Is LNG safe?
Natural gas fuelling systems are designed to be as safe as conventional fuel systems. Both LNG-fuelled vehicles and LNG delivery tanker trucks are designed to the highest standards, and the fuel systems and tanks are subject to rigorous testing.
With proper handling, LNG is safe across the value chain through the use of state-of-the-art technology. Industry experience demonstrates that, when handled to the proper gas standard, LNG does not pose greater risks than other fuels such as LPG, gasoline and diesel that are transported every day.
In the following table, characteristics of the common fuels are shown:
|
HAZARD |
LNG |
LPG |
GASOLINE |
FUEL OIL |
|
Flammable |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Asphyxiant |
No (unless in confined space) |
Yes, higher density encourages accumulation |
Yes, higher density encourages accumulation |
No (unless in confined space) |
|
Other Human Health Hazards |
Low Temperature |
No |
Eye Irritant, Narcosis, Nausea, others |
Eye Irritant, Narcosis, Nausea, others |
|
Flammable Limits in Air (%) |
5-15 |
1.8-9.5 |
1.2-7.1 |
0.6-7.6 |
|
Stored Pressure |
Ambient, except in some small containers |
Pressurized |
Ambient |
Ambient |
|
Behavior if Spilled |
Evaporates forming flammable visible cloud that disperses readily |
Evaporates forming explosive vapor cloud that will hug ground |
Forms a flammable pool, environmental cleanup required |
Forms a flammable pool, environmental cleanup required; potentially long term depending upon specific oil type |