Safety News
Lessons Learned: Preliminary Propane Tank Fire
What Happened?
A propane cylinder caught fire and was propelled approximately 40 ft. while being used for winter protection. Two 100 lb. propane cylinders were staged a building due to cold weather. One was equipped
with an attached “buddy” heater, and the other was a spare. The spare had a small pinhole leak in the bottom of the cylinder. Over time, propane fumes accumulated inside the building (20 X 20 ft.) and eventually ignited the leaking spare propane cylinder. The cylinder was propelled through a set of double doors and landed near railroad tracks. There were two technicians in the area but were not injured from the fire.
What were the causes?
Physical Cause
- Spare propane tank leak at the bottom of the cylinder
- Small area accumulated vapors/fumes to ignite
Human Cause
- Propane supplier did not recognize condition of tank
Latent Cause
- Buildings electric heater failed approximately 5 days before
- Extended cold weather required additional heat
- Tanks are filled on site and are not always routinely checked
Key Learning Points
- Ensure compressed gas suppliers are performing inspections on all tanks on site
Corrective Actions
- Gather & inspect all tanks on site
- Repair electrical heater in building
- Ensure tanks are not set up inside of buildings from now on
- Ensure that all tanks (ones being used and ones for spare) are properly spaced from each other
- Prohibit using buddy style heaters around propane tanks
- Set up routine inspections on all propane tanks in a work area
Key Learning Point
- Ensure compressed gas suppliers are performing inspections on all tanks before filling