What is the potential risk?

The unintentional release of propane while transferring bulk quantities poses a risk of fire and explosion, which may result in injury to workers. When propane is transferred between railcars, tankers, and tanks there is a potential for leaks of propane, which may be ignited.

Propane becomes flammable when it mixes with air, and can ignite if it comes into contact with an ignition source, such as an electric spark, static electricity, or a lit cigarette. Propane stored in tanks that are exposed to a heat source are also at risk of explosion.

There have been incidents of fires and explosions, across North America, that involve unintentional releases of propane during transfer.

Propane plant employees, railroad employees, and truck drivers may be at risk of injury should a fire or explosion occur.

What industries may be at risk?

• Transportation and related services
• Gas distribution (propane)
• Gas, acetylene, oxygen, propane manufacture
• Propane gas distribution
• Propane gas hauling
• Propane gas sales (wholesale)
• Wholesale (chemicals, propane gas, or insecticides)
• Fuel storage tank operation and fuel distribution

How can I reduce the risk in my workplace?

As an employer, you need to know if there is the potential for the risk identified in this advisory to be present in your workplace. It’s your responsibility to regularly inspect your workplace, and to ensure that your safety procedures and practices control the risk. The following information highlights some of the sections of the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Regulation and Guidelines that are most relevant to this risk.

Section 5.23 of the OHS Regulation requires that the amount of a hazardous substance in a work area must not exceed the quantity reasonably needed for work in progress, normally in one work shift. Further, bulk or reserve quantities must be stored in a designated area separate from the work area.

Other regulations in Part 5 describe additional duties the employer must perform to ensure the safety of workers. These include provisions for the design for safe storage and handling, control of ignition, and ceiling limits for worker exposure.

The BC Fire Code also places additional duties on the employer regarding the control of risks relating to the storage and handling of flammable substances.