Handling of Propane Tanks
Propane Cylinder Safety
Canada has strictly enforced safety regulations related to the safe use of propane.
- All propane cylinders must have a decal identifying the contents as a flammable gas.
- All cylinders must be inspected and re-qualified or replaced every 10 years. A date stamp on the collar of the cylinder indicates when it was last qualified.
- Only a qualified technician may fill your cylinder. It is illegal for an attendant to fill an outdated cylinder, or to fill a cylinder beyond 80% capacity.
As with any fuel, safety must come first whenever you transport, handle and store propane.
When Transporting Cylinders
- Secure cylinder in an upright position
- Ensure cylinder is placed in a well-ventilated area
- Place cylinder gently on a firm base
- Keep cylinder valve closed
- Protect the cylinder valve
- Keep cylinder away from flame or heat
- Keep cylinders out of the passenger space or living area of your recreation vehicle or camper
- When transporting disconnected cylinders, plug or cap all cylinder outlets
When Cylinder is in Use
- Keep cylinders upright on a firm footing
- Place cylinder outside
- Keep cylinder away from flame or heat and building exits
- Cylinder valve must be fully opened
- Use only with appliances approved for propane
- After connection, check for leaks with soap suds (never use a flame)
- Never smoke while handling a propane cylinder
When Cylinder is Not in Use
- Keep cylinder upright on a firm footing
- Store cylinder outside and off the ground on a base that will not burn
- Close cylinder valve tightly, even when empty
- Ensure cylinder valve is protected
- Store away from flame or heat
- When storing disconnected cylinders, plug or cap all cylinder outlets
Propane Barbecue Safety
Barbecues also require safety precautions, including an annual safety check, cleaning and maintenance at the start of the season and good ventilation around the equipment. Ensure the tubes are clear and in good repair. Insects often build nests in the tubes that can cause serious blockages.
When using your barbecue, turn the cylinder service valve on first, and turn it off first. When you finish, ensure no propane is left in the hose and then close the burner control valves. Make sure the gas grill is shut off and has completely cooled before covering it.
Propane Appliance Safety
Propane safety often comes down to common sense. Look after your appliances, make sure they are well ventilated, and use them only for the purpose for which they were designed. For instance, propane camp stoves are designed to cook your food, not to heat your tent or recreation vehicle.
The Canada Safety Council recommends an annual safety inspection of the entire propane system in your home, cottage, camper or recreation vehicle, including the appliances. As your friendly and knowledgeable propane supplier, Tempheat has trained service technicians available to check your system for leaks and ensure it meets all applicable operating standards. The technician can also check your tank, piping, regulators, gauges, connectors, valves, vents, thermostats, pilots, burners and appliance controls to make sure they are in good working condition.
In addition, parents should ensure their children know the rules of safe propane appliance operation.
Children should be taught:
- DO NOT turn on propane appliances without parental supervision
- DO keep papers and toys away from furnaces, space heaters and gas fireplaces
- DO NOT play on or around propane storage tanks
- DO stay away from shut-off valves
