Maintenance and Care, Keys to Propane Safety

Summer is a prime time for campers, vacationers and backyard barbecue enthusiasts to cook outdoors using propane-burning barbecues and appliances. Whether it is the frequent traveller, or the Sunday afternoon chef, it's also prime time for practicing safety when using these appliances.

Used with care, propane is a safe, efficient and convenient fuel. When burnt properly, propane gas is non-toxic and clean. Over 60,000 permanent propane installations and countless propane- fueled barbecues are now used in the province. Nationwide, more than 200,000 propane-fueled barbecues are purchased every year, and on most summer days about three million gas barbecues are fired up in Canada.

Unfortunately, every year in Nova Scotia, people are injured needlessly while barbecuing or vacationing in their recreational vehicle.

"The majority of these injuries can be avoided if proper maintenance and care is used when dealing with propane barbecues and appliances," said Dale Stewart, chief inspector of fuel safety in the Office of the Fire Marshal. He says following several general practices and remembering certain facts when dealing with propane are the keys to safety.

Whether installing a propane cylinder to a barbecue or to a recreational vehicle, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions.

"It is especially important when hooking up a propane cylinder to a barbecue to ensure it is done properly," says Mr. Stewart. "If not done correctly, the hose connecting the tank and the barbecue could be damaged by the heat."

Mr. Stewart also advises that checking for propane leaks should be done before using a barbecue or propane appliance, and periodically afterwards. Just apply a mixture of soap and water to all connections, whether it is on the barbecue or in the vehicle. If bubbles form, there is a leak and the connections should either be tightened or replaced by a professional.

Lighting a propane barbecue is quite easy, but precautions should still be taken to ensure safety.

"When lighting a barbecue, make sure the lid is up and your lighting device is lit before you turn on the propane. This will help prevent gas buildup," says Mr. Stewart.

He also points out that propane cylinder valves should be turned on before the barbecue burners. If the barbecue doesn't light after three or four tries, turn it off and let it air-out for several minutes with the lid up. When finished barbecuing, make sure to turn the cylinder valve off first, before the barbecue burners.

Propane appliances are designed for outdoor use and should never be used inside. This reduces the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning or the buildup of propane in the unit. A tell-tale sign that propane gas is in the air is the apparent odour of boiling cabbage or rotten eggs. If this smell appears particularly strong, the appliance should be turned off, the area ventilated and cleared immediately.

Each time you have your propane cylinder exchanged or refueled, the cylinder is checked by the attendant to ensure it is still in good shape. It is mandatory that propane cylinders be examined after 10 years from its manufacture date, and refurbished and re- valved if necessary.

The periodic cleaning and painting of the cylinder will ensure the full 10 years of service. It is important to always paint a propane cylinder a light colour.

Propane cylinders should only be filled to 80 per cent capacity. This allows for the expansion of the liquid propane with temperature variations. When a tank needs to be refilled or exchanged, ideally it should be stored in an upright position in the passenger side of a car or truck. A plug should be used to prevent any gas from leaking and the windows should be left partially open to provide proper ventilation.

If uncomfortable with having the cylinder in the cab of a vehicle, the cylinder can be stored in the trunk of a vehicle provided it is stabilized in an upright position and the trunk is left partially open. It is important to remember that because propane reacts to heat, the cylinder should not be left in the vehicle for extended periods of time.

"It is illegal in Nova Scotia to store a propane cylinder indoors, but, there are still those who ignore the potential dangers of doing so," says Fire Marshal Robert Cormier. "Propane is a highly combustible gas when mixed with the proper amount of air. Leaking propane is one and a half times heavier than air and settles or collects in low areas of a building, such as a basement. Even barbecue propane cylinders contain enough gas to easily fill the basement of a residence."

Mr. Cormier notes that it is okay to store the barbecue itself indoors in winter, just not the propane cylinder.

Mr. Cormier also warns that storing recreational vehicles during the winter in indoor parking garages poses a similar threat. To prevent a possible problem, either the portable propane cylinder containers should be removed from the vehicle or the permanently mounted containers should have the contents reduced to a safe level.

Propane is a safe and reliable fuel if you respect it, properly maintain it, and follow the guidelines given to you with each appliance system. For your safety, if you smell gas: -- shut off the gas supply -- shut off the burners -- extinguish any open flames -- open the grill lid

If the odour continues, immediately contact your gas supplier or fire department.

For additional information on propane or barbecue safety, visit the website of the Office of the Fire Marshal at www.gov.ns.ca/labr/ofm .