Acceptable Leakage Rates in Compressed Gas Systems

From the NIOSH handbook , The OSHA Time weighted average limit (8 hour work day 40 day week) Maximum exposure limit of Hydrocarbon gas allowed by law is 1000ppm (1800 mg/m3)

NIOSH page 187

L.P.G. Formula: C3H8/C3H6/C4H10/C4H8

CAS#: 68476-85-7 RTECS#: SE7545000

IDLH: 2000 ppm [10%LEL]

Conversion: 1 ppm = 1.72-2.37 mg/m3

DOT: 1075 115

Synonyms/Trade Names: Bottled gas, Compressed petroleum gas, Liquefied hydrocarbon gas, Liquefied petroleum gas, LPG [Note: A fuel mixture of propane, propylene, butanes & butylenes.]

Exposure Limits: NIOSH REL: TWA 1000 ppm (1800 mg/m3) OSHA PEL: TWA 1000 ppm (1800 mg/m3)

Measurement Methods (see Table 1): NIOSH S93 (II-2)

Physical Description: Colorless, noncorrosive, odorless gas when pure.

Note: A foul-smelling odorant is usually added. Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas.]

Chemical & Physical Properties:

MW: 42-58

BP: >-44°F

Sol:Insoluble

Fl.P:NA (Gas)

IP: 10.95 eV

RGasD: 1.45-2.00

VP: >1 atm

FRZ:?

UEL:9.5% (Propane) 8.5% (Butane)

LEL: 2.1% (Propane) 1.9% (Butane)

Flammable Gas

Personal Protection/Sanitation

(see Table 2):

Skin: Frostbite

Eyes:Frostbite

Wash skin: N.R.

Remove: When wet (flamm)

Change: N.R.

Provide: Frostbite wash

Respirator Recommendations (see Tables 3 and 4):

NIOSH/OSHA 2000 ppm: Sa/ScbaF §: ScbaF:Pd,Pp/SaF:Pd,Pp:AScba

Escape: ScbaE

Incompatibilities and Reactivities: Strong oxidizers, chlorine dioxide

Exposure Routes, Symptoms, Target Organs (see Table 5):

ER: Inh, Con (liquid)

SY: Dizz, drow, asphy; liquid: frostbite

TO: Resp sys, CNS

First Aid (see Table 6):

Eye:Irr immed (liquid)

Skin:Water flush immed (liquid)

Breath: Resp support

Nitrogen and air are harmeless unless mixed with other chemicals. The air we breath is ~78% nitrogen