NIOSH issues recommendations for propane tank fires
On April 15, 1998, two volunteer firefighters were killed while fighting an 18,000-gallon bulk propane tank fire. The fire started after an all-terrain vehicle struck the tank`s unprotected external piping, causing propane vapors to be ignited by a pilot flame from a nearby vaporizer.
On arrival, the firefighters watered down the buildings adjacent to the propane tank and allowed the tank to burn itself out, since the tank was venting. About eight minutes after the firefighters arrived, the tank exploded, separated into four parts, and flew in four directions. The two firefighters, who were about 105 feet from the tank, were struck by a piece of the exploding tank and killed instantly. The explosion injured six other firefighters and a deputy sheriff.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) investigated the incident and made several observations and recommendations. The agency noted that the potential always exists for a boiling-liquid, expanding-vapor explosion (BLEVE). To reduce the risk, fire departments, firefighters, and propane tank owners and users should employ the following recommendations, based on emergency response procedures in the 1996 North American Emergency Response Guidebook (NAERG96).
Firefighters
Fight fire from the maximum distance possible, or use unstaffed hose holders or monitor nozzles.
Cool containers by flooding them with large quantities of water until well after the fire is out.
Do not direct water at the source of the leak or at safety devices; icing may occur.
Leave the area immediately if you hear a rising sound from venting safety devices or see discoloration of the tank.
For massive fires, use unstaffed hose holders or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, leave the area and let the fire burn.
Be aware that when a BLEVE occurs, sections of the tank can fly in any direction. Just avoiding the ends of the tank should not be considered a safe operating procedure.
Fire Departments
Follow the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations [29 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) 1910.120 (q)]–“Emergency response to hazardous substance releases”]. These regulations should be incorporated into fire department standard operating procedures (SOPs), which should be strictly enforced.
Train first responders to be aware of the hazards associated with propane tank fires, including BLEVE.
Ensure that fire department code enforcement personnel adhere to the guidelines specified by the National Fire Protection Association (see NAERG96) for the evaluation and certification of propane tanks.
For more information about safe firefighting procedures for propane tank fires, see NAERG96 or contact the NFPA, the National Propane Gas Association, or the International Fire Service Training Association.
Propane Tank Owners and Users
Protect aboveground external piping from physical damage with fencing or by some other method.
Equip propane tank piping with excess flow and emergency shutoff valves in accordance with NFPA 58, Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code–1998.
Source: DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 99-129, June 1999.
