WorkSafeBC Publishes Bulletin on Preventing Pentane Gas Fires

"Manufacturers should, and generally do, build in a period for off-gassing that will reduce the amount of pentane within the EPS foam before shipping," it says. "Despite this, residual amounts of pentane remain in shipped EPS foam blocks and other products."

  • Mar 23, 2018

WorkSafeBC recently published a new safety bulletin about reducing the risk of pentane gas fires and explosions.

The two-page bulletin explains that expanded polystyrene is a synthetic foam material has a wide range of uses in many industries, including as insulation in buildings (especially cold storage buildings), piping, concrete formwork, and wine tanks; wharf and float manufacturing; and applications on movie sets and amusement parks.

The foam releases pentane - a highly flammable gas, it says, and if the pentane has not completely off-gassed and the EPS foam is encased within the structure, the pentane becomes trapped. An ignition source, such as a welding torch or drill, that cuts into the structure can ignite the pentane and cause a fire or an explosion.

"Manufacturers should, and generally do, build in a period for off-gassing that will reduce the amount of pentane within the EPS foam before shipping," it says. "Despite this, residual amounts of pentane remain in shipped EPS foam blocks and other products."

The risk reduction measures listed in the bulletin include:

  • Find out whether you have EPS foam at your site. If you do, ensure it's located in a well-ventilated area where it can safety off-gas.
  • Put up signs at or near the locations of EPS foam and make sure workers understand the importance of not encasing it.
  • When doing hot work on or near the location of EPS foam, allow for additional space and do the work outside if possible; use appropriate PPE, such as flame-resistant apparel; and minimize the number of workers in the area during the time the hot work is being done.
  • If it is absolutely necessary to encase EPS foam, allow sufficient time for it to off-gas before encasing it.

Product Showcase

  • Glove Guard® Clip

    Safety should never be compromised, especially when it comes to proper glove usage. The Glove Guard® clip enhances safety by encouraging employees to keep their gloves with them at all times. This reduces the risk of accidents and injuries on the job. By ensuring everyone has their gloves readily available, we help promote a culture of safety and efficiency. The Glove Guard® clip is designed to withstand the toughest work environments. Constructed from robust materials made in the USA, it can endure extreme conditions, including harsh weather, and rigorous activities. Read More

  • The MGC Simple Plus

    The MGC Simple Plus is a simple-to-use, portable multi gas detector that runs continuously for three years without being recharged or routinely calibrated after its initial charge and calibration during manufacturing. The detector reliably tests a worksite’s atmosphere for hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, oxygen and combustible gases (LEL). Its durability enables the detector to withstand the harshest treatment and environments, hence earning it an IP 68 rating. The MGC Simple Plus is also compatible with a variety of accessories, such as the GCT External Pump. Visit gascliptech.com for more information. Read More

  • SECUPRO MARTEGO

    FOR HIGHEST DEMANDS. A cutting tool in which function and design go hand in hand. Meet the SECUPRO MARTEGO, our prize-winning squeeze-grip safety knife with fully automatic retractable blade for safety. • Ergonomically friendly trigger mechanism to engage the blade • Durable body made of aluminum • Safer alternative to fixed blade utility knives for general cutting tasks • 9 mm Cutting depth • Easy, tool free blade change Dimensions: L 6.10" L x 0.71" W x 1.91" H Weight: 3.70 oz Cutting Depth: 9 mm Read More

Featured

Most   Popular

Artificial Intelligence