Human factors considerations in the detection of propane gas leaks

Michael S. Wogalter1, Kenneth R. Laughery 1 Psychology Department , North Carolina State University 640 Poe Hall Raleigh, NC 27695-7650, USA 2 Psychology Department Rice University MS-25, P.O. Box 1892 Houston, Texas 77251-1892, USA A scenario of a residential propane fire and explosion case is described. The apparent cause was a corroded pipe in the basement which leaked propane and was ignited by the spark generated by the start of a clothes dryer. The victim who was severely burned reported not smelling gas despite an odorant, ethyl mercaptan, being added to the gas. Reasons why the gas was not detected by smell are described. Electronic gas detectors are available but the gas supplier never communicated this fact to many of its customers. The added value of electronic gas detectors is described. Wogalter, K. R., & Laughery, K. R. (2010b). Human factors considerations in the detection of propane gas leaks. In W. Karwowski & G. Salvendy (Eds.) Advances in Human Factors, Ergonomics and Safety in Manufacturing and Service Industries (pp. 558-564). Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press. Also on CD ROM: ISBN- 13: 978-0-9796435-4-5: ISBN-10_0-979-6435-4-6.