
Barbeques
Safety tips when using a propane BBQ:
- Always check cylinder connections for leaks before using your barbeque for the first time after or with a new cylinder.
- Be sure to always use barbeques outdoors in well-ventilated areas, clear from any windows and doors.
- If you haven’t used your barbeque in a few months, make sure to inspect and clean it before usage.
- Replace any worn or rusted fittings or burners, as well as O rings.
- Ensure that cylinders are stored upright and off the ground in a secure, well-ventilated location.
- Keep the propane cylinder away from any sources of heat or ignition when in storage or transport.
- Before using or storing a barbeque on a balcony, check to make sure you have the proper authorization (if in a condominium or apartment complex).
- Never modify or repair a barbeque or cylinder/tank parts, including connectors, regulators, valves, burners, and controls.
- Keep the area clear from any branches, leaves, or other combustible materials.
- If you suspect a leak, smell an odour (propane gas is odourized to smell like rotten eggs), or hear a high-pitched whistling noise, turn off the cylinder valve immediately.
- When lighting the barbeque, ensure that the lid is open to prevent gas from pooling underneath the lid.
- After you are done using the barbeque, turn the valve on the cylinder off first, to ensure there is no gas remaining in the line.
- Always make sure the grill is off and completely cooled before covering.
- When not in use, always keep the cylinder valve closed and the burner controls off.
Around the Home
Carbon Monoxide (Co)
- Propane appliances can present the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning if not installed, operated, vented or maintained properly.
- Propane appliances burn with a blue flame when operating correctly. Yellow flames or soot can indicate incomplete combustion, which may produce carbon monoxide.
- Always make sure there is proper ventilation when using any propane device or appliance.
- More information on CO and propane can be found on the CPA’s CO Fact Sheet.
Propane Tanks/METERS
- Make sure you know the location of your meter or tank.
- Ensure that you know how to shut off the propane supply if necessary.
- If you are served by a propane meter or tank, you should note of the following:
- Keep the area clear for emergency responses.
- Do not enclose your meter or tank.
- Never tie/attach pets or objects to the tank, meter, or pipes.
- Rusty, unpainted, or dark tanks can be dangerous – they reflect less sunlight and absorb more heat, causing increased pressure inside of the tank.
- If you have underground tubing or piping for propane at your location and plan to do any digging or landscaping, consult your local service technician first.
Appliances
- Ensure propane appliances are only used for their designed purposes.
- Make certain that appliances are well maintained and used in well-ventilated spaces.
- Always refer to the included manuals for the proper maintenance and operating instructions.
Propane Cylinders
Basic Cylinder Facts
- It is illegal to have a cylinder filled beyond 80% of its capacity.
- All cylinders must have a decal identifying contents as a flammable gas.
- Cylinders may only be filled by properly licensed and qualified technicians.
- All cylinders must be inspected and requalified after 10-years. All cylinders should have a date stamped on the collar indicating when it was last qualified.
- If you have a cylinder that is beyond its 10-year qualification date, you can bring it to our Picton location to have it properly requalified or replaced.
- Even if a cylinder is under it’s 10-year qualification date, it still may need to be replaced if in poor condition – check your tank for leaks and signs of rust and wear.
Checking for Leaks
- Propane contains an odourant called ethyl mercaptan. This makes propane smell like rotten eggs – if you smell this, you should check for leaks.
- When checking for leaks on the tank, ensure that the valve on the cylinder is completely off and that the cylinder is away from any sources of heat or ignition.
- Take a mixture of soap and water and apply it to suspect areas on the tank. If the mixture begins to bubble, that indicates the presence of a leak.
Transporting Cylinders
- Ensure that the valve is always closed during transport, even if the cylinder is empty.
- Never place or leave a propane cylinder in a closed vehicle. If heat builds up inside the vehicle, it could cause an explosion.
- Always ensure that the cylinder is upright and secured during transport.
- Preferably, cylinders should be transported on the rear floor of the vehicle with a window open for ventilation. If inside the trunk of a vehicle, the cylinder should be secured, upright and the trunk left partially open for ventilation.
Usage and Storage
- Keep cylinders outside, in areas that are well-ventilated and away from heat and ignition sources.
- Keep cylinders upright, off the ground on a firm, fire-proof surface.
- Only use on appliances approved to work with propane.
- If not in use, close valve completely (even if empty) and plug or cap the valve opening.
Further information can be found at propane.ca/safety-regulation/