COSHH ASSESSMENT
FUEL GAS
PROPANE
BUTANE
Page 1 of 2
Health Hazards :
EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE GAS - MAY CAUSE FLASH FIRE OR EXPLOSION
LIQUID CAN CAUSE FREEZE BURNS TO UNPROTECTED SKIN AND EYES
VERY HIGH CONCENTRATIONS CAN ASPHYXIATE OR CAUSE DIZZINESS, DROWSINESS, HEADACHE AND
SIMILAR NARCOTIC SYMPTOMS
CYLINDERS OR STORAGE VESSELS INVOLVED IN A FIRE MAY EXPLODE
GAS/VAPOUR HEAVIER THAN AIR. MAY ACCUMULATE IN CONFINED SPACES, PARTICULARLY AT OR
BELOW GROUND LEVEL.
BURNING GAS IN AN OXYGEN DEFICIENT ATMOSPHERE MAY PRODUCE CARBON MONOXIDE
Department/ Work area:
Various
Approved use:
Duration of use:
variable
As a fuel gas for heating appliances, fork lift trucks, and oxy fuel brazing/soldering
Who is exposed and when?
No of People exposed?
Engineers during changing of cylinders and use of brazing/soldering equipment. Handlers
Dependent on type of work
during transport.
How is/could anyone be exposed?
High concentrations of gas in a confined area or catastrophic leak situation can exclude enough oxygen to be an asphyxiation hazard
particularly at low level as gas is heavier than air.
Gas leaking from storage vessels or equipment can form an explosive, flammable mixture with air. Vapour may travel and be ignited at
remote locations and flash back.
Risk assessment:
Low Risk Providing that the following controls are followed
Control measures
Process enclosure
Local exhaust ventilation
Other ventilation

Ensure good natural or forced general ventilation
Method of work

Personal protective
equipment

No smoking in vicinity of work area, or during connection/disconnection of
equipment to cylinders and loading/unloading of vehicles.
Leak-test all connections with soapy water solution.
Cylinders must be stored, transported and used upright to ensure that the relief
valve does not release liquid.
Cylinders should be replaced in the open air
Fuel gas has an odorant added to give early warning of a leak
Steel toe-cap boots
Gloves - leather for handling cylinders
Approved
standard issue overalls
Safety glasses to be worn during connection and disconnection of cylinders
Respirators
Welfare
Hygiene
Other
Transport:
Yes
No


Description/approved type



N/A
Upright in manufacturers/suppliers cylinders with valves and caps tightly closed.
The Transport of dangerous goods regulations may apply dependant on quantity carried. Product Classed as
FLAMMABLE GAS
Avoid transport on vehicles where the load space is not separated from the drivers
Driver must be aware of the potential hazards
Storage: Keep cylinders:Preferably store cylinders outdoors in a secure cage
Indoors storage - limit the total quantity of flammable gases to a maximum of 50 Kg. (Acetylene and LPG)
Tightly closed, secured upright and dry
In a cool well ventilated area, at temperatures not exceeding 50C
Away from sources of heat and ignition
3 m away from oxygen cylinders and other oxidants
Spillage: - Leaks from cylinders or plant:Evacuate area and if safe to do so ventilate area
Eliminate ignition sources. Post warning notices (including no smoking)
Do not enter a poorly ventilated area where a leak is suspected as a flammable/explosive atmosphere or one
lacking in oxygen may be present.
Shut off at source if possible
First aid:
Inhalation - remove patient to fresh air and rest. If breathing stops give artificial respiration and call for medical
assistance. Refer to a doctor or hospital
COSHH ASSESSMENT
FUEL GAS
Page 2 of 2
PROPANE
BUTANE
Fire fighting measures:
Vacate the area and call the fire brigade. If safe to do so, shut off the source of gas and allow fire to burn out.
Small fires can be tackled with Dry Powder fire extinguisher. Fire should not be extinguished unless flow of gas can be
immediately stopped.
Keep storage vessels cool by spraying with water from a protected position if exposed to fire.
DO NOT use water or foam to extinguish fires!
Disposal of packaging and unused substance:
Empty containers must be returned to the supplier or manufacturer.
Unused product may be returned to the manufacturer or stored long term as above
Manufacturer/supplier:
Various – refer to Material Safety Data Sheets or details for appropriate cylinder(s)
Substance:
LPG
Data sheet ref:
N/A
Hazardous components:
Flammable gas
Risk No and phrase:
R12 Extremely flammable
Safety No and phrase:
S9/16/33A: Keep container in well ventilated place, away from ignition sources, including static discharge
EEC Labelling Classification :
Very toxic (
OEL:MEL
) Toxic (
or OES
) Irritant (
) Harmful (
) Corrosive (
N/A
Any other comments:
Assessor:
Date:
Date for review:
)
Flammable (  )