Propane Safety

Basics

• This page aims to go over the ways to safely Store + Use Propane
• A dedicated pave may be required eventually, but much of the precautions are the same for Butane and LPG
• DME , Hydrogen , and CNG are somewhat similar, but have different properties which have unique concerns associated with them

Areas of Concern

Specific Devices

Storage Tanks

• Only buying and using reputable tanks
• Inspecting Tanks for Rust+Leaks Over Time
• Transporting Tanks in a DOT Approved Manner etc

Propane Appliances

• Using them as per the directions
• Maintaining Them + Checking for Leaks+Corrosion
• Check Manufacturers’ Instructions, but probably “bleed the lines” when not in use / storing them

Propane Vehicles/Forklifts

• Check For Leaks + Corrosion
• When not in use (at least in “lower tech” implementations such as a Forklift, may be irrelevant for a high quality Autogas vehicle etc) close the valves on the tank fully and run the engine until it no longer runs due to lack of fuel
  • This is similar to “Running a Carburetor Dry” / “Draining a Carburetor”, but for the Propane Line
    • Due to how Propane Vapor Cools, making sure there is no chance of any of that leaking out+pooling+igniting is best practice for safety
      • Albeit a BIT overkill, but better to not take the chance and all it takes is a few moments

Facility/Building Design

Propane Tank Storage

• While it is not GREAT or Legally Advisable, Properly Stored Tanks that are sealed tight and in good conduit CAN sit in a (Well Ventilated) Garage etc until the next time a grill is used etc
• The more advisable way, and legally required way for commercial installations, is to store the tanks Outside in a Propane Tank Cage
  • Need to see if Flammable Storage Cabinets are legally compliant, ventillation may be a bit more of a concern

Building Offsets

• Large Propane Storage Tanks must be offset from the Building, and from Ignition Sources such as HVAC Units (electrical wiring + motors etc)
• Ideally and probably as per code, they should also be fenced off and/or be out of the way of people messing with them etc
• Bolards and other means of preventing Vehicle Crashes into them are also advisable and/or required by code
• Underground Storage Tanks have more issues from a Design for Cleaning perspective, BUT for Gaseous Fuels such as Propane, they MAY make more sense, and offer more safety in the event of a leak or explosion (Citation needed, BUT it already is below floor level in terms of leaks, and is buried/surrounded by an Earth Berm already)

Detection Systems

• Propane Detectors (or more broad “Hydrocarbon Detectors” ), or combined Propane+Carbon Monoxide Detectors are available Off the Shelf, and are an advisable addition to Smoke Detectors
• To an extent regularly checking for Volume Loss, and a simple “Look, Listen, Smell” Jobsite/Tank Farm Walkaround goes a long way too

HAZCOM

• Propane Placards and other ways to communicate WHAT is being stored, and how that can impact someone (Mainly Fires/Explosions, or Freeze Injuries, as well as Asphyxiation Hazards to an extent) are a cheap addition and well worth it
• Given protecting worker’s / emergency responder’s safety is always top priority, having it well communicated where these hazards are makes the job easier for those people if/when relevant as well

Internal Links

• Propane

External Links

• THE Propane . com Website Page on Safety
  • Has a good booklet/presentation, albeit may not be Public Domain

• Propane 101 - Propane Tank Distance Requirements
  • Cites NFPA
• A Page by Amerigas Titled “ Transporting Propane Tanks - Know how to safely get your propane cylinder from the retailer, to your home, to your next adventure.
• A Placer County California Code Guide Titled “Liquid Propane Gas Tank Installation Below 5,000 Ft Elevation”
  • Found it via google recommending this home inspection blogpost using it
• A Reddit Post on r/Honeowners Titled “ Small propane / gas can storage?”
  • Granted Reddit isn’t GREAT with being For-Profit + The Moderation Controversy etc, BUT figured it was worth including for a sort of gauge of community thought+input