11 Propane Cylinder Safety Tips
Do you know how to safely transport, install, use, store, and refill a propane cylinder? At Propane Plus, LLC, it's our duty to provide propane safety tips that help keep our Central Texas communities out of harm's way.
You can trust our experts to ensure compliance for propane cylinder use with licensed technicians who can inspect your propane cylinder and appliances.
Keep your family and friends safe while using propane with these eleven essential propane cylinder safety tips!
1. Carry Your Propane Cylinder in an Upright Position
When transporting your propane cylinder, be sure always to carry the cylinder in an upright position. The safety valve should be on top.
2. Do Not Transport Propane Cylinders in Closed Vehicles
If transporting your propane cylinder inside the vehicle's passenger compartment, open the windows. Heat can cause an explosive release of propane if the vehicle has the windows up.
3. Only Have Qualified Personnel Fill Your Cylinder
When it's time to refill your cylinder, ensure a qualified person handles the job. Your cylinder should only be filled up to a certain percentage.
4. Replace Propane Cylinders After 10 Years
You should replace your propane cylinder after ten years or have it inspected and re-qualified. Please examine your cylinder closely for a date stamp on the collar. Contact Propane Plus, LLC for propane tank recertification.
5. Avoid Rusty or Damaged Cylinders
Propane cylinders that are rusty or damaged are unsafe to use. Assess your propane cylinders for signs of damage before using them and replace them if necessary.
A propane cylinder may not be refilled if corroded, dented, bulging, or damaged anywhere, including on the valves, so consider recycling or remediating it.
6. Check Your Propane Cylinder for Leaks
When using a propane cylinder, check for leaks. This can be done using a water and soap solution; It will bubble, which indicates a leak.
Propane is odorless, so it is essential to evaluate leaks carefully!
7. Avoid Flames & Heat
Keep your propane cylinder away from flame or heat. Refrain from smoking around your propane cylinder. Propane is flammable when mixed with air, flames, smoking materials, electrical sparks, and static electricity.
8. Use Propane Cylinders Properly
Propane cylinders are created for particular uses and are not interchangeable. If a propane cylinder does not attach easily to an appliance or equipment, do not try to connect it!
Be sure to use your propane cylinder only with appliances and equipment approved for propane. There are signs that something isn't right with propane, so if the appliance or equipment does not connect easily, do not force it.
9. Only Store Your Cylinder in an Appropriate Space
Your cylinder should always be stored in a safe location away from excess traffic, and you want the space to be well-ventilated, flat, and non-flammable.
We also recommend avoiding placing it in areas prone to dampness or mud because this can cause rust to build up on the surface, making it dangerous to use.
10. Never Try to Modify Your Cylinder
While propane is a safe fuel source, the cylinders are complex, and you never want to modify it as a DIY project. If you think there's a problem, don't repair any valves, regulators, or other tank parts unless you have the proper training and certification.
11. Keep Your Tank Free of Clutter
Regardless of the size of your tank or its location, you never want to have clutter around the outside of it. This is even more true if the objects can ignite, so remove any excess items and store them in other locations.
For extra measure, schedule a periodic cleanup around the tank, removing debris like dirt, leaves, trash, and snow and ice in the colder months.
Contact Your Propane Experts in Central Texas
Based in Central Texas, Propane Plus, LLC has knowledgeable experts to ensure safe propane cylinder use at your home or business. These propane safety guidelines are state-recommended, and our staff are trained in safe propane cylinder use.
If you smell gas or if there is an emergency, don't hesitate to call 9-1-1 or your local fire department!
Ready to ensure your home or business has safe access to propane? Let Propane Plus, LLC evaluate how you transport, use, and store propane. Call us today at 512-259-7587 or contact us online.