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Safety Data Sheets

Detecting Flammable Gas Leaks

Leakages of flammable gases can result in a fire if the leak cannot be stopped by closing the valve. In the event of a gas leak, first identify the gas and take appropriate action. The tabled data below provides you with procedures for dealing with leaks for the following gases: Dissolved Acelytene, LPG and Hydrogen.

Gas: Dissolved Acelytene (DA)

Identifying Features:

• Hissing sound and garlic like smell will reveal leakage from a dissolved acetylene cylinder
• Specific gravity of gas: 0.9
• Dissolved Acelytene is lighter than air and therefore will gather in roof spaces.

Problem		Action
Suspected leak		Check to see if valve is properly closed using moderate force (hand tight) Perform a leak test
Persistent leak		Extinguish all ignition sources Evacuate personnel from the area Move the cylinder to a safe position - outside and away from drains. Keep the leak uppermost. Cordon off the area Warn everyone in the area of the gas leak and give priority to those downwind or downhill Inform BOC and call the Customer Service Centre on 0800 111 333 Ensure the work area is thoroughly ventilated before returning
Ignited leak		Extinguish all ignition sources Extinguish the flame with a dry powder extinguisher or a wet rag, if it is safe to do so Wear leather gauntlets. Close the cylinder valve. If the flame from the cylinder has started a secondary fire, or is heating the cylinder, evacuate personnel to a safe location. Call the fire brigade Inform BOC and call the Customer Service Centre on 0800 111 333

Gas: LPG/Propane

Identifying Features:

• Hissing and a pungent smell will reveal leakage from a cylinder valve
• Specific gravity of gas: 1.5
• Propane is heavier than air and will therefore gather in low lying areas such as drains and pits

Problem		Action
Suspected leak		Check to see if valve is properly closed using moderate force (hand tight) Perform a leak test
Persistent leak		Extinguish all ignition sources Evacuate personnel from the area Move the cylinder to a safe position - outside and away from drains. Keep the leak uppermost. Cordon off the area Warn everyone in the area of the gas leak and give priority to those downwind or downhill Inform BOC and call the Customer Service Centre on 0800 111 333 Ensure the work area is thoroughly ventilated before returning
Ignited leak		Extinguish all ignition sources Extinguish the flame with a dry powder extinguisher or a wet rag, if it is safe to do so Wear leather gauntlets. Close the cylinder valve. If the flame from the cylinder has started a secondary fire, or is heating the cylinder, evacuate personnel to a safe location. Call the fire brigade Inform BOC and call the Customer Service Centre on 0800 111 333

Gas: Hydrogen

Identifying Features:

• Hydrogen is colourless and odourless. Hissing will reveal leakage from a cylinder valve
• Specif gravity of gas: 0.7
• Hydrogen is lighter than air and therefore will gather in roof spaces.

Problem		Action
Suspected leak		Check to see if valve is properly closed using moderate force (hand tight) Perform a leak test
Persistent leak		Extinguish all ignition sources Evacuate personnel from the area Move the cylinder to a safe position - outside and away from drains. Keep the leak uppermost. Cordon off the area Warn everyone in the area of the gas leak and give priority to those downwind or downhill Inform BOC and call the Customer Service Centre on 0800 111 333 Ensure the work area is thoroughly ventilated before returning
Ignited leak		Extinguish all ignition sources Extinguish the flame with a dry powder extinguisher or a wet rag, if it is safe to do so Wear leather gauntlets. Close the cylinder valve. If the flame from the cylinder has started a secondary fire, or is heating the cylinder, evacuate personnel to a safe location. Call the fire brigade Inform BOC and call the Customer Service Centre on 0800 111 333

Safety in the Workplace: The information contained herein is provided as a general outline and is not intended to be a definitive statement on the subject matter. Professional advice should be sought before any action is taken in relation to safety in the workplace.