Review of explosion and fire hazard of liquefied petroleum gas

The properties of LPG that contribute to its fire and explosion hazards are outlined. The hazards include those associated with small vapour leaks from appliances and gas cylinders as well as major hazards associated with loss of containment and rapid vaporisation of tonnage quantities of the liquefied gas. Estimates are given of the magnitude of effects that might follow the latter type of release. In the UK the record of LPG is poor with regard to general fire occurrence compared with that of natural gas or town gas. This performance will need to be improved if the quantity of LPG used is to be increased. These improvements might be achieved by developing its use as a piped fuel and in motor vehicles, but both these would require careful hazard analysis. Although the record for major hazard with LPG in the UK is good, quantitative studies indicate that handling and transportation of tonnage quantities by road and sea are not safe enough. Methods are suggested for reducting the risk.