Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)

What Does Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Mean?

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) refers to hydrocarbon gases such as propane, butane (n-butane), isobutane (i-butane), or a mixture of these gases that is colorless and odorless. The hydrocarbon gases are liquefied through the process of pressurization at relatively low pressures. Sources of LPG include natural gas processing and oil refining.

Safeopedia Explains Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)

Liquefied petroleum gas is commonly used as heating, cooking, and auto fuel. At the workplace, workers can be exposed to LPG via inhalation and skin and eye contact. The permissible exposure limit (PEL) for exposure to LPG is 1000 ppm/ 8-hour workday, as specified by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

At concentrations of between 2% and 10%, LPG can form a flammable mixture with air. If stored or used incorrectly, it is a fire and explosion hazard. LPG poses an anesthetic risk at very high concentrations in air and it is also a potential asphyxiant. In liquid form, LPG can cause severe cold burns to the skin as it can vaporize rapidly.