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Small Cylinder
Safety
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I SMELL GAS?
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Immediately put out all smoking materials and
other open flames.
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If
you are able to, safely turn off the cylinder
valve. To close the valve, turn it to the right
(clockwise).
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Immediately leave the area and call 911 or your
local fire department.
-
Before you restart the appliance, have a
qualified service technician inspect your
cylinder and appliance.
Some
people may have difficulty smelling propane due to
their age (older people may have a less sensitive
sense of smell); a medical condition; or the effects
of medication, alcohol, tobacco, or drugs. Consider
purchasing a propane gas detector as an additional
measure of security.
Odor
fade is an unintentional reduction in the
concentration of the odor of propane, making it more
difficult to smell. Although rare, this can be
caused by the presence of air, water, or rust in the
cylinder. New and reconditioned small cylinders that
sit too long before being filled are prone to
internal rust when moisture and air get inside.
HOW
SHOULD I STORE SMALL CYLINDERS?
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NEVER store or place a
propane cylinder indoors or in an enclosed area
such as a basement, garage, shed, or tent.
-
NEVER store or place a
propane cylinder in an area of excessive heat
(120 degrees or higher) or near a stove,
fireplace, or other heat source. The heat builds
up pressure inside the cylinder, which may cause
the pressure relief valve to release propane.
Flash fires or explosions can result from
exposing cylinders to heat.
-
NEVER store or place a
spare cylinder under or near a barbecue grill.
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DO NOT smoke or have
any ignition sources such as flames or
spark-producing electrical tools in the area
while handling or transporting cylinders.
HOW
SHOULD I TRANSPORT SMALL CYLINDERS?
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ALWAYS transport and
store a cylinder in a secure and upright
position so it will not fall, shift, or roll.
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ALWAYS close the
cylinder valve and, if required, seal with a
plug, even if the cylinder is empty. Ask your
propane retailer if a plug is required.
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NEVER keep a filled
cylinder inside a hot vehicle or transport it
inside a closed trunk.
-
ALWAYS place the
cylinder in a well-ventilated area of the
vehicle.
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ALWAYS proceed
directly to your destination and immediately
remove the cylinder from your vehicle.
-
The
law places limits on the number of cylinders and
the amount of propane that can be transported in
closed-bodied vehicles such as passenger cars
and vans. Ask your propane retailer for more
information on state and local codes that apply
to you.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I HAVE A
PROBLEM WITH MY CYLINDERS OR OUTDOOR APPLIANCES?
DO
NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES TRY TO MODIFY OR REPAIR
VALVES, REGULATORS, OR OTHER CYLINDER OR APPLIANCE
PARTS. Propane cylinders
incorporate special components such as valves,
connectors, and other parts to keep them safe for
use with grills and other propane appliances. Damage
to any component can cause a gas leak.
DON’T
RISK IT! Call your propane retailer or a
qualified service technician for assistance.
HOW
TO TEST FOR PROPANE LEAKS
It is
important to inspect your cylinder and outdoor gas
appliances for leaks. Do this before using them for
the first time each season, as well as on a regular
basis. This can be accomplished with a simple
“bubble” test:
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Apply leak detector solution or thick soapy
water to the connection(s) between the cylinder
valve and the regulator outlet. These
connections are marked with an “x” on the
diagram below.
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Slowly open the cylinder valve and watch for
bubbles.
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If
bubbles appear, close the cylinder valve,
tighten the connection, and repeat the process.
If bubbles still appear, call your propane
retailer immediately.
WHAT
IS AN OVERFILL PREVENTION DEVICE (OPD)?
MAKE
SURE YOUR CYLINDER IS EQUIPPED WITH AN OVERFILL
PREVENTION DEVICE (OPD).
An OPD is a safety feature that helps prevent small
propane cylinders from being overfilled. An
overfilled cylinder doesn’t have enough space left
if the liquid expands when exposed to warmer
temperatures. This can cause an increase in cylinder
pressure and create potentially hazardous
conditions.
Most
cylinders with OPDs have special triangular
handwheels with the letters “OPD” on them. In many
states, cylinders without OPDs cannot be refilled.
If you are uncertain as to whether your cylinder has
an OPD valve on it, ask your propane retailer.
WHAT
SHOULD I DO WITH MY OLD OR DAMAGED CYLINDERS?
NEVER
use a damaged cylinder or a cylinder that has been
in a fire. All cylinders must be inspected before
they are refilled. The law requires periodic
inspection of cylinders, and it is against the law
to refill out-of-date cylinders. The last inspection
date is stamped on the cylinder.
HOW
SHOULD I DISPOSE OF CYLINDERS?
NEVER
dispose of your propane cylinder by throwing it in
the trash. Check to see if there are municipal
programs for collection in your area, or contact
your propane retailer for guidance on disposal of
the cylinder. |
