Liquefied propane is a versatile energy form
present in most unrefined natural gas and in crude petroleum. When extracted,
it can have many industrial uses and may be used for heating and lighting. It
can be found naturally as both liquid and gas. One of the most common methods
of transporting it is via underground pipelines under high pressures in its
liquid state. Should a pipeline become damaged and liquefied propane escape,
you should be aware that:
In both liquid and gaseous sates, it is colorless and
odorless unless an odorant has been added.
Liquefied propane will burn when mixed with certain concentrations
of oxygen or certain oxygen-containing substances and ignited.
Physical contact with liquefied propane can result in
freezing burns or frostbite. Inhaling the vapor can cause symptoms of oxygen
deficiency, such as rapid respiration, uncoordination, poor judgment, nausea
and unconsciousness.
Natural gasoline can be used for gasoline
blending or as a petrochemical feedstock. Should a pipeline become damaged and
natural gasoline escape, you should be aware that:
At room temperature, natural gasoline is a clear colorless
liquid, with a distinct hydrocarbon odor.
Natural Gasoline is a dangerous fire and explosion hazard
when mixed with air.
Vapors may migrate for considerable distances before reaching
an ignition source at which time the fire would flash back to the source of
the release.
Natural gasoline flame produces a heavy, black, thick
smoke; and it can produce carbon monoxide when oxidized with a deficiency
of oxygen.
Inhaling natural gasoline vapor can cause symptoms of
oxygen deficiency, such as rapid respiration, uncoordination, poor judgment,
nausea and unconsciousness.
Normal butane and isobutane can serve various
industrial uses. These two energy forms are present in most unrefined natural
gas and in crude petroleum products. Normal butane is used for gasoline blending
or as a feedstock to make plastic products. Isobutane is used as a propellant
primarily in aerosol products, foam packaging, paints and synthetic rubber or
as a petrochemical feedstock, serving as a key octane component of motor gasoline
or in high octane-enhancing gasoline additives. Should butane or isobutane escape
to the atmosphere, you should be aware that:
At room temperature, both normal butane and isobutane
are colorless gasses. They can be liquefied by lowering the temperature, increasing
the pressure or both.
Normal butane has a slightly disagreeable odor. Isobutane
can have a sulfurous odor like "natural gas," but sweetened isobutane
has a slightly pleasant odor.
Both normal butane and isobutane are dangerous fire and
explosion hazards when mixed with air. Vapors may migrate for considerable
distances before reaching an ignition source at which time the fire would
flash back to the source of the release.
Both normal butane and isobutane burn with a luminous,
smoky flame; and can produce carbon monoxide when oxidized with a deficiency
of oxygen.
Inhaling normal butane or isobutane vapor can cause symptoms
of oxygen deficiency, such as rapid respiration, uncoordination, poor judgment,
nausea and unconsciousness.
