SECTION F7 Emergency Procedures for Forecourt Sites Storing and Dispensing LPG (Propane) This document has been designed to give essential information FOR ALL STAFF on how to deal with an emergency involving LPG. ALL STAFF MUST BE TRAINED USING THIS INFORMATION. STORE THE LPG SUMMARY INFORMATION PAGE ON THE STAFF NOTICE BOARD IN A PLASTIC SLEEVE. SURESITE LTD. All rights reserved. Not to be reproduced without prior permission 100
LPG Emergency Procedures Summary Information In the event of an emergency involving LPG, contact: Insert LPG supplier emergency telephone number For all general enquiries, please contact Insert the details of the LPG supplier s general enquiries telephone line In the box below, show a sketch plan of the forecourt, LPG tanks and the Assembly Point. The Assembly Point must be in a designated area at least 30m away from the forecourt In addition to this guidance, also refer to: - The Health & Safety Guidance Policy The Fire Risk Assessment for shop risks The Fire Risk Assessment for Petroleum The LPG supplier s own training and operational manual SURESITE LTD. All rights reserved. Not to be reproduced without prior permission 101
Health and Safety This document has been designed to give essential information FOR ALL STAFF on how to deal with an emergency involving LPG. ALL STAFF MUST BE TRAINED USING THIS INFORMATION. LPG is normally stored as a liquid under pressure. It is colourless and its liquid weight is approximately half that of water. Therefore LPG will float on water before vapourising. LPG may flow along the ground and into drains and may ignite a long distance away from the initial source of the leak. In still air, LPG vapour will disperse slowly. When mixed with air, LPG is extremely flammable. LPG gives off a distinctive smell but potential leaks can also be detected by Alternative means: 1. When mixed with the surrounding air it causes condensation. This effect may show itself as a frost at the point of the leak. 2. When LPG comes into contact with air it can be seen as a shimmering haze in hot weather, or even as a cloud or steam in cold water. Both of which could help detect the source more easily. ON NO ACCOUNT SHOULD A NAKED FLAME BE USED TO DETECT A LEAK. Under no circumstances must naked flames or smoking be allowed within the hazardous area. Only electrical equipment that is certified for use within the hazardous area should be allowed. LPG vapour is slightly anaesthetic and may also cause suffocation if present in sufficiently high concentrations. LPG liquid can cause severe cold burns to the skin owing to its rapid vapourisation. Personal Protective Equipment such as gloves and eye goggles must be worn in the LPG compound. In Severe cases of freeze burn seek immediate medical attention. SURESITE LTD. All rights reserved. Not to be reproduced without prior permission 102
Action In The Event of an Emergency (Including Fire) In case of a LPG leak or fire, the following steps should be taken: - 1. Isolate/Shut off the electric supply to the site: This can be done by the following: a. By the Emergency Stop Button inside the petrol Kiosk b. At the Fireman s switch located on the outside of the building 2. Close the site and evacuate all personnel. Keep all personnel and public away from the area in which the vapour is spreading. This should be upwind (even if this is away from the normal evacuation point). This means evacuating the site with the wind blowing into your face. 3. Remove or extinguish any source of ignition. Do not allow starting of vehicles, use of mobile phones and ensure no one is allowed to smoke, even if at the assembly point. During the evacuation ensure ovens/griddles are switched off. 4. Stop the flow of LPG if this can be done safely, through the LPG stop valves in the LPG compound/storage area. 5. Contact the Emergency Services (Advising them that LPG propane is present) plus LPG supplier emergency number. Give details where possible on the direction of the wind. This will allow the emergency services to approach the site from the opposite direction, reducing the risk of ignition. 6. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO ENTINGUISH FLAMES UNLESS THE SOURCE OF THE LEAK HAS BEEN ISOLATED SAFELY, USING A DRY POWDER EXTINGUISHER. If in doubt, do not try and attempt to extinguish, just evacuate immediately. 7. If necessary, alert neighbours to the danger, especially if there are nearby cellars or basements in which vapour could collect. 8. If necessary, call the police so that they may re-route traffic. 9. Advise the appropriate authorities of the incident in accordance with site procedures. 10. Do not allow anyone back on site until the emergency is over and the fire brigade has given the all clear. SURESITE LTD. All rights reserved. Not to be reproduced without prior permission 103
POSSIBLE EMERGENCY SITUATIONS In the event of a customer driving away with the filler gun still connected, the following action should be taken: Inspect the dispenser to ensure no LPG is leaking Inspect the hose assembly to ensure no LPG is leaking. Ensure that the hose assembly is stored within LPG compound Contact your dispenser service provider. Do NOT try and reconnect the pull-away valve. In the event of a customer driving away with the filler gun still connected to the vehicle and the breakaway coupling not sealing, the following action must be taken: Follow Emergency LPG Evacuation Procedures In the event of a customer driving into a dispenser and rupturing product pipelines, the following action must be taken: - Follow Emergency LPG Evacuation Procedures If the LPG pipe work or hoses develop a leak during the product delivery, the following action must be taken: - The LPG Tanker driver shall push the red emergency stop button in the LPG compound. This will also activate the Master Switch and close the site. Follow Emergency LPG Evacuation Procedures If the LPG Tanker arrives when the Petrol is offloading, the following action must be taken: Advise the LPG tanker driver that only one off-loading delivery vehicle is allowed access to the site at any one time. Advise the LPG tanker driver that, if required, he should wait in a suitably safe area until the current offloading has been completed and the tanker has left the site. If a customer arrives with a different filler connector, the following action must be taken: If necessary, advise the customer that the use of adaptors be discouraged. If the customer uses an adaptor to connect the filler gun to his vehicle ensure that, during filling, no gas leaks are apparent. If a gas leak is apparent during the filling operation abort the sale. SURESITE LTD. All rights reserved. Not to be reproduced without prior permission 104
If a customer/employee receives a freeze burn, the following action must be taken: Immerse affected area(s), or flush liberally, with tepid or cold clean water for at least 10 minutes. Do not use hot water or apply any direct heat. Loosen any clothing that may restrict blood circulation to the affected area. Thaw out frozen protective clothing and it NOT stuck to the skin, remove. Avoid excessive heat. Please be aware that LPG vapour may be given off during thawing which could create a flammable atmosphere. Cover the affected area with clean, dry dressing and bulky protective covering. Dressings should not be applied too tightly. Please note that alcoholic drinks and smoking decrease blood flow to the affected tissue and are not recommended. Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Customer/Employee received freeze burn to the eyes. Burns should be flushed with water to normalise temperature. Cover the eye with a sterile dressing and obtain medical attention immediately. DO NOT force open eyelids and DO NOT allow the eyes to be rubbed. Customer/Employee received freeze burn to the eyes. Burns should be flushed with water to normalise temperature. Cover the eye with a sterile dressing and obtain medical attention immediately. DO NOT force open eyelids and DO NOT allow the eyes to be rubbed. Customer/Employee inhaled product LPG Is an asphyxiant in large quantities. On still days concentration levels can be higher. Particularly at ground level. Breathing in too much can cause dizziness or even unconsciousness. Move away from the area into a fresh air environment. Keep patient warm and at rest. Place unconscious casualties in the recovery position Contact Emergency Services if necessary. SURESITE LTD. All rights reserved. Not to be reproduced without prior permission 105
PLEASE SIGN AND PRINT YOUR NAME AS CONFIRMATION THAT YOU HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THE ABOVE DATE PRINT NAME SIGNATURE... SURESITE LTD. All rights reserved. Not to be reproduced without prior permission 106
AUTOGAS SITE CHECKLIST Site: Name: Date: Signature: ALL SITES. Personal Protective Equipment- anti-static coat and footwear, hard hat, gloves and goggles MUST BE WORN Vessel and Dispenser; Is there any smell of gas, signs of frosting or sounds of leaks evident Yes / Around Vessel; Is the perimeter fencing undamaged and the crash barriers in the original location around the vessel compound Do exits to storage area open easily and to their full extent Are LPG warning and safety signs undamaged and in place Is Site of LPG unit free of litter / vegetation (rubbish must be cleared immediately) Around Dispenser; Visible signs of damage to dispenser or impact protection Are there signs of fraying / wear to the hose or damage to the nozzle or break coupling. Safety signs and operating instructions in place and undamaged Is area free of litter (rubbish must be cleared immediately) Others; Are lights working and adequate Check during hours of darkness Are LPG compound keys clearly marked and readily available to all staff SURESITE LTD. All rights reserved. Not to be reproduced without prior permission 107