Propane Home Storage Safety
Propane, also known as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), is a widely used fuel that is stored as a cold liquid. It is a safe and convenient energy source that can be used for heating, light, cooling, refrigeration, barbecue grills and outdoor fireplaces. Proper handling and storage are required to ensure the safety of this fuel when used in the home.
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Properties
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Propane gas is heavier than air and is flammable at 2 percent to 9.5 percent concentration. Propane occurs naturally in the ground, but unlike natural gas, must be further separated and distilled. Because it increases in volume when the temperature rises, a storage container should never be filled over 80 percent.
Safety Concerns
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According to the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA), improper handling and storage of propane resulted in 1,390 home fires involving LPG between 2000 and 2004. Injuries, property damage and deaths were reported as a result of these home fires.
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Storage
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Propane cyclinders must be kept or stored outdoors at all times. They should never be kept inside the house, garden shed or garage. They should never be exposed to excessive heat. Always store cylinders in an upright position.
Maintenance
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LPG cylinders should be checked for leaks at least once year. This can be done by placing soapy water around the valve and looking for bubbles that would indicate a leak. Make sure you know how to shut off the valve in the event of a malfunction. Adequate ventilation is required at all times.
Warnings
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Malfunctioning propane appliances can emit carbon monoxide when incompletely burned. Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless and invisible. Learn to recognize the warning signs of carbon monoxide poisoning such as headache, nausea and irregular breathing. If a propane furnace is used inside the home, install a reliable carbon monoxide detector.
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References
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