Yikes, That Stinks! That’s Exactly The Point - Why Propane Safety Training Matters

The smell of mercaptan stinks and is hard to miss for a good reason. Mercaptan is a chemical additive used in propane to give it a strong, unpleasant odor, often described as similar to rotting cabbage. This odor acts as a safety feature, alerting us to potential propane leaks in everything – from backyard barbeques to construction heaters and torches. Since propane on its own is odourless, mercaptan is essential for detecting leaks that could pose serious risks to people and animals.

In many workplaces, such as basements, small areas under construction, and worksites where propane-based equipment is used, workers may be at risk of fatal exposure if this gas is not used correctly. Proper controls are necessary to protect your crew. So if they are using any of the following propane-based tools, appropriate safety measures must be taken while handling them:

• Forklifts or lift trucks
• Scissor lifts or boom lifts
• Construction heaters or salamanders
• Construction torches
• Roofing kettles or tarpots
• Concrete grinders or polishers
• Generators
• Additional equipment, like floor polishers, water heaters, and other heavy-duty industrial machinery

The widespread use of propane means exposure is likely, whether in professional settings or during personal use. Understanding the characteristics of propane and knowing how to safely handle it can thus make the difference between fatal and manageable exposure. This is particularly important for construction workers who often perform tasks using propane indoors, especially in confined spaces where ventilation is limited and the risk of its leak is intensified. Needless to say, this makes propane safety training an absolute must.

 
Propane Exposure Symptoms to Watch For

While catching a quick whiff of propane, like while starting a stove, isn’t ideal, brief exposure to low concentrations is generally not harmful. However, in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces such as workplaces, high concentrations of propane can displace the oxygen in the air. Common sense suggests that any drop in oxygen is bad and can lead to serious health issues because it makes it more difficult to breathe. Common symptoms of oxygen deprivation induced by severe propane exposure include:

• Nausea
• Rapid heart rate
• Rapid breathing
• Lack of judgement
• Clumsiness
• Fatigue

Use common sense and proper safety protocols when working around propane. If you ever smell mercaptan or suspect a leak, take immediate action—your nose might just be your first line of defense. If you are unsure of what to do in case of leaks, get professional propane training so you are well-equipped to handle emergencies. 

Why Is Propane So Widely Used?

The popularity of propane comes down to its unique blend of versatility, efficiency, safety, and environmental friendliness. Here’s a summary that explains why propane is widely adopted across multiple industries and applications:

Clean-Burning and Energy Efficient

• More environmentally friendly, propane produces fewer emissions than gasoline or diesel.
• It emits very small amounts of toxic substances like carbon monoxide or lead, making it safer for use indoors or in confined spaces – wherever workers are present.
• Propane has a higher energy density, meaning it is more efficient than other forms of fuel like natural gas.
• It maintains a consistent output, heating quickly and retaining its heat or energy evenly. 
   

Versatile & Safe Applications

• Manufacturers have developed equipment adapted specifically for propane fuel across many industries such as construction, transportation and agriculture, and even for home use.
• While some vapours rise because they are lighter than air, thus endangering crews working at heights, propane is heavier, which means it’s safe in elevated working environments but can be dangerous to workers working in trenches and confined spaces.
• The use of propane tanks makes refueling easy, provided you take propane training before handling it.

Adaptability

• Stored in pressurized cylinders or tanks, propane can be delivered to remote and off-grid locations.
• Unlike gasoline, which degrades over time, propane doesn’t change.
• Like fire extinguishers, propane cylinders can be recharged, making them a convenient fuel source.

Reliable Performance and Reduced Maintenance Costs

• Propane performs well in all kinds of extreme weather. This is great for areas with freezing conditions where propane serves as a more reliable fuel source than diesel.
• Engines fueled by propane often have longer lifespans due to cleaner combustion. Cleaner combustion leads to fewer maintenance issues and reduced wear on engine components over time.

Cost-Effective

• In most regions of the country, propane is cheaper than gasoline or diesel while being widely available.
• It also leads to fewer maintenance-related issues, which generally translates into lower maintenance costs for propane-powered equipment.

Safe with Proper Handling

• Accidental ignition is less likely with propane due to its narrow flammability range. 
• Heavily regulated with built-in safety features (e.g., mercaptan odorant for leak detection).
• Tanks are built in accordance with high safety standards. However, workers should learn how to check the validity of the cylinder and ensure it has not exceeded its life span.
• The storage of propane cylinders must be performed correctly, following the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure safety.

Propane offers many advantages—including cleaner combustion, lower emissions, cost-effectiveness, and versatility—making it a smart and reliable choice across a wide range of applications. 

Ignite Safety With Propane Training

Despite its immense popularity, improper use of propane is a major safety hazard that can only be combatted with expert propane training. Excess accumulation of its vapors in the air poses a serious hazard. If it reaches the right mix with oxygen—within its flammable range—it can create a dangerous and potentially explosive situation.

That is not the only danger. Even a small spark during ignition can lead to a massive fire. Excessive heat exposure can also likely rupture propane tanks, paving the way for a disaster. Furthermore, in high doses, propane can be a major health risk too, causing severe or possibly fatal issues such as cold burns, carbon monoxide poisoning, and asphyxiation.

That is why crews stationed in confined spaces or those working at heights using MEWPs should take propane safety training. A certified course will teach you how to properly handle, transport, and change propane cylinders and safely use other propane-based construction equipment. With the knowledge you acquire from such a course, you will be well-equipped to handle the challenges propane use brings without suffering any of its fatalities. 

Conclusion

Whether you are working at heights or in confined spaces, propane safety training is a must-have. Though this gas is generally safe for use, the right course can help you avoid the many dangers of an accidental leak or severe exposure. 

If you are on the lookout for a reliable course that teaches you everything you need to know about safe propane handling and usage, Act First Safety is here for you. Our expert-led program will familiarize you with Ontario’s rules and regulations around propane use and how you can practice safety while handling propane-based tools. Contact us to schedule the course at your premises or take it at our Scarborough, Ontario facility.