Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG): Workplace Hazards and Safety Precautions

Reviewed by Angela Wheeler, CIH, CSP, industrial hygienist · Updated October 23, 2026

Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is extremely flammable, stored under pressure, and can displace oxygen in enclosed or low-lying spaces. Handling, storing and using it safely is key to preventing fires, asphyxiation and cold burns at work. This page covers what LPG is, how it harms the body, which workplaces are at risk, and the controls that reduce exposure, including how a chemical management program keeps them in one place.

What Is Liquefied Petroleum Gas?

LPG is a colourless, flammable gas that is naturally odourless. It is a mixture of propane and butane, with smaller amounts of isobutane, butylene and other hydrocarbons. An odorant such as ethyl mercaptan is added before sale and shipping so leaks can be smelled.

What Are the Common Uses of LPG?

LPG is used as fuel for heating and cooking appliances, including camping equipment. It is also used as a lighter fuel, refrigerant, aerosol propellant, vehicle fuel (autogas), and as a feedstock for chemicals and plastics.

Why Is LPG Hazardous?

LPG presents three main hazards in the workplace:

• Asphyxiation. LPG vapour is heavier than air. It collects in low-lying and enclosed areas such as pits, trenches, basements and tanks, where it displaces oxygen. Air with less than 19.5% oxygen is considered oxygen-deficient. As oxygen drops further, workers can lose consciousness quickly and without warning.
• Fire and explosion. LPG is extremely flammable. Containers under pressure may rupture or explode if heated.
• Cold burns. Liquid LPG released under pressure evaporates rapidly and can freeze skin and eyes on contact.

Health Effects of LPG Exposure

Exposure is mainly by inhalation, or by contact with the eyes and skin.

Short-term inhalation of low concentrations may cause drowsiness, dizziness, headache, and irritation of the nose and throat (coughing, sneezing). High concentrations, even briefly, can cause asphyxiation, seizures, coma, irregular heart rhythm and death.

Long-term exposure has been associated with central nervous system effects, nosebleeds, rhinitis, ulcers of the mouth and nose, conjunctivitis, weight loss and fatigue.

Skin and eye contact can cause irritation. Contact with escaping liquid can cause frostbite. Signs include skin turning white or greyish-yellow, numbness, and blistering. Frostbite to the eyes can cause permanent damage, including blindness.

Who Needs to Be Concerned About LPG Hazards?

Employers and workers both need to understand LPG hazards and the precautions that control them. Exposure can come from emissions from pressurized equipment, leaks from containment, or residue when breaking containment. Workplaces at higher risk include:

• Natural gas processing facilities
• Petroleum refineries (distilling, cracking or reforming crude oil)
• Manufacturers of refrigerants and aerosols
• Chemical plants using LPG as a feedstock
• Loading, unloading, transport and storage of petroleum products
• Petroleum product filling and transfer stations

Watch: LPG Workplace Safety — Propane and Butane Hazards and Controls

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Workplace Safety: Propane, Butane Hazards & Controls | Chemscape8 min

A short overview of LPG hazards and precautions, suitable for safety meetings and toolbox talks. Find more free videos in our Health and Safety Meeting Content library.

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How Is LPG Classified Under WHMIS, HazCom and TDG?

LPG is regulated as a hazardous product in the workplace and as dangerous goods in transport. Your supplier’s safety data sheet is the authoritative source for the exact classification of the product you use.

How to Control LPG Hazards in the Workplace

Controlling LPG hazards starts with knowing what you have, where it is stored, and how workers could be exposed. These controls form the core of an LPG safety program, and CHAMP, Chemscape’s chemical management program, brings them together in one place:

1. Keep current SDSs accessible. Workers need the safety data sheet for every LPG product on site, at the point of use. CHAMP includes Chemscape’s SDS management, which keeps your library current and available on mobile.
2. Approve products and assess each task. Review every LPG product through chemical approvals before it comes on site. Filling, transfer, maintenance and breaking containment carry different exposure risks, and a chemical risk assessment in CHAMP identifies which tasks need extra controls.
3. Document your exposure controls. Write down how leaks, transfers and confined-space entry are managed. An exposure control plan built in CHAMP puts this in one place for workers and inspectors.
4. Store cylinders and tanks safely. Keep LPG upright, secured, ventilated, and away from oxidizers and ignition sources. CHAMP’s chemical storage compatibility review checks everything stored nearby.
5. Ventilate and monitor low areas. Because LPG vapour sinks, use gas detection and ventilation in pits, trenches, basements and other low or enclosed spaces. Test the atmosphere before confined-space entry.
6. Eliminate ignition sources. Use intrinsically safe equipment where flammable atmospheres may occur, and control hot work near LPG.
7. Provide the right PPE. Insulated gloves and eye or face protection guard against cold burns during transfer and connection work. Follow the PPE section of your SDS.
8. Train workers. Make sure everyone who handles LPG understands its hazards, labels and emergency procedures.