Natural Gas Safety for Fleets

Alternative fuels are being used more today to fuel commercial fleets. Compared to using other types of fuel, using alternative fuels such as compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquified natural gas (LNG) has great benefits for employers. Some of these benefits include fewer emissions, reduced operating costs and price stability. While working with and handling natural gas is not new, many employees have never had to fuel vehicles with it. Accordingly, there are safety measures to take note of and train your employees on.

Each fleet determines its needs for what type of alternative fuel should be used. This is largely based on what type of vehicle it will be used for or the distance of the routes. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) provides the standards for fuel storage and delivery systems of CNG and LNG. These standards should be referred to when necessary.

Gas Properties

LNG is a colorless, odorless and environmentally nontoxic gas made primarily of methane and ethane. It is cryogenically cooled by bringing the temperature down to -259 degrees Fahrenheit for ease of storage and transport. Since LNG is liquid, it is stored unpressurized. When LNG is used, it converts back to its gas form. If LNG is leaked, it transitions into a vapor cloud and dissipates because it is lighter than air.

CNG is an odorless compressed methane gas that is stored at very high pressure. There is an odor additive mixed in with the gas called mercaptan that gives it the smell of sulfur or rotten eggs. It is used to alert people that there is a leak. CNG is lighter than air and dissipates quickly, making it more flammable, unlike when it is in its liquified form.

Safety Concerns

LNG and CNG can be more preferable choices for fuel because there are fewer hazards in the event of a spill. The gas is lighter than the air, so it dissipates quickly and therefore, there is no substantial clean up. Put another way, it does not have the same spill concerns as petroleum products.

LNG and CNG have slightly different safety requirements while working with them. LNG has more requirements for what personal protective equipment (PPE) should be worn and the training that should be completed, while CNG is hazardous due to the pressurized lines.

LNG Safety Concerns

Some safety concerns of working with LNG are:

• Frostbite or freeze burns
• Asphyxiation due to the vapor cloud causing an oxygen-reduced environment in a confined space
• Fire hazards during storage
• Explosions from rapid-phase transition (when LNG spills into a body of water)

CNG Safety Concerns

• CNG is a gas compressed at a high pressure, so it is important to work carefully around any tanks or lines.
• If the gas is released and contacts skin, it will leave burns.
• If CNG is leaking in enclosed areas, there is potential for asphyxiation if the area does not have good ventilation.

Personal Protective Equipment

PPE is always necessary to minimize exposure to potential hazards. There are differences in what PPE should be worn when working with LNG or CNG.

Since LNG is stored at such a cold temperature, recommended PPE includes:

• Cryogenic-rated gloves
• Goggles that meet ANSI Z.87.1 standards
• A face shield
• A cryogenic apron
• Flame-retardant (FR) clothing
• Uncuffed pant legs
• Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) (if necessary)
• Proper boots
• Neck protection for splashback
• Gas detector if in or around confined spaces

CNG requires similar PPE, but since CNG is not cryogenic, the requirements are a bit different. When working with CNG, recommended PPE includes:

• Impermeable gloves
• Safety glasses
• A face shield
• Goggles
• An SCBA (If necessary)
• Gas detector if in or around confined spaces

All pieces of PPE are meant to keep workers safe while working with CNG or LNG. Remember, though, some pieces are required for different job tasks when working with the gas. Make sure workers fill out a job hazard analysis (JHA) to determine the appropriate PPE for the job task at hand.

Employee Training

Make sure employees know the gases they are working with and review the safety data sheet (SDS). When using LNG, there should be specialized training for the job tasks that require its use. If employees are fueling vehicles with LNG, have standard operating procedures (SOPs) in place to train them on. Make sure the employees understand the hazards associated with each form of gas and why the PPE is required.

When working with CNG, it is very important the employees are trained on the hazards of working with pressurized gas lines and what to do in case of an emergency or a leak. Make sure there are SOPs in place for fueling vehicles with CNG.

Emergency Preparedness and Response

If your organization works with either natural gas, an emergency preparedness plan must be developed and utilized. Start with completing a spill risk assessment to determine how a spill may occur. Then develop a spill response plan and procedure to follow when there is a spill. Make sure to identify the proper agencies and authorities that need to be contacted in case of a spill. The best practice would be to have the local authorities (fire department) meet with you to help develop the plan. There should be an alarm system in place to alert the proper personnel when a spill occurs. Once the plan is completed, make sure to train all affected employees on the specifics of the plan.

By understanding the risks of LNG and CNG, risks of workplace hazards can be reduced, and your organization can enjoy the benefits of working with cleaner fuels.

This Risk Insights is not intended to be exhaustive nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as legal advice. Readers should contact legal counsel or an insurance professional for appropriate advice. © 2017-2020 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.