Using Propane Safely e-learning reference material

Guide Book Series

Cylinders in Fires

Cylinders in Fires Actions to be undertaken

Emergency plans Cylinders that are handled and stored and used in a safe manner, should not give rise to an emergency situation. However, it should be recognised that they may occasionally become involved in an incident. Local management should carry out risk assessments to identify potential emergency situations. Emergency plans should then be established, and as necessary advice sought through liaison with the emergency services. The emergency plan should identify:

When a propane cylinder is exposed to excessive heat there is a risk of it bursting as the gas inside the cylinder may expand at a faster rate than the relief valve is able to vent off the excess pressure. If the cylinder bursts pieces of exploded metal may be sent hurtling through the air for distances up to 400m.

{ { Potential emergency situations.

{ { Identification of the gases held, the approximate stock holdings and their hazard categories.

Raise the alarm and evacuate the area. Operate the sprinkler systems, if available. Contact the emergency services. Inform them of the number, type and location of the cylinders, where possible. Do not approach cylinders that are involved in the fire until you have been advised by the emergency services that it is safe to do so. Evacuate all personnel to a safe distance (at least 200m) from the fire area, conduct a roll call to ensure that all persons are accounted for. Due to the fact that exploding gas cylinders may travel up to 400m from the fire area, inform all neighbours of the fire situation and encourage them to evacuate their premises. The emergency services will assist in the evacuation process. Provided that it is safe to do so and without putting anyone at risk, cylinders that are not directly involved in the fire should be removed as quickly as possible to a safe area. Ensure their valves are closed and that they are isolated from other processes. When the emergency services arrive, advise them of the actions you have undertaken and confirm how many cylinders are involved in the fire and what type of gases are contained inside the cylinders. The emergency services will spray copious amounts of water onto the cylinders. They will use fire monitors to allow the fire fighters to withdraw to a safe position. The Fire and Rescue Service has defined procedures for dealing with gas cylinders involved in a fire. You must ensure that all personnel observe the evacuation. Only return to the work/fire area once you have been given the all clear by the emergency services. 30

{ { Location of the gas cylinder stores (and other hazardous goods stores).

{ { The procedures to be followed, for example, site evacuation, accounting of personnel.

{ { The responsibilities of key personnel, including the appointment of an incident controller. This must be a trained person with adequate local site knowledge to take charge of the emergency and assist the emergency services as necessary. { { Access to and availability of emergency equipment and PPE. Further advice on fire-fighting equipment and fire precautions may be obtained from either the the Fire and Rescue Service. Additional information is available in the product Safety Data Sheet. { { Essential contact details. All personnel who are required to handle and store gas cylinders must receive suitable information and instruction regarding the emergency plans. Emergency plans should be reviewed or practiced on the following occasions: { { The involvement of the emergency services.

{ { On a routine basis; at least annually.

{ { Whenever significant changes are made to the site.

{ { When there is a significant change in the quantity of gases held

{ { There is an introduction of a different hazard category of gas, or the removal of a particular hazard category.

{ { When an incident has occurred. Any lessons learnt must be incorporated back into the emergency plan.

In the event of a serious gas leakage

Raise the alarm.

{ {

{ { Evacuate the immediate area.

{ { Instigate the emergency plan.

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