G2 Gas Fitter Practice Exam

What distinctive feature must propane have for safety purposes?

1. It must be colorless and tasteless

2. It must have a distinctive odour

3. It must be stored under high pressure

4. It must be explosive in low concentrations

The correct answer is: It must have a distinctive odour

Propane must have a distinctive odour for safety purposes, which is a crucial characteristic designed to help individuals detect leaks. Propane is naturally odorless, but an odorant is added to it, commonly ethanethiol or similar compounds, to create a strong, recognizable smell similar to rotten eggs. This addition is essential because it allows people to notice the presence of propane in the air, thus acting as an important safety measure to prevent accidents, such as explosions or asphyxiation that could occur from undetected gas leaks. The other options do not prioritize the immediate safety concerns associated with propane effectively. While being colorless and tasteless is a characteristic of the gas, it is not a safety feature; it actually poses a risk if a leak goes unnoticed. Storage under high pressure is a technical requirement for the liquefaction of propane but does not enhance safety directly. Lastly, while propane can indeed be explosive, the emphasis should be on prevention through detection, which is best achieved via its distinctive odour.