Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) & Propane Fleet Maintenance Facilities

Propane & CNG Fleet Vehicle Protection

If a high-pressure CNG or Propane leak occurs while the vehicle is inside a parking or maintenance facility, the potential for a catastrophic fire or explosion involving the facility and all its contents – including the other vehicles parked there – increases dramatically. Thus, potentially involving an entire fleet of vehicles, the building, its occupants and even neighboring buildings.

The Gas Detection compliance requirements for CNG fleet vehicles and Propane fleet facilities are more complex than the protection requirements where only diesel vehicles are in use. The primary hazards for diesel fleets are toxic emissions – primarily nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and carbon monoxide (CO). These gases are very toxic, mix readily with air and create a danger zone approximately five feet above the ground – right at the height where people are breathing the air. Immediate increases in ventilation control systems are required in order to prevent a tragic event.

CNG fleet vehicles and propane fleets also generate nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and carbon monoxide (CO) when operating. However, the presence of large quantities of flammable gases, stored under high pressure within each vehicle creates additional propane and CNG detection requirements in order to protect the facility and its occupants from an explosive situation.

Understanding the actual clean energy fuel adopted is critical to sensor selection and placement. CNG is lighter than air and Propane is heavier. The large spaces involved create ventilation dead zones where leaking gases can accumulate. Smoke testing can help identify trouble spots.

Gas and Vapor Detection systems are critical in a fleet maintenance facility to keep drivers and other employees safe from CNG and Propane leaks that could result in fires and possible explosion – threatening employees, the buses and even, the facility.