• If I need to wear a respirator, what kind should it be?
• What eye/face protection is recommended for working with propane?
• What skin protection measures are recommended when working with propane?
• What types of materials should my protective clothing be made of?
• Is there anything else I need to do to reduce my exposure?

If I need to wear a respirator, what kind should it be?

If engineering controls and work practices are not effective in controlling exposure to propane, then wear suitable, approved respiratory protection. Have appropriate protective equipment available for use in emergencies such as spills or fire.

If respiratory protection is required, institute a complete respiratory protection program including selection, fit testing, training, maintenance and inspection. Refer to the CSA Standard Z94.4-93, "Selection, Use and Care of Respirators," available from the Canadian Standards Association, Rexdale, Ontario, M9W 1R3.

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION GUIDELINES:

NIOSH RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PROPANE CONCENTRATIONS IN AIR:

UP TO 2100 ppm: SAR; or full-facepiece SCBA.

EMERGENCY OR PLANNED ENTRY INTO UNKNOWN CONCENTRATIONS OR IDLH CONDITIONS:

Positive pressure, full-facepiece SCBA; or positive pressure, full-facepiece SAR with an auxiliary positive pressure SCBA.

ESCAPE: Escape-type SCBA.

NOTE: The IDLH concentration for propane is 2100 ppm (10% of the LEL).

NOTE: The purpose of establishing an IDLH value is to ensure that the worker can escape from a given contaminated environment in the event of failure of the most protective respiratory protection equipment. In the event of failure of respiratory protective equipment, every effort should be made to exit immediately. Recommendations apply only to NIOSH approved respirators.

ABBREVIATIONS: SAR = supplied-air respirator; SCBA = self-contained breathing apparatus. IDLH = Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health.

What eye/face protection is recommended for working with propane?

Chemical safety goggles and a face shield when handling liquid propane.

What skin protection measures are recommended when working with propane?

Insulated gloves suitable for low temperatures; long sleeves, trousers worn outside boots, or over shoes when handling liquid propane.

What types of materials should my protective clothing be made of?

Guidelines for propane:

RECOMMENDED (resistance to breakthrough longer than 8 hours): Responder(TM).

RECOMMENDED (resistance to breakthrough longer than 4 hours): Teflon(TM).

Recommendations are valid for permeation rates reaching 0.1 µg/cm²/min or 1 mg/m²/min and over. Resistance of specific materials can vary from product to product. Breakthrough times are obtained under conditions of continuous contact, generally at room temperature. Evaluate resistance under conditions of use and maintain clothing carefully.

Reference: Forsberg, K., et al. Quick selection guide to chemical protective clothing. 3rd edition. Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1997.

Is there anything else I need to do to reduce my exposure?

Have a safety shower and eyewash fountain readily available in the work area for emergency use when handling liquid propane. Any clothing which becomes wet with liquid propane should be removed immediately and not reworn until the propane has evaporated.

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Document last updated on October 29, 1998

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