Material Safety Data Sheet for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)

Identification

Product Name: Liquefied Petroleum Gas
Other Names: LPG, Propane-Butane mix
Chemical Formula: C3H8 (Propane), C4H10 (Butane)
UN Number: 1075
Recommended Use: Fuel for heating, cooking, vehicles, industrial processes
Supplier: Local manufacturers and distributors fill bulk storage tanks and supply cylinders for end users, making it easy for businesses and individuals to access fuel for daily needs.
Emergency Contacts: Regional poison control and fire services supply phone numbers posted at storage locations and commercial filling stations.

Hazard Identification

Main Hazards: Extremely flammable gas; under pressure; may explode if heated or ruptured. LPG escapes as an invisible vapor that can travel along the ground and reach sources of ignition a long way from the source.
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Pictograms: Gas cylinder, Flame
Physical Hazards: Gas displaces oxygen in tight spaces, causing suffocation; heavier than air, settles in low areas.
Health Hazards: Inhalation may cause dizziness, nausea, headaches, and in confined spaces, asphyxiation. Contact with liquid can cause frostbite, numbing skin quickly.
Environmental Hazards: Larger leaks threaten nearby vegetation, soil quality, and aquatic life due to sudden cooling; escapes quickly into the atmosphere.

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Main Components: Propane: 55–100%, Butane: 0–45%
Impurities: Ethane: up to 7%, traces of propylene and butylene
Additives: Odorant such as ethyl mercaptan at up to 50 mg/kg, for leak detection
CAS Numbers: Propane: 74-98-6, Butane: 106-97-8, Ethyl Mercaptan: 75-08-1
Form: Compressed liquefied gas, colorless, stored under pressure in cylinders and bulk tanks

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove to fresh air at once. If not breathing, start rescue breathing, and get medical help. Dizziness or faintness require oxygen administration by professionals.
Skin Contact: If skin contacts liquid, immerse area in lukewarm water; do not rub affected area. Remove contaminated clothing; watch for frostbite, and seek medical attention for blisters or numbness.
Eye Contact: In case of exposure to liquid gas or mist, rinse eyes with water for at least 15 minutes, holding eyelids open. Call physician.
Ingestion: Not considered a likely route, but seek medical observation if necessary.
Notes for Doctors: Treat hypoxia or potential frostbite locally and symptomatically. Observe for delayed respiratory effects or cardiac issues from high exposure.

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or water fog for small fires. Large fires: Move containers from area if safe; unmanned water spray on tanks to cool; let fire burn if controlling leak proves impossible.
Unsuitable Media: Direct water jets may spread burning material.
Peculiar Dangers: Boiling liquid can release huge amounts of vapor. Cylinders and tanks may burst violently if heated by fire.
Protective Equipment: Full protective clothing with self-contained breathing apparatus for fire crews.
Advice: Evacuate people from downwind area up to 1000 meters for large tank fire; monitor wind and explosion risk constantly.

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Keep uninvolved personnel away from area. Eliminate open flames, smoking materials, and ignition sources. Shutoff leak if safe.
Protective Equipment: Respiratory protection and impervious gloves in confined zones.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent undiluted LPG from entering drains, sewers, or watercourses.
Containment & Cleanup: For small leaks, ventilate area and allow gas to disperse. For large spills, use water spray to knock down vapor cloud and monitor air concentrations with gas detectors. Notify authorities as required.

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use proper grounding and bonding for transferring LPG; avoid personal contact with liquid or cold vapor. Handle cylinders upright and protect from impact. No smoking or open flames.
Storage Conditions: Store in well-ventilated, dry places away from sunlight, incompatible chemicals, or heat sources. Secure gas cylinders upright, with protective valve caps in place.
Temperature Control: Do not expose storage or cylinders to temperatures above 50°C. Use explosion-proof electrical installations.
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, chlorine, fluorine, and other reactive chemicals.

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: OSHA TWA (Propane) 1000 ppm. Consult local authorities for site-specific rules.
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust or general ventilation where vapor occurs or gas handling equipment operates.
Personal Protective Equipment: Gloves resistant to cold, chemical safety goggles, face shield. In poorly ventilated areas, use approved air-supplied respirator.
Personal Hygiene: Wash hands and face after handling gas equipment. Remove and replace contaminated clothing promptly.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Gas under standard conditions, colorless; liquid under pressure
Odor: Faintly sweet, strong “rotten egg” odor (from ethyl mercaptan)
Melting Point: Propane: -188°C; Butane: -138°C
Boiling Point: Propane: -42°C; Butane: -0.5°C
Vapor Pressure: Propane: 858 kPa at 21°C
Vapor Density: Heavier than air (1.5–2.0 times)
Solubility in Water: Very low
Flash Point: Propane: -104°C
Autoignition Temperature: Propane: 468°C
Explosion Limits: Lower: 2.1%, Upper: 9.5% (volume in air)
Relative Density: Liquid: 0.5–0.58 at 15°C

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under ordinary conditions if properly stored.
Hazardous Reactions: May form explosive mixtures with air. Leaks in confined areas can lead to explosions or fires.
Materials to Avoid: Halogens, oxidizers can cause rapid or violent reaction.
Decomposition Products: Incomplete combustion releases carbon monoxide; expect carbon dioxide in complete combustion.
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, flames, sparks, improper storage; physical damage to cylinders increases risk.

Toxicological Information

Acute Effects: High levels displace oxygen, causing dizziness, headaches, unconsciousness, or death by asphyxiation. Extensive cold burns and damage to skin, eyes, or lungs with direct contact.
Chronic Effects: At industrial levels and under normal use, LPG does not build up toxic products in the body.
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation is primary risk; skin and eye contact a significant hazard with liquid releases.
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic by OSHA, IARC, NTP.
Sensitization: No known associated allergic reactions.
Other Risks: Possible narcosis, loss of coordination, and aggravation of existing heart or respiratory illnesses.

Ecological Information

Persistence and Degradability: LPG evaporates and disperses quickly, does not persist as a pollutant, but large spills can lower temperatures in soils or water bodies, shocking wildlife.
Bioaccumulation: Not expected; breaks up in atmosphere.
Mobility in Soil: Moves rapidly as a vapor near ground; no significant bioaccumulation.
Aquatic Toxicity: Sudden LPG releases in water may stress aquatic organisms by reducing dissolved oxygen or rapid cooling.
Other Harm: Asphyxiation of small animals or insects in confined spaces; long-term effects not typical from short-term, small-scale releases.

Disposal Considerations

Safe Disposal Method: Do not discharge into drains, soil, or sewers. Unused gas should be combusted in approved burners; consult specialized recycling or disposal services for cylinders.
Contaminated Containers: Empty containers can still present explosive risks; handle as hazardous waste to prevent pressure releases or fires.
Precautions: Never puncture or burn containers. Follow regional or national waste management regulations.
Recommended Practices: Return usable cylinders to supplier. Coordinate with local hazardous waste collection for old cylinders.

Transport Information

UN Number: 1075
Proper Shipping Name: Petroleum gases, liquefied
Transport Hazard Class: 2.1 (Flammable Gas)
Packing Group: Not assigned for compressed gases
Labeling: Flammable gas label is required on every container.
Special Precautions: Securely fasten all cylinders; separate from vehicle passenger areas. Keep away from ignition sources throughout transit.
Modes: Commonly moved by road, rail, and sea, under international codes. Notification to authorities required for large quantities.

Regulatory Information

US Regulations: OSHA Hazard Communication Standard requires proper labeling and safety training. Clean Air Act lists LPG as a regulated substance for risk management planning at large storage sites.
Europe: REACH requires registration; CLP governs labeling. Pressure Equipment Directive applies to bulk tanks and cylinders.
International: UN Model Regulations for Transport of Dangerous Goods, ADR for road in Europe, IMDG for sea shipments.
Local Requirements: Site-specific fire codes, environmental permits, and occupational health regulations apply widely for companies, with frequent inspections and regular audits for compliance.
Safety Training: Regular refreshers for staff in workplaces, emergency practice drills, and up-to-date site plans required by regulators.