What is the damage caused by sulphur dioxide (SO2) to

human beings and the environment?

During the process of oxidation in the atmosphere this gas forms sulphates or salts that can be
transported in the breathable particulate material (PM10) that in presence of humidity forms acids.
Later these acids are an important part of the secondary particulate material or finest particulate
material
(PM2,5).
The exposure to sulphates and the exposure to acids derived from SO2 is extremely risky for
people's health because these compounds enter the circulatory system directly through the
airways.

Health effects
The SO2 is hygroscopic, when it is in the atmosphere it reacts with humidity and forms sulphuric
and sulphurous aerosol acid that is later part of the so-called acid rain. The intensity in the
formation of aerosols and the permanence of them in the atmosphere depend on the
meteorological conditions and the quantity of catalytic impurities (substances that accelerate the
processes) present in the air. But in general, the average time of permanence in the atmosphere is
around
3-5
days,
so
it
can
be
transported
to
greater
distances.

The air pollution by SO2 has the following effects on human beings:
Corneal haze
Breathing difficulty
Airways inflammation
Eye irritation
Psychic alterations.
Pulmonary oedema.
Heart failure.
Circulatory collapse.
Sulphur dioxide is also associated with asthma, chronic bronchitis, morbidity and mortality increase
in old people and infants.
Sulphur is a highly noxious venom for people's health, although we can be more resistant than
other creatures that live with us. For example, the level of 0,3 g per cubic metre of air implies a
potential risk for human health, but for trees, 0,2 g is extremely dangerous. Because of that,
sulphur oxides (SOx) and sulphuric acid (H2SO4) are related with the damage and destruction of
vegetation, soil deterioration, construction material and watercourses.

What is sulfur dioxide?

Sulfur dioxide is a gas. It is invisible and has a nasty, sharp smell. It reacts easily with other substances to
form harmful compounds, such as sulfuric acid, sulfurous acid and sulfate particles.
About 99% of the sulfur dioxide in air comes from human sources. The main source of sulfur dioxide in the
air is industrial activity that processes materials that contain sulfur, eg the generation of electricity from
coal, oil or gas that contains sulfur. Some mineral ores also contain sulfur, and sulfur dioxide is released
when they are processed. In addition, industrial activities that burn fossil fuels containing sulfur can be
important sources of sulfur dioxide.

Sulfur dioxide is also present in motor vehicle emissions, as the result of fuel combustion. In the past,
motor vehicle exhaust was an important, but not the main, source of sulfur dioxide in air. However, this is
no longer the case.

How does sulfur dioxide affect human health?

Sulfur dioxide affects human health when it is breathed in. It irritates the nose, throat, and airways to cause
coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, or a tight feeling around the chest. The effects of sulfur dioxide
are felt very quickly and most people would feel the worst symptoms in 10 or 15 minutes after breathing it
in.
Those most at risk of developing problems if they are exposed to sulfur dioxide are people with asthma or
similar conditions.

How much of a problem is sulfur dioxide in Australia?

The amount of sulfur dioxide in air is at acceptable low levels in most Australian towns and cities. While
sulfur dioxide levels in air are not generally a problem in Australia, fuel standards have significantly reduced
sulfur levels in fuels and reduced the levels in air even further.
The highest concentrations of sulfur dioxide in the air are found around petrol refineries, chemical
manufacturing industries, mineral ore processing plants and power stations. Mt Isa and Kalgoorlie are the
only areas where high amounts of sulfur dioxide in the air can occur and that happens only occasionally.

What's being done to manage sulfur dioxide?

Because of the adverse health effects of high levels of sulfur dioxide, the Australian Government has taken
steps to manage and reduce the amount of sulfur dioxide produced. These include:

implementing national fuel quality standards;

supporting the implementation of tighter vehicle emission standards; and

promoting alternative fuels.

In 1999, the average sulfur content of diesel was 1300 parts per million (ppm). In December 2002, a new
standard was introduced, reducing the maximum sulfur content of diesel to 500 ppm. Sulfur emissions
attributed to the transport sector will be further reduced in the future. By 2008, the sulfur level in premium
unleaded petrol will be 50 parts per million and, by 2009, sulfur levels in diesel will be 10 parts per million.
Through the National Environment Protection Council, the Australian, State and Territory Governments
have also agreed on a National Environment Protection Measure for Ambient 1 Air Quality. The Measure
includes national standards for six key pollutants, including sulfur dioxide. (See fact sheet onNational
Standards for Criteria Air Pollutants in Australia) One of the aims of the Measure is to keep sulfur
dioxide in outdoor air below the following levels by 2008:

0.20 ppm (parts per million) averaged over a one hour period

0.08 ppm averaged over a 24 hour period

0.02 ppm averaged over a one year period.

Most areas in Australia met these standards well ahead of the 2008 timeline.

What is sulfur dioxide?

Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is a colorless reactive gaseous air pollutant with a pungent odor. This gas
can pose a threat to human health, animal health, and plant life.
The primary sources of sulfur dioxide emissions are from fossil fuel combustion and natural
volcanic activity. Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park (NP) is unique in the national park system
because it periodically has extremely high concentrations of sulfur dioxide far higher than any
other national park or even most urban areas.

How can sulfur dioxide affect your health?

Sulfur dioxide irritates the skin and mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs.
High concentrations of SO2 can cause inflammation and irritation of the respiratory system,
particularly during heavy physical activity. The resulting symptoms may include pain when taking
a deep breath, coughing, throat irritation, and breathing difficulties. High concentrations of
SO2 can affect lung function, worsen asthma attacks, and aggravate existing heart disease in
sensitive groups. This gas can also react with other chemicals in the air and convert to a small
particle that can lodge in the lungs and cause similar health effects.
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Who is at risk?
People particularly sensitive to sulfur dioxide include:

People with lung diseases, such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema will
generally experience more serious health effects at lower SO2 levels.
Children are at higher risk from SO2 exposure because they are more likely to have
asthma, which may be aggravated by SO2 exposure. Their lungs are still developing.
Older adults may be more affected by SO2 exposure, possibly because they are more
likely to have pre-existing lung or cardiovascular disease.
Active people of all ages who exercise or work vigorously outdoors have higher
exposure to sulfur dioxide than people who are less active.
Hawai'i Volcanoes NP visitors, residents, and park staff downwind of the volcanic SO 2 emissions
may be exposed to unhealthy levels of pollution. Because it is not possible to control volcanic
activity, the National Park Service developed a sulfur dioxide advisory program and issues
warnings to alert people when unhealthy levels of this gaseous pollutant are present. Advisories
encourage people to limit their exposure when it is appropriate.
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How can I avoid unhealthy exposure?

You can take simple steps to reduce your exposure to unhealthy air. First, visit the Current
Conditions Websiteto find out about current sulfur dioxide conditions and the health advisory
level.
When potentially unhealthy sulfur dioxide pollution occurs, your chances of being affected
increase with strenuousness of your activity and the length of time you are active outdoors. If
your planned activity involves prolonged or heavy exertion and the sulfur dioxide levels are high,
you may want to limit or discontinue your activity. For recommended protective measures at high
levels of sulfur dioxide, consult the Health Advisory Table.
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What are the NPS sulfur dioxide health advisories?

A SO2 air pollution advisory program was established at Hawai'i Volcanoes NP to provide timely
information about potentially unhealthy air pollution conditions that could affect the health of
visitors, island residents, and park personnel. Using the Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) air quality index, the NPS SO2 health advisories for Hawai'i Volcanoes NP help you
understand what local air quality means to your health. The air quality index is divided into six
levels of health concern:

The SO2 and weather data used in this program are collected by the National Park Service at the
Jaggar Museum and Kilauea Visitor Center monitoring sites. The SO2 concentrations measured
at the monitoring sites are reviewed every 15 minutes and one of six advisory levels of health
concern are assigned for that 15-minute period for each site.

How does sulfur dioxide affect national parks?

Hawai'i Volcanoes NP is significantly impacted by sulfur dioxide because the high levels create a
human health concern. Additionally, sulfate particles can create haze and reduce visibility at
Hawai'i Volcanoes NP and other national parks. Sulfur dioxide can chemically convert to acids in
the atmosphere and deposit out in rain, snow, fog, or as dry particles. Such atmospheric
deposition can damage vegetation, affect soils, acidify lakes and streams, and ruin memorials,
buildings, and statues at our national cultural monuments.

Health and Environmental Impacts of NOx

NOx causes a wide variety of health and environmental impacts because
of various compounds and derivatives in the family of nitrogen oxides,
including nitrogen dioxide, nitric acid, nitrous oxide, nitrates, and nitric
oxide.
Ground-level Ozone (Smog) - is formed
when NOx and volatileorganic compounds (VOCs) react in the presence
of heat and sunlight. Children, people with lung diseases such as asthma,
and people who work or exercise outside, are susceptible to adverse
effects such as damage to lung tissue and reduction in lung function.
Ozone can be transported by wind currents, and can cause health impacts
far from original sources. Millions of Americans live in areas that do not
meet the health standards for ozone. Other impacts from ozone include
damaged vegetation and reduced crop yields.
Acid Rain - NOx and sulfur dioxide react with other substances in the
air to form acids, which fall to earth as rain, fog, snow or dry particles.
Some may be carried by wind for hundreds of miles. Acid rain damages;
causes deterioration of cars, buildings and historical monuments; and
causes lakes and streams to become acidic and unsuitable for many fish.
Particles - NOx reacts with ammonia, moisture, and other
compounds to form nitric acid and related particles. Human health
concerns include effects on breathing and the respiratory system,
damage to lung tissue, and premature death. Small particles
penetrate deeply into sensitive parts of the lungs and can cause or
worsen respiratory disease such as emphysema and bronchitis,
and aggravate existing heart disease.
Water Quality Deterioration - Increased nitrogen loading in water
bodies, particularly coastal estuaries, upsets the chemical balance
of nutrients used by aquatic plants and animals. Additional
nitrogen accelerates eutrophication, which leads to oxygen
depletion and reduces fish and shellfish

populations. NOx emissions in the air are one of the largest

sources of nitrogen pollution in the Chesapeake Bay.
Global Warming - One member of the NOx, nitrous oxide, is a
greenhouse gas. It accumulates in the atmosphere with other
greenhouse gasses causing a gradual rise in the earth's
temperature. This will lead to increased risks to human health, a
rise in the sea level, and other adverse changes to plant and
animal habitat.
Toxic Chemicals - In the air, NOx reacts readily with common
organic chemicals and even ozone, to form a wide variety of toxic
products, some of which may cause biological mutations.
Examples of these chemicals include the nitrate radical,
nitroarenes, and nitrosamines.
Visibility Impairment - Nitrate particles and nitrogen dioxide can
block the transmission of light, reducing visibility in urban areas
and on a regional scale in our national parks.

Effects On Human Health

Across the globe, humans are exposed to a wide array of harmful air pollutants,
including particulate matter, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, ozone and other
photochemical oxidants, carbon monoxide, toxic compounds and heavy metals, like
mercury and lead.
Of course, individuals breathe air that can include a complex mixture of different
pollutants at the same time. Most of the research looking into human health responses
to exposure to air pollutants has been conducted using single pollutants. However, there
are limited studies that indicate the effects of various pollutants may be additive.
Health Effects of Specific Pollutants of Concern:
Carbon Monoxide: Exposure to low concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO) can cause
fatigue in healthy people and chest pain in people with heart disease. At higher
concentrations, exposure can cause impaired vision and coordination; headaches;
dizziness; confusion; nausea. Acute effects are due to the formation of
carboxyhemoglobin in the blood, which inhibits oxygen intake. Exposure to CO at
moderate concentrations, angina attacks, impaired vision, and reduced brain function
may result. At very high concentrations, CO exposure can be fatal.

Metals: Air pollution can include a number of different metals like lead, mercury,
cadmium, chromium, nickel and many others that are associated with serious health
effects. Often the concern is not for breathing the pollutant, but for exposure through
other means (like diet) after the pollutants have worked their way back into the
environment. Lead, for example is a neurotoxic heavy metal which, when ingested or
inhaled and absorbed, can harm virtually every system in the human body, especially the
brain, kidney and reproductive systems. Emissions of mercury are a concern for people
who eat fish or shellfish that contain methylmercury. Methylmercury exposure in the
womb, which can result from a mother's consumption of fish and shellfish that contain
methylmercury, can adversely affect a baby's growing brain and nervous system.
Impacts on cognitive thinking, memory, attention, language, and fine motor and visual
spatial skills have been seen in children exposed to methylmercury in the womb.
Nitrogen Oxides: Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) are a family of gases that can cause a number
of serious health effects. One form of NOx, nitrogen dioxide, is unhealthy to breathe,
especially for children, the elderly, asthmatics and people with chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease. NOx is also a key component to the formation of ozone and
photochemical oxidants. Breathing low levels of ozone, for example, can trigger asthma
attacks and other problems for people with pre-existing respiratory problems. NOx also
reacts with ammonia, and other compounds to form nitric acid and related particles.
These tiny particles cause effects on breathing and the respiratory system, damage to
lung tissue, and even premature death. Small particles penetrate deeply into sensitive
parts of the lungs and can cause or worsen respiratory disease such as emphysema and
bronchitis, and aggravate existing heart disease.
Ozone and Photochemical Oxidants: Ozone, a key component of summertime smog,
is a highly reactive gas that can irritate lungs. The higher the exposure concentration,
duration and activity such as physical exercise, the greater the effects. There are large
variations among individuals in response to ozone. Children and young adults show
greater responses to exposure to ozone than older adults. Asthmatic children appear to
be at special risk from ozone exposure. Ozone impairs lung function and induces
respiratory and other effects. Also causes eye, nose, throat irritation, chest discomfort,
cough and headache.
Particulate Matter: Fine particulate matter (PM) include an range of tiny particles,
including diesel exhaust, sulfates and nitrates for power plants and other fossil fuel
combustion, smoke, and industrial soot. These particles can become embedded in the
deepest recesses of the lung, and also can disrupt cellular processes. Population-based
studies in cities around the world have demonstrated a strong link between elevated
levels of PM in the air and premature deaths, hospital admissions, emergency room
visits, and asthma attacks. The elderly and people with pre-existing respiratory problems
are most at risk. These particles are a primary constituent of urban and regional haze
and atmospheric brown clouds.
Sulphur Dioxide: Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is often a local pollutant, especially in moist
atmospheres. Peak levels of SO2 in the air can cause temporary breathing difficulty for
people with asthma who are active outdoors. Longer-term exposures to high levels of
SO2 gas and particles cause respiratory illness and aggravate existing heart disease.
Gaseous SO2 can remain in dry atmospheres for many days and combine with other
pollutants to form sulphate particles, which can persist and be transported considerable
distances as a fine particulate and it can be an important component of haze.

Toxic Air Pollutants: These include hundreds or thousands of manufactured chemicals.

The effects associated with exposure to these chemicals vary. The effects of acute
exposure to these chemicals are often easily recognized (and can, in many cases, include
death). Effects of chronic exposure to lower levels of these pollutants are often difficult
to detect. These toxic air pollutants include chemicals that are known to cause, or
suspected of causing, (or chemically similar to chemicals that cause) birth defects,
reproductive effects or cancer. Although it depends upon the chemical characteristics of
each individual air toxic, some of these chemicals may be introduced into the body by
inhalation, and accumulate over time, particularly in human fatty tissue and breast milk.

Nitrogen Oxides
Nitrogen gas, normally relatively inert (unreactive), comprises about 80% of the air. At high
temperatures and under certain other conditions it can combine with oxygen in the air, forming several
different gaseous compounds collectively called nitrogen oxides (NO x). Nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen
dioxide (NO2) are the two most prevalent compounds found. Nitrogen dioxide, (along with particles in
the air) can often be seen as a reddish-brown layer over many urban areas.

Sources
Nitrogen oxides form when fuel is burned at high temperatures (as in combustion processes). Major
sources of nitrogen oxides include

Automobiles

Power plants

Processes used in chemical plants.

Health Effects
Certain members of this group of pollutants, especially nitrogen dioxide (NO 2), are known to be highly
toxic to various animals as well as to humans. High levels may be fatal, while lower levels affect the
delicate structure of lung tissue. In experimental animals this leads to a lung disease that resembles
emphysema in humans. As with ozone, long-term exposure to nitrogen oxides makes animals more
susceptible to respiratory infections. Nitrogen dioxide exposure lowers the resistance of animals to
such diseases as pneumonia and influenza. Humans exposed to high concentrations suffer lung
irritation and potentially lung damage. Increased respiratory disease has been associated with lower
level exposures.
The human health effects of exposure to nitrogen oxides, such as nitrogen dioxide, are similar to
those of ozone. These effects may include:

Short-term exposure at concentrations greater than 3 parts per million (ppm) can measurably
decrease lung function.

Concentrations less than 3 ppm can irritate lungs.

Concentrations as low as 0.1 ppm cause lung irritation and measurable decreases in lung
function in asthmatics.

Long-term lower level exposures can destroy lung tissue, leading to emphysema.

Children may also be especially sensitive to the effects of nitrogen oxides.

Other Effects
Oxides of nitrogen also can:

Form smog. NOx is one of the main ingredients involved in the formation of groundlevel ozone, which can trigger serious respiratory problems.

Contribute to the formation of acid rain

Contribute to nutrient overload that deteriorates water quality.

Contributes to global warming.

Seriously injure vegetation at certain concentrations. Effects include:

o Bleaching or killing plant tissue.

o Causing leaves to fall.
o Reducing growth rate.

Deteriorate fabrics and fade dyes.

Corrode metals (due to nitrate salts formed from nitrogen oxides).

Reduce visibility.

Download this brochure from the Environmental Protection Agency to find out more How Nitrogen
Oxides effect the way we live and breathe.

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Storage

The Dangerous Substances (Storage of Liquefied Petroleum

Gas) Regulations, 1990 [S.I. No. 201 of 1990]

What is LPG?
What are the dangers of LPG?
What are the Regulations?
What do the Regulations cover?
What other Regulations apply to the storage of LPG?
Who must comply?
What are the general requirements?
What approved Codes of Practice apply to the Safe Storage of LPG?

What is LPG?
Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is a colourless odourless liquid which readily evaporates into a gas.
Normally an odourant has been added to it to help detect leaks.
LPG (either Butane or Propane), is generally stored and distributed as a liquid and it is widely used for
process and space heating, cooking and automotive propulsion. . It is classified as highly flammable and if
it contains more than 0.1%Butadiene, it is also classified as a carcinogen and mutagen.
LPG is non-corrosive but can dissolve lubricants, certain plastics or synthetic rubbers.
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What are the dangers of LPG?

LPG may leak as a gas or a liquid. If the liquid leaks it will quickly evaporate and form a relatively large
cloud of gas which will drop to the ground, as it is heavier than air. LPG vapours can run for long
distances along the ground and can collect in drains or basements. When the gas meets a source of
ignition it can burn or explode.
Cylinders can explode if involved in a fire.
LPG can cause cold burns to the skin and it can act as an asphyxiant at high concentrations.
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What are the Regulations?

The regulations are framework in character. They lay down general requirements but rely for detailed
guidance upon codes of practice which may be approved from time to time by the Health and Safety
Authority. These regulations apply in addition to any other requirements under relevant statutory
provisions.
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What do the Regulations cover?

The regulations cover storage, loading and unloading, use of LPG and related activities, carried on in the
course of any trade or business, involving more than 70kg or a total volumetric storage capacity above 160
litres. The regulations do not apply to fuel tanks of vehicles.
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What other Regulations apply to the storage of LPG?

The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations

The European Communities (Control of Major Accident Hazards involving Dangerous Substances)
Regulations, 2006, apply to the storage of LPG at inventories of 50 tonnes or greater
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Who must comply?

Obligations are placed upon occupiers, suppliers of LPG, persons present at installations, designers of
plant and persons installing plant.
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What are the general requirements?

LPG must be stored in adequate location wherein vessels or cylinders are suitably positioned
having regard to the relevant codes of practice
LPG plant must be designed to appropriate standards and be properly installed and
commissioned by competent persons
Plant must be fitted with adequate safety and monitoring control devices and operated by
competent persons
Occupiers must notify the gas supplier of any structural or other changes which might affect the
gas installation
There must be a suitable programme of maintenance and testing by competent persons
Plant must be identifiable and accessible for maintenance
Records of maintenance and tests must be kept
Precautions must be taken to prevent fire and explosion including appropriate protection of storage
vessels
Installations must have appropriate security measures to prevent deliberate interference
Incidents involving death or hospitalisation, fire or explosion or a significant release of LPG must
be reported to the Authority and records of such incidents must be kept
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What approved Codes of Practice apply to the Safe Storage of LPG?

1.
2.
3.

I.S. 3213: Code of Practice for the Storage of LPG Cylinders and Cartridges
I.S. 3216 Part 1: Code of Practice for the Bulk Storage of Liquefied Petroleum Gas: (this also
covers filling of forklift cylinders)
I.S. 3216 Part 2: Code of Practice for the Bulk Storage of Liquefied Petroleum Gas: Specific
requirements for Liquefied Petroleum Gas refuelling facilities where a dispenser is used.

The above standards are available through the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI).
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What are the health effects of liquefied

petroleum gas?

A:
QUICK ANSWER

Liquefied petroleum gas can cause increased red blood cells, haemoglobin
and platelet counts in people exposed to it, according to the US National
Library of Medicine. Exposure can cause higher liver function values when tested.
People exposed will also be at a higher risk of abnormalities.
KNOW MORE

KEEP LEARNING

What is liquefied natural gas?

What are the toxic effects of propane gas inhalation?

What is petroleum ether?

FULL ANSWER

Liquefied petroleum gas is a clear liquid that easily evaporates into gases and can
dissolve lubricants. It is usually stored as a liquid and is used for heating, cooking
and in vehicles, says the Health and Safety Authority. It is comprised of mostly
butane and propane, says Cameo Chemicals. Liquefied petroleum gas can become
dangerous if it leaks, as it will evaporate into the air. Because propane gas is heavier
than air, it can travel long distances and can cause fires, says the Health and Safety
Authority. It may cause cold burns to the skin. Liquefied petroleum gas must be
stored in cylinders that are suited to store it, and if the liquefied petroleum gas
container is exposed to heat for an extended period of time, it can cause explosions
and rocket, says Cameo Chemicals.
Exposure to liquefied petroleum gas can cause dizziness or cardio-respiratory arrest
in humans, and high concentrations can cause asphyxiation. In some cases,
exposure to liquefied petroleum gas may cause euphoria, nerve and brain damage,
hallucination or heart failure, according to Cameo Chemicals.

what are the long and short term side effects of LPG gas if inhaled?
Posted by khalid

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Answers (3)
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Ian
Inhaling Liquefied Petroleum Gas (aka Propane) are much they same as sniffing gasoline/petrol and other
hydrocarbons, Khalid.
The short term effects include:
Euphoria - feeling happy, elated
Dizziness, giddiness, light headed
Hallucinations
Muscle weakness
Nausea, chills
General numbness
Disassociation
Lack of coordination
Central nervous system depression - may cause breathing difficulties and/or heart failure.
With repeated exposure the longer term effects include:
Brain and nerve damage, seizures, tremor, brain hemorrhage, impaired memory, mood swings, depression,
inability to think clearly/logically
Cardiovascular effects such as malformed blood cells, heart damage, irregular and/or depressed heart rate, high
blood pressure,
Lungs may be damaged
Acute and chronic liver and kidney inflammation which may permanently damage both organs if prolonged
Reduced red and white blood cells, depressed immune function, increase in infections
LPG is highly flammable with a high risk of explosion.
Bottom line: DO NOT DO THIS!!!
Ian

Reply Comment on Whiteboard Send message

Tom L.
I do it a bit. It just makes me LAUGH so hard for about a minute. Maybe a little shaky afterwards, but nothing too
bad. Does make the heart beat pretty hard, which I know is probably bad. I generally only do it if I've been
drinking, which might dull some of it, dunno.
I did do a lot one night, added to the effects, saw things differently, like the world was a black and white tv, with
not great reception haha.
I have no idea about long term stuff, although dont think the flammability matters much, not like your holding a
flame to it.
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Ian

I have seen the effects that gasoline/petrol sniffing has on individuals and it isn't pretty. Tom. Sniffing
LPG/propane also damage to the brain, lungs and possibly heart. I urge you to find a less dangerous form of
entertainment.
Ian

Dangers of exposure to LPG

A substance that can kill

In NSW, an apprentice gasfitter was left working alone to extend an existing liquid petroleum gas (LPG)
installation. On cutting into a live gas main, escaping LPG gas entered the trench where the fitter was
working, resulting in his unconsciousness and death.
Arrhythmia (disruption to the heart rhythm), was identified in the coronial report as the cause leading to
the death, and its onset was traced to the effects of butane, a normal constituent of LPG. Asphyxiating
conditions inside the trench would have been a contributing factor.

Working with LPG

All gasfitters need to be aware that exposure to LPG is dangerous. When working with LPG, it is vital to
be alert to the following:
LPG concentrations as low as 2% will ignite in air
gas is heavier than air and will travel along floors, downhill into gullies and will settle in low
spots, trenches or basements
at high concentrations, gas displaces air to cause asphyxiation
the butane component of LPG has the potential to cause toxic effect.

Connecting to LP gas

When connecting an appliance to LP gas, gasfitters need to ensure:

the location of the cylinder must comply with AS1596
the inscription on a compliance plate must be legible and in letters 6mm high
that the regulator vent is facing down or cannot enable water ingress.
If an LP gas cylinder has not been tested for 10 years or more, it should not be connected to an
appliance. The cylinder should be tagged as defective.
Under no circumstances should any attempt be made to modify a gas cylinder.

The dangers of small gas cylinders

Explosions and fires have occurred when cylinders of LP Gas (propane) or acetylene have been carried or
left in closed vehicles, such as vans or cars.
LP gas is widely used by trades as a fuel for portable heating equipment, as well as by the public for
barbecues and for camping. It is heavier than air, so it will accumulate in low areas rather than dissipate.
It can generate an explosive mixture with air if the cylinder or attached equipment leaks.
Spark sources in the vehicles electrical components such as remote locking systems, electric motors
(starter motor, wipers, aerial), ignition systems, radios and sound systems, cigarette lighters, and
possibly light switches can ignite a flammable gas mixture. Lighting a cigarette in the vehicle will also
ignite such a mixture.
LPG cylinders must be transported in the upright position and appropriately secured for transport.
Refillable LPG cylinders for gas appliances such as bbqs and heaters must only be filled if they have a
current, legible test mark of a certified gas cylinder test station.
Periodic inspection intervals for retesting of welded cylinders less than 100 kg water capacity filled with
LPG (typically connected to barbecues) is 10 years.

Filling LPG cylinders

Gas cylinder filling stations must only fill cylinders that have a current, legible test mark of a certified
gas cylinder test station. They must also ensure that the cylinder complies with AS 2030 requirements
prior to each filling.
If a gas filling station, as part of a cylinder exchange, accepts any cylinder that is not appropriately
marked, they will have to either:
ensure the cylinder is inspected and test station-marked in accordance with AS 2030 before
filling or refilling, or
dispose of the cylinder.

Purchasing a new or used refillable cylinder

Ask the retailer to show you the current, legible test mark and confirm that the cylinder they are selling
can be legally filled in NSW. If there is no current legible test mark, the cylinder may not be safe to fill.
If you decide to purchase a cylinder without a current, legible test mark, the cylinder will need to be
inspected by a certified gas cylinder test station and stamped with a test mark prior to filling. The test
station may charge a fee for inspection and stamping.

Safety steps

To protect yourself and those working around you from the risk of serious injury resulting from exposure
to LPG, conduct a thorough risk assessment of each and every job and take the following steps:
1.
Ensure appropriate supervision and inform others on site of potential hazards.
2.
Isolate the gas supply and drain residual line-gas pressure to where it is safe.

3.
4.

Provide adequate ventilation, or breathing apparatus.

Control and exclude all sources of ignition, including power tools and static.

Spill combat recommendations

In the event of a spill from a tank such as the one pictured below, follow the Hazchem 2YE spill combat
recommendations. Use breathing apparatus and water fogging, contain the spill and consider evacuation.
Search UN No.1075 for further information.

Contractor's responsibilities

The Gas Supply (Consumer Safety) Regulation 2012 sets out the requirements for gasfitting work on
gas installations. The procedures implemented to perform gasfitting work depend on the specifics of the
site, which means the licensed installer must assess all aspects of risk for the work to be performed
safely.

Ban on non-compliant LPG area heaters

A non-compliant area heater is an LPG fuelled heater that has an element (source of ignition) less than
1.8 metres from the ground. Area heaters are commonly referred to as Decorative outdoor heaters,
Column heaters and Pyramid heaters. Some area heaters that do not comply with the Standard have
been certified for sale.
Due to ongoing safety concerns, Fair Trading gazetted a Prohibition Order against the sale of noncompliant area heaters on 24 October 2014, regardless of whether they are certified. While it is an
offence to sell non-compliant area heaters after this date, this is not a recall and those who already own
them are not required to dispose of them.
If you are an LPG gas supplier, the Prohibition Order means that you cannot supply a non-compliant gas
area heater as part of a lease agreement or sale. Clause 37 of the Gas (Consumer Safety) Regulation
2012 states that a person must not connect a gas appliance to a gas installation unless the gas
appliance is certified and has a compliance label.

More information

For more information about LPG safety, visit the Fair Trading website or contact Fair Trading on 13 32 20.
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