Propane Safety

In Canada, over 60,000 vehicles operate on propane. Propane installation, storage and handling codes (CSA B149 series) and regulations have been in place for more than 50 years.

Engine conversion components and systems are certified by approved organizations such as the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), Underwriters Laboratory (UL) and to European Standards (EN67). The components, installation procedures and converted vehicles must meet the safety requirements of the Technical Standards Safety Authority (TSSA) in Ontario, Régie du bâtiment in Quebec and the authorities having jurisdiction in other provinces and territories.

Propane is non-toxic and in its natural form odourless. Odourants are added at the point of manufacture to ensure that any leaks are readily detected.

Propane is stored and handled as a liquid under pressure. The vessels are designed and engineered with safety factors and with control valves and fittings to prevent the accidental escape of product. The puncture resistance of propane vehicle tanks is significantly greater than that of gasoline tanks. The auto ignition temperature of propane is between 850-900ºF, which is far higher than that of gasoline at 495ºF.

Well developed codes and regulations and state-of-the-art equipment and design has allowed the industry to achieve an excellent safety record for propane powered vehicles in Canada.

The inherent properties of propane and propane systems are as safe if not safer than gasoline vehicles.

	Gasoline	Propane
Tank pressure at 65° F	Near zero	100 psi
Tank max. working pressure	5-10 psi	312 psi
Tank location	Behind rear axle, mounted low	Trunk package shelf, Pickup bed, Frame rails, Spare tire location
Puncture resistance	Low	High
Fuel shut off/ isolation mechanisms	Fuel pump shut-off	Excess flow and solenoid valves
Dispersal properties	Pools as a liquid - vapours stay at ground level	Vapourizes and readily dissipates
Flammability limits	1.4% to 7.6%	2.2% to 9.5%
Auto ignition temperature	495° F	850 to 900° F

Natural Resources Canada recognizes that in London, Ontario, the London Police Service has had no safety problems related to the use of propane fuel and equipment. Patrol vehicles have experienced collisions from all angles and some vehicles have been damaged beyond repair – without causing damage to the propane tanks, fuel lines and other conversion components.