98 Questions
Which of the following is a hazard presented by propane if misused?
High flammability and explosive potential
What is the boiling point of propane?
-42.2°C (-44°F)
In what form is propane stored?
Liquid
What happens to propane when it is released from the cylinder or tank?
It converts to a gaseous form
Which industry is not covered in this manual?
Roofing industry
What is the main by-product of propane?
Petroleum
What is one of the hazards of propane in confined spaces?
Displacement of breathable air
What happens if the surrounding air temperature is above the boiling point of propane?
Gas will form in the upper part of the cylinder
What is the weight of propane compared to air?
Heavier
What type of injury can occur from accidental exposure to propane under high pressure?
Contact injury
Which fuel has a higher heating value compared to natural gas?
Propane
How many BTUs does one cubic foot of natural gas convert to?
1000
What is the heating value of one cubic foot of propane?
2500 BTUs
Why is propane considered a convenient fuel for contractors?
It is readily available
What happens if there is a tiny leak of propane?
Explosive gas/air mixture forms
What is the weight of propane compared to air?
Propane is heavier than air
What is one of the hazards of handling propane?
Propane can cause explosions
Which of the following is the reason why containers are never fully charged with liquid?
To allow for normal expansion
What is the pressure at which cylinder relief valves are set?
2585.5 kPa
What is the purpose of a relief valve in a propane container?
To release gas in case of high temperature
What is the volume expansion of propane when it converts from liquid to gas?
270 times
What is the weight of a 100 lb. propane cylinder when fully charged with liquid?
375 lbs.
Which type of cylinder is commonly used for oxypropane welding set-ups?
20 lb. cylinder
What is the purpose of the vapour space at the top of a propane tank?
To allow for normal expansion
Where should propane cylinders be stored on a jobsite?
In a separate compound
What can happen if escaping propane gas collects in a confined space?
It can create an explosive atmosphere
How far should propane cylinders be stored from a property line?
25 feet
Where should empty and full propane cylinders be stored?
On one side and the other
What can be used to construct a compound for storing propane cylinders?
Snow fence and T-bars
Why should propane containers never be fully charged with liquid?
To allow for expansion
What is the purpose of a relief valve in a propane container?
To prevent leaks
What is one of the hazards of handling propane?
It can cause frostbite
Which of the following is a potential hazard of mishandling propane?
Fire and explosion
What is the recommended position for transporting and storing portable propane cylinders?
Upright
What can happen if liquid propane escapes through the relief valve?
Large volumes of gas will be released
What is the minimum temperature at which propane gas can ignite?
1000°F
What is the recommended method for securing propane cylinders during transportation?
Fastening them in an upright position with rope, wire, or other means
What should be avoided when transporting propane cylinders by truck?
Keeping cylinders in an automobile trunk
In what form is propane typically dispensed in construction applications?
Vapor form
What is the potential hazard of propane in confined spaces?
Displacement of air
Which type of cylinders should be used according to the text?
Cylinders that are less than 10 years old
Where should cylinders that are not in use be stored?
Outside the building
What precaution should be taken when moving cylinders of gas around the jobsite?
Keep cylinders upright
When can propane be stored inside a building?
When it is in a specially constructed explosion-proof room
What is the purpose of the regulator in a propane tank?
To reduce pressure in the tank
Why should propane cylinders not be located in stairwells and hallways?
To avoid blocking exits
According to construction regulations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, what is prohibited when moving cylinders from one level to another?
Using a sling
When hooking up and using construction heaters, who should make all connections?
A licensed service personnel
How far should propane cylinders be placed away from construction heaters?
At least 20 feet
Which type of fire extinguisher should be on hand before lighting the heater?
4A40BC
What should be done when the hose line is full of gas after slowly opening the cylinder valve?
Check for leaks with soapy water or a leak detector
What should be done if a gas odor or frost appears on a fitting?
Shut off the cylinder valve and make corrections
What may happen if the cylinder valve is opened too quickly?
The check valve may slug and shut off gas flow
What is the purpose of the excess flow check valve?
To shut off gas flow if the regulator is broken off
What should be done if trouble develops with the heater?
Close the cylinder valve
Where should propane cylinders be stored on a jobsite?
In the same room as the heater
What should be watched for when using a burner?
A drop in pressure
Which of the following is a potential consequence of increasing the amount of vapor in a propane cylinder by applying heat?
The cylinder may explode
What is the maximum number of 100-pound cylinders that should be manifolded together for heaters?
Three
If other heaters with manifolded cylinders are operated in the same area, how far should they be from each other?
At least fifty feet away
What is the recommended personal protective equipment when handling propane?
Goggles, long sleeves, and gloves
What should be done in case of an emergency involving propane?
All of the above
What is the purpose of a firewall in relation to heaters with manifolded cylinders?
To increase operating time
What are the recommended storage conditions for propane cylinders on a jobsite?
In a secure outdoor location
What are the recommended storage conditions for cylinders that are not in use?
Upright and secured
Which of the following areas is likely to collect propane gas due to its heaviness?
Trenches
What should you do if a construction heater is defective?
Replace it
What should you do if the flame on a heater goes out?
Turn off the gas supply and relight it
What should you do if you suspect escaped gas in a confined space?
Test with a gas detection device
What should you do if you come into contact with liquid propane?
Wash it off immediately
What should you do if a construction heater is inadequate?
Replace it with a larger one
What should you do if you smell propane in a confined space?
Ventilate and purge the area before relighting
What should you do if you suspect escaped gas in a confined or low-lying area?
Ventilate and purge the area before testing
What should you do if your clothing becomes saturated with propane?
Remove and air it outside
What should you do before attempting to relight a heater with escaped gas?
Ventilate and purge the area thoroughly
Which type of heaters are commonly used on large construction projects?
Propane construction heaters
Who is responsible for installing the bulk tank and feed lines for propane construction heaters?
Licensed service personnel
What are the hook-up points called on the feed lines for propane construction heaters?
Station valves
What should be checked after installing the flexible heater line for propane construction heaters?
Leak at the hook-up point
What should be done if heat is required in an area not serviced by a valve for propane construction heaters?
All of the above
What is the maximum recommended length for the flexible hose between the heater and station valve for propane construction heaters?
25 feet
What other application has propane become a popular energy source for, besides construction heaters?
Open flame welding and cutting
Which type of cylinders are generally smaller than those used for construction heaters?
Propane cylinders
What should be done to fittings before hooking them up to propane welding cylinders?
Clean them and remove grease
What should be used to avoid damage to fittings when connecting them to propane welding cylinders?
Proper fitting wrenches
How should propane cylinders be positioned at all times?
Upright
What is the recommended method to prevent propane cylinders from tipping over when in use?
Tying them upright
What should be done to propane welding cylinders when they are not in use?
Disconnect them from fittings
What is one of the hazards of mishandling propane?
Explosion
Which of the following is a potential consequence of mishandling propane?
Increased flame temperature
What is the purpose of the relief valve in a propane system?
To prevent excess flow of propane
What should be done if there is a suspected gas leak in a confined or low-lying area?
Ventilate the area immediately
What is the recommended method for transporting propane cylinders?
Using proper gear for hoisting or moving
What should be done before storing propane cylinders that are not in use?
Remove the regulators and store them separately
What should be avoided when using heaters in proximity to propane cylinders?
Keeping flammables away from heaters
What is the recommended storage condition for propane cylinders on a jobsite?
Away from heat sources
What should be done if liquid propane comes into contact with the skin?
Wash the area with water immediately
What should you do if you suspect leaking gas in an area?
Ventilate the area immediately
Study Notes
Hazards of Propane Misuse
- Propane can cause asphyxiation, explosion, or fire if misused
- It can displace oxygen in confined spaces, leading to asphyxiation
Physical Properties of Propane
- Boiling point of propane: -42.2°C (-43.6°F)
- Stored as a liquid under pressure in cylinders or tanks
- Expands 270 times when released from a cylinder or tank
Safety Precautions
- Propane is 1.5 times heavier than air
- Can collect in low-lying areas and confined spaces, leading to hazards
- Can cause frostbite or injury if accidentally exposed under high pressure
Industry and Applications
- Propane is a convenient fuel for contractors due to its portability and energy density
- Heating value of propane: 91,500 BTU/ft³
- 1 cubic foot of natural gas converts to 1,025 BTU
Cylinder Handling and Storage
- Cylinders should be stored upright, secured, and away from property lines
- Empty and full cylinders should be stored separately
- Relief valves are set to 375 psig to prevent over-pressurization
- Vapour space at the top of a tank allows for thermal expansion
Transportation and Installation
- Propane cylinders should be transported and stored in a secure, upright position
- Cylinders should be placed on a level surface, away from heat sources and open flames
- Bulk tanks and feed lines should be installed by a qualified technician
Safety Procedures
- In case of an emergency, evacuate the area and report the incident
- If you smell propane in a confined space, evacuate and ventilate the area
- If you come into contact with liquid propane, wash the affected area and seek medical attention
Test your knowledge on propane safety and hazards with this quiz designed for those in the construction industry. Learn about the flammability and explosive potential of propane, its ability to displace breathable air in confined spaces, and the risks of accidental exposure. Challenge yourself and enhance your understanding of propane safety measures.
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