let’s look at some basic LPG properties.

LPG or Liquefied Petroleum Gas is an umbrella term given for a flammable mixture of hydrocarbon gas majorly containing Propane and butane and mixtures of these.

LPG by nature is colourless and odourless. It’s a mixture of propane and butane in varying compositions.
LPG is highly flammable in the 2% to 9% LPG:Air ratio.
LPG remains a gas at normal temperature. Therefore, in the cylinders at your home, it’s kept at a highly pressurised way to keep it in the liquid state. The liquid state is easy to handle and transport.
One drop of liquid LPG expands 250 times when it changes to vapour LPG. So in a short time, it can fill your entire kitchen.

Therefore, to detect and avert this danger, Ethyl Mercaptan is the chemical added to LPG. It has a pungent smell and is easily detectable by humans.

Even though LPG is very helpful and people are generally alert, there are still chances for improvement and a safety culture needs to be inculcated in people. Please find below some safety tips to do in case of LPG Emergency.

Do not panic
Open all doors & windows for ventilation. LPG is heavier than air and hence it tends to settle down. Opening doors must be the first step
Put off all flames, lamps, incense sticks etc.
Put the safety cap back on the cylinder.
Close regulator and burner knobs.
Do not operate any electrical switches, appliance or equipment in the kitchen.
Isolate the electrical supply from the outside source.
Call your LPG dealer for emergency assistance
Try to isolate the cylinder to an open space and cover it with wet cloth.
Call the fire brigade and police if required.