Propane – A Clean-Burning Fuel Gas

Propane exists as a liquid and a gas. At atmospheric pressure and temperatures above –42 C, it is a non-toxic, colorless and odourless gas. Just as with natural gas, an identifying odour is added so it can readily be detected. When contained in an approved cylinder or tank, propane exists as a liquid and vapour. The vapour is released from a container as a clean-burning fuel gas.

People trust and rely on propane for heating and cooling their homes, heating water, cooking, refrigeration, drying clothes, barbecuing, lighting, and fuelling their gas fireplaces. This exceptional fuel burns cleanly, so it's environmentally friendly.

•  If liquid propane leaks, it vaporizes and dissipates into the air.

•  Because it is released from a pressured container as a vapour, propane can't be ingested like gasoline or alcohol fuels .

Propane Gas Grill and Range Safety Tips

Propane Grill Do's:

•  Always use the grill outdoors in a well-ventilated area. Do not bring propane cylinders indoors or into an enclosed space such as a garage or basement.

•  Always follow all of the manufacturer's instructions and keep written materials and manuals in a safe, accessible place.

•  Make sure the grill burner controls are turned off. Keep the cylinder valve closed when not in use.

•  Make sure the gas grill is shut off and cooled off before covering your grill after use.

•  Always use or store cylinders in an upright, vertical position. Store them outdoors away from sources of ignition.

•  When you have your cylinder refilled, have your supplier check for dents, damage, rust or leaks. 

•  After filling, take your cylinder home immediately. Keep your vehicle ventilated with the cylinder valve closed and plugged or capped. Do not leave the cylinder in your car. 

•  When your grill is not in use, protect your grill from the elements, keep out dirt and insects, with a quality grill cover.

•  Before lighting your propane gas grill burner, use a leak-detection solution to check all connections for tightness. Contact your local propane gas supplier to obtain the leak-detection solution and instructions on how to use it. 

•  Never use matches or lighters to check for leaks.

•  If there is a significant and uncontrollable release of gas or a fire, call the fire department immediately and move all people and pets away from the unit.

Propane Grill Don'ts:

•  Do not smoke  while handling the propane cylinder.

•  Do not leave the cylinder in your vehicle .

•  Do not use matches or lighters to check for leaks .

•  Do not allow children to tamper or play with the cylinder or grill.

•  Do not use, store or transport your cylinder where it would be exposed to high temperatures. (This includes storing spare cylinders under or near the grill.)

•  Do not attempt to light-up your grill while the lid is closed .

Propane Gas Range Do's:

•  Follow the manufacturer's installation and operating instructions.

•  Have your unit serviced if the burner flame is not blue. The blue flame indicates complete combustion. A yellow flame means air inlets are clogged or burners need to be adjusted.

•  Keep pot handles turned inward.

•  Schedule regular preventive maintenance checks for your appliances.

•  Keep the range surface clean.

Propane Gas Range Don'ts:

•  Do not cover the oven bottom with foil - it can restrict air circulation.

•  Never  use gas ranges for space heating.

•  Never  allow children to turn the burner control knobs on your propane gas range.

•  Do not leave food simmering unattended.

•  Keep flammable materials away from burner flames.

Grill Spring Clean-Up

Grill Clean-Up Takes Only Minutes.

Spring means the start of another barbecue season. If last year's grease and grime is still on your grill, however, it is important that it be cleaned and maintained to guarantee safe, enjoyable cookouts.

It is recommended that gas grills be cleaned at least once a year. The supplies necessary for cleaning include warm, soapy water, a brass-bristle brush, a soft cloth, cotton swabs, toothpicks, sandpaper, and the owner's manual.

Step One:

Clean the burner and tubes. Grease drippings can clog the burner's gas ports and short out the ignition flame. Spiders and other insects escape the winter cold by hiding in the gas tubes (these might be called Venturi tubes in the owner's manual). These problems can make the grill difficult to start or cause an uneven flame.

After making sure the gas tank is turned off, remove the briquettes and cooking grids and set them aside. Following the instructions in the manual, unfasten the burner, slip the Venturi tubes off the gas lines and remove the unit as a whole. Clean off any dirt or grease accumulation by using a soft cloth and soapy water, then towel dry the unit. When it is dry, clean out each gas port on the burner unit with toothpicks.

Step Two:

Clean the grill housing. To check for corrosion and prevent grease build-up, the inside and outside of the grill should be cleaned.

Take a good look at the paint for any chips or scrapes. Sand or scrape the chipped area on a cold grill until the metal beneath it is shiny and white. Apply a coat of primer; then touch up with paint specifically made for high heat.

Step Three:

Check the fuel supply system. Always check the gas line, connections and propane tank before restarting the grill. Propane tanks with minor corrosion can be handled in the same way the grill housing was fixed. Dented or seriously rusted tanks must be replaced immediately.

Next, reconnect your propane cylinder tank to the grill.

Test the connections for leaks by brushing soapy water on them, and then turn on the gas. If bubbles appear or the distinctive ‘'rotten egg'' smell of gas is present, turn off the gas and tighten the connections. Do the test again. If the bubbles or smell continues, shut off the gas and call your local propane supplier.

Step Four:

Clean the briquettes and cooking grids. Unlike charcoal, the briquettes do not burn but transfer heat from the burner. Continual use of the briquettes leaves the cooking grids coated with grease. For cleaning, flip the briquettes so the greasy side faces the burner and place the grids in their usual place. Light the grill, close the lid and set the flame on ‘'high'' for 15 minutes. The heat will burn the grease off the briquettes and grids.

After the barbecue grill cools, remove the grids and briquettes. Using the brass-bristle brush and some warm, soapy water, scrub the grids clean, rinse and towel dry. As a precaution against corrosion, lightly coat the grids with liquid cooking oil (but not an aerosol spray).

Grill Storage Tips for Winter  

Step One:
Clean the briquettes and cooking grids. With repeated use, briquettes and cooking grids become coated with grease. To clean the briquettes, flip them over so the greasy side faces the burner and place the cooking grids in the usual place. Light the grill, close the lid and set the flame on 'high' for 15 minutes. The heat will burn the grease off the briquettes and grids.

When the barbecue grill cools, remove the grids and briquettes. Using a brass-bristle brush and warm, soapy water, scrub the grids clean of any remaining grease, rinse and towel dry. Set the briquettes and grids aside.

Step Two:
Clean the burner and tubes. Greasy food drippings can clog the burner's gas ports and short out the igniter's flame. During the winter, spiders and other insects often hide in the gas tubes (also referred to as venturi tubes in your owner's manual). These problems can make the grill difficult to start and cause an uneven flame when you relight the grill in the spring, so it is important to keep these vital components clean. Begin by making sure the gas is turned off at the tank. Following the instructions in your owner's manual, unfasten the burner, slip the venturi tubes off the gas lines and remove the unit as a whole. Clean off any dirt or grease accumulation on the unit using the soft cloth and soapy water. Towel dry the unit and then clear out each gas port on the burner unit with a toothpick

Step Three:
Clean the grill housing. To prevent grease build-up and check for corrosion, clean the inside and outside of the grill housing. Before you start, cover the gas orifices beneath the control panel with aluminum foil to keep water from causing corrosion. Scrub the inner surfaces of the grill with a brass-bristle brush and soapy water. Rinse the grill thoroughly and towel dry, remembering to remove the aluminum foil.

Take a good look at the paint for any chips or scrapes. Sand the scraped or chipped paint until the metal beneath is white and shiny. While the grill is cold, use a primer and then touch up with paint made for high-heat applications.

Step Four:
Check the fuel supply system. Although propane tanks will last as long as your grill, dented or seriously rusted tanks must be replaced immediately. Minor tank corrosion can be fixed in the same way as the grill housing.

Step Five:
Determine the grill's storage location. For a stationary grill that will be left outside for the winter, the propane tank is kept connected in its customary position with a protective cover over the whole grill. If the grill is stored indoors, the tank must be disconnected and left outside in an upright position.

Consult the manufacturer's instructions for the proper way to disconnect your tank.

Covering the gas line openings on the grill with a plastic bag taped over the ends will keep insects out. Store the tank in a shady location away from dryer and furnace vents and away from children's play areas. Never store the tank in the garage, house, basement or any other enclosed space.

Propane Camping Equipment Safety Tips

Here are some outdoor equipment safety tips to help campers understand how to use their recreational propane appliances safely.

Overall Tips

Make sure that your shelter or camper is adequately ventilated at all times. Never leave the heater, stove or lamp burning overnight or unattended.

Check your propane-fuelled camping appliances periodically to ensure they are functioning properly. Carefully inspect them at home before taking them on a trip. Never use a flame to check for leaks; instead, apply soapy water on each of the connections, turn on the gas and watch for bubbles. Also, be alert for the ‘'rotten egg'' odour of propane, which may also indicate a leak.

If you smell the familiar ‘'rotten egg'' odour of propane, follow these steps:

•  do not light matches or use any electrical equipment;

•  exit your camper or tent immediately;

•  if there is an outside tank, turn off the gas valve;

•  call your propane supplier or fire department from a phone near your campsite.

Always thoroughly read and follow the manufacturer's directions. Never use a worn or damaged appliance.

Do not store propane cylinders inside hot vehicles or where temperatures might rise above 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Cylinders should be stored, moved and used in an upright position unless otherwise indicated on the cylinder. Both cylinders and appliances should be kept out of the reach of children at all times.

Camp Stove Tips

Never use your propane stove in an enclosed area. It should be located in an open, well-ventilated area away from shrubs or dry wood. If such an area is not available, clear one by hand. Keep the stove away from your tent, sleeping bags and camper.

Secure the stove on a level, non-flammable surface. Use a stove base when cooking on snow or uneven ground. Ceramic tile makes a great base. Visible markers should be put up to alert fellow campers to stoves that are small and low to the ground.

Before connecting the stove to the propane cylinder, make sure that the stove valve is set at ‘'OFF''. Inspect and check connections carefully for dirt or damage prior to lighting.

To clean, use a damp, warm, soapy paper towel or sponge. Use the ‘'bubble test'' mentioned earlier to check the connections. Never immerse the stove in water.

If ignition does not occur immediately, turn off the gas, wait for it to clear and try again. When lighting, make sure you keep your hands and fingers to the side of the burner and clothing away from the flame.

Never leave a hot stove unattended, and always turn it off before moving it. Disconnect the fuel cylinder when repacking, storing or transporting the camp stove. Cover and store the stove in a clean, dry place.

Lamp and Lantern Tips

Keep dirt and foreign particles out of the lantern valve, and blow the valve clean before connecting the cylinder to the lantern. Check the cylinder, valve connections and mantle (the part shielding the flame) before each use.

Never operate without a mantle or with a damaged mantle that has visible holes or cracks. Avoid mantle ‘'overburn'' which can shorten the life of the mantle and damage your lantern.

Leave plenty of clearance between your propane lamp or lantern and any combustible materials. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for space clearance. Select a level surface on which to place the lamp or lantern.

A lantern is not a space heater. Use it only as a light source. Always detach the propane cylinder before transporting a lantern.

Camp Heater Tips

Only use propane gas heaters that have been tested and labelled by a recognized agency. Leave clearance around and above the unit. The recommended distances are six to twelve inches on the sides, one to four feet above, and at least three feet in front. Your propane heater should only be used for heating, not for cooking food or drying clothes.

Select the right type of heater for your needs. A direct-vent heater uses outside air to support combustion in its sealed combustion chamber and vents exhaust back outside. Use this type of heater in your tent or RV and keep the outside vent free of debris. A vent-free heater uses inside air to support combustion and vents directly into the room. Vent-free heaters should only be used in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions.

Proper use of your camping equipment will ensure you and your family many years of enjoyment of the great outdoors.

Safety Tips for RV Owners for Safe Trips

Have Your RV Inspected by a Professional.
Proper care and maintenance of your RV is the best way to keep it in good running order, save you money in the long run, and prevent a breakdown from spoiling a trip. In addition to following the maintenance schedule recommended by the manufacturer and having regularly scheduled maintenance and repairs done at an RV dealership or service center, pay particular attention to the propane system on your vehicle.

Whether you use your RV year-round or only periodically, the propane system, including all appliances, should be checked to ensure it is functioning properly.

Your propane supplier or RV dealer should inspect the regulator, valves and fittings and check for gas leaks. The dealer will also inspect the propane tank for excessive rust and dents. A seriously dented or rusted tank must be replaced immediately.

Have the RV dealer inspect the appliances, including air intake and exhaust vents. If you covered the access doors and vents to prevent insect infestation, be sure to remove the covers before using the appliance. Without proper ventilation, the gas will not burn properly and burners may not light at all.

Propane suppliers can familiarize you with the ‘'rotten egg'' odour of propane gas as well as to procedures to follow if you detect this odour. If you or your passengers are allergy sufferers or have a poor sense of smell, you may want to consider installing a gas leak detector.

Finally, before taking an extended trip, have your propane supplier or RV dealer verify that the propane tanks can carry an adequate supply of fuel to power the heater and other appliances for the duration of the trip. Or, be sure to plan your trip carefully to map out your anticipated refuelling stops.

Take Care Of Your Tank.

Paint the propane tank a bright, reflective color. Assuming the tank has passed inspection by a propane supplier or RV dealer, you can perform minor touch-ups: sand away the rust until the metal beneath is white and shiny, then prime and touch up with paint. Do not paint over the warning labels.

Always store and use the propane tank in its proper position. Arrows indicating the correct position are embossed in the metal of the tank. A horizontal tank should never be stored or used in the vertical position and vice versa.

Follow Proper Refuelling Procedures.

When refuelling, turn off the engine, all appliances and the electronic reigniters. All passengers should exit the RV. After refuelling, turn on the gas and listen to the gas regulator. A continuous hissing sound indicates the presence of a leak. If you believe your tank has a leak, it is important to follow the warnings on the tank and contact a propane supplier immediately.

If you smell gas, whether refuelling or not..

•  exit the camper/trailer and do not use any electric switches or appliances;

•  leave the door open to air out the coach;

•  shut off the propane tank and,

•  call a propane gas supplier and/or the fire department from a nearby phone.

Safe Heating from a Gas Hearth

Propane hearths and logs offer several impressive advantages over traditional wood-burning fireplaces. Propane burns cleaner and more efficiently than wood, producing less pollution and a more cost-effective source of heat. In addition, propane hearth products produce no smoldering ashes or flying sparks. Like any fuel, however, propane gas must be used properly.

Here are some hearth safety tips to familiarize consumers with the careful use of their propane fireplaces.

• Be aware of the type of propane fireplace you own, direct-vent or vent-free. A direct-vent unit requires outside air to support combustion in its sealed chamber and is typically installed on an outside wall. Verify the location of the outside vent and check it periodically to ensure that it is free of debris. A blocked air vent results in a poorly burning flame and may lead to the formation of harmful carbon monoxide.
• Vent-free gas hearths and logs rely on inside air to support combustion and vent directly into the room.
• Both vented and unvented models require that space above and around the unit be free and clear from any combustible materials, such as draperies or plastics. Double-check your manufacturer's instructions for clearance distances, which vary widely depending on the type of unit, venting system and combustion air available.
• Propane fireplaces should be labelled by a testing agency and installed according to the manufacturer's instructions in accordance with national, state or local building or fire codes. Learn and follow your local regulations for the safe connection, use and storage of gas hearths.
• When lighting the pilot or turning the unit on or off, refer to the manufacturer's instructions on the name and rating plate, which should be attached to the unit and clearly visible.
• Always use your gas hearth properly: it is not designed for cooking food or drying clothes. Do not use paints and solvents around the unit, because the pilot light is exposed to the air in the room, and volatile vapours will react to the flame.
• Keep your gas hearth or log unit operating properly by scheduling a periodic inspection by a trained technician who will inspect the unit and clean the control compartments, burner and circulating air passageways.
• Finally, familiarize yourself with the ‘'rotten egg'' odour of propane. This special odorant is added to the normally odourless gas as a safety precaution.

If you smell gas-whether the fireplace or log is operating or not-follow these steps:

•  do not touch electric switches, light matches or use the phone;

•  exit the building immediately;

call your propane supplier or fire department from a nearby telephone.

Propane Safety Tips for Your Home

General Tips

To recognize a leak, know what propane smells like . It is similar to a'' rotten egg'' odour. Propane leak detectors, similar to carbon monoxide detectors, are available. See your propane supplier to obtain one.

If you smell a leak, immediately evacuate everyone from the building and call your local propane supplier or the fire department from your neighbour's phone. DO NOT remain in the building, use the telephone or light switches or try to determine the source of the leak by yourself.

Be aware of where gas service lines are located, especially when working in your yard.

Water can damage the internal safety mechanism in the gas controls of an appliance. If you suspect that your appliance gas controls may have gotten wet (because of flooding, for example), have a trained technician replace them immediately.

Heating Appliances

All furnaces can collect lint and dirt and should be cleaned regularly. Contact your local propane supplier for information on proper cleaning, and follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Water Heaters

Drain your tank periodically (until water runs clean - usually 2 to 3 gallons) to get rid of sediment build-up on the bottom of the tank.

Ranges

Have your unit serviced if the burner flame is not blue. The blue flame indicates complete combustion. A yellow flame means air inlets are clogged or burners need adjustment. Contact your propane supplier's service department immediately. Do not cover the oven bottom with foil - it can restrict air circulation.

Never use gas ranges for home heating.

Energy-Saving Tips for Your Home

Home Heating

•  Residential heating systems need regular tune-ups. Contact your local propane supplier to inquire about a home-heating system inspection program.

•  Change your furnace filter monthly. Clean filters will save you money on your heating bill.

•  Consider investing in a furnace thermostat timer that can save money by lowering your home's temperature when you are not at home.

•  Protect against drafts around windows and doors by caulking and weather-stripping.

•  If you are purchasing a fireplace, consider selecting one fuelled by propane. Propane fireplaces burn more efficiently than wood-burning models and distribute heat more evenly throughout the room.  

Water Heaters

•  You can save more than 10 percent on your water-heating bill by turning down your water heater from the standard 140 degrees to 130 degrees.

•  To extend your water heater's life and increase energy efficiency, drain it every six months to remove lime deposits and sediment.

•  Install flow-restricting showerheads. You can reduce hot water usage by up to 50 percent without affecting shower pressure.

•  Repair leaky faucets. A leak that fills a coffee cup in 10 minutes wastes 2664 gallons of water a year.

Home Appliances

•  Gas ranges with electronic ignition systems will use 40 percent less energy than a standing pilot system.

•  Be sure that all burners are burning with a blue, cone-shaped flame. A yellow flame indicates clogged air inlets or burners that need adjustment. Contact your propane supplier's service department immediately if you do not see a blue flame.

Check the seal on your oven door. Gaps or tears in the seal will let heat escape and waste energy.