What Should You Not do With a Propane Tank?

• Don’t Store It in Living or Non-Ventilated Areas

Propane should only be stored in a well-ventilated, non-living space, as small amounts of propane can leak into the air. In order to prevent overpressurization of propane tanks, pressure is released when necessary. This releases propane into the air. If you keep your tanks in a living space, you could be inhaling this gas, which could become dangerous if propane levels increase. Furthermore, keeping them in an area that is not ventilated could cause the gas to accumulate and ignite. Keeping a tank in an enclosed space that gets hot is particularly dangerous, since heat buildup will cause the tank to vent. This is normal, but if it is enclosed, it could explode.

• Do Store It Right Side Up

Storing a propane tank on its side can lead to unsafe levels of pressure inside the tank. If this happens, the relief valve could malfunction and need to be replaced or the entire tank will be damaged. To avoid this, store your tanks upright so that the valve is able to release enough pressure as necessary.

• Do Ensure the Valve Is Off

Make sure the valve is off before disconnecting your tanks from any hoses or attachments. Otherwise, you could have a propane leak if the safety mechanisms in the tank fail. When storing propane tanks, you want to make sure they are safe, and this is an easy step.

• Don’t Store It in Direct Sunlight

It is important to keep your propane tank out of direct sunlight, even though it is wise to store it outside. If the pressure of your tank rises enough, it will activate the pressure relief valve, causing propane to leak into the air and possibly even ignite. The sun can quickly heat your tank walls and raise the pressure.

• Don’t Store Propane Tanks on Wet Ground or Surfaces

Whenever possible, store your tank off the ground and in an environment free of excessive moisture. The tank’s metal is susceptible to rust, which eats away at the tank and compromises its structure.

• Do Keep It Between 120 and -40 Degrees

Store your propane tanks in an area that does not exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit or dip below -40 degrees Fahrenheit. This includes sunlight or wind chills.

Do’s and Don’ts for Transporting Small Propane Tanks

DO:

• Secure the Tank

When transporting a propane tank, make sure to keep it in an upright position and secured with propane tank holder using rope or ratchet strap. Driving with the tank turned on its side is a hazard to you and other drivers. One way to keep the tank in an upright position is with a gas tank stabilizer that goes around or to the cylinder’s foot ring. The safest way to transport a propane cylinder in your car is by locking it into a gas tank holder and tying it down securely. If this doesn’t work for you, then you can use rope or a ratchet strap and tie the straps around your drive shaft.

• Provide Ventilation

The tank should be placed in a well-ventilated area of your enclosed vehicle. Crack the window to improve ventilation.

• Close the Valve

Always seal the tank’s valve before transporting it, as well as whenever it is not in use. Even when the tank is empty, it should be sealed.

• Go Directly to Your Destination

Don’t leave the propane tank in your vehicle longer than necessary. Leaving a propane tank in a vehicle for a prolonged period of time increases the risk of safety issues.

• Remove the Tank from the Car Immediately

It is not recommended to leave a propane tank in a closed vehicle for an extended period of time. Never leave a propane cylinder in a hot vehicle.

• Store the Tank Outdoors

Keep your propane tank outdoors and away from direct sunlight. Keep the filled propane cylinder upright. Do not store the tank in a shed or garage. Do not store your propane tank near your living area.

DON’T:

• Exceed the Propane Amount

A sedan or SUV cannot carry more than four propane cylinders at once, according to regulations.

• Exceed the Weight Limit

The total weight of all propane cylinders in an enclosed vehicle cannot exceed 90 pounds. More than 90 pounds of propane can only be transported in an open pickup truck or trailer.

• Smoke Cigarettes

While transporting propane tanks, don’t smoke inside the vehicle. If you do, there is a high risk of fire or explosion, especially if the tank valve is accidentally left open.

What Should You Do If You Smell Propane?

If you smell propane, it is important to take measures to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you. If you are indoors, open all the doors and windows to ventilate the area. If you are outside, move away from the source of the propane smell and into fresh air. If you have a propane-powered appliance, such as a stove or heater, turn it off immediately. Do not attempt to light any type of flame, as this could cause an explosion. If you feel nauseous or dizzy, sit down and rest until the feeling passes. If you have any concerns about your health, seek medical attention immediately.

How to Keep Propane Tanks During Winter

• Do

If you have a propane tank, you should take some precautions to make sure it doesn’t freeze in the winter. Here are some tips:

1. Keep the tank full. A full tank is less likely to freeze than an empty one.
   
2. Insulate the tank. You can buy special blankets or wraps designed for this purpose, or just use some old blankets or towels.
   
3. Make sure the tank is in a well-ventilated area. This will help keep it from getting too cold.
   
4. If you can, bring the tank inside during extreme cold snaps. If you follow these tips, your propane tank should stay nice and warm all winter long!

• Don’ts

If you live in an area where temperatures regularly drop below freezing in the winter, it’s important to take some precautions with your propane tank to avoid any issues. Here are some things you should NOT do to propane tanks in winter:

1. Don’t let snow or ice build up on the tank. This can insulate the tank and prevent the propane from evaporating, which can lead to pressure build-up and potentially cause the tank to explode.
   
2. Don’t try to thaw a frozen propane tank with a flame or other heat source. This is extremely dangerous and could easily cause an explosion.
   
3. Don’t store your propane tank inside your home or garage. If the tank were to leak, the resulting propane vapor could quickly reach explosive levels and pose a serious risk of fire or explosion

Propane Tanks in Hot Climate

• Do

If you live in a hot climate, there are some special considerations to take into account when it comes to your propane tanks. Here are some tips to help you keep your tanks in good condition:

1. Keep your tanks filled. This will help to prevent the formation of condensation inside the tanks, which can lead to corrosion.
   
2. Store your tanks in a cool, dry place. If possible, keep them out of direct sunlight.
   
3. Check your tanks regularly for leaks. Be sure to test all connections and valves for leaks before using the tank.
   
4. Never store a tank near an open flame or heat source. By following these simple tips, you can help to ensure that your propane tanks will stay in good condition and be safe to use.

• Don’ts

If you live in a hot climate, there are a few things you should avoid doing to your propane tanks:

1. Don’t store them in direct sunlight.
   
2. If possible, keep them in a shady or cool area.
   
3. Don’t leave them in your car. The heat can cause the pressure inside the tank to increase, which can be dangerous.
   
4. Don’t try to refill them yourself. This should be done by a professional.
   
5. Don’t overfill them. This can also be dangerous and can cause the tank to leak or rupture.