Propane

Small Cylinder Transportation and Storage

  • Spend a Few Moments for Your Family’s Safety

    This module provides basic information about how to safely transport and store small propane cylinders. Following these instructions will help ensure the safety of you and your family.

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  • What Is Propane?

    • Propane (also called LPG – liquefied petroleum gas – or LP gas) is a liquid fuel stored under pressure. In most systems, propane is vaporized to a gas before it leaves the cylinder.
    • Propane is flammable when mixed with air (oxygen) and can be ignited by many sources, including open flames, smoking materials, electrical sparks, and static electricity.
    • Severe “freeze burn” or frostbite can result if propane liquid comes in contact with your skin.

  • What does propane smell like?

    Propane smells like rotten eggs, a skunk’s spray, or a dead animal. Propane manufacturers add this smell to help alert customers to propane leaks.

    Make sure everyone in your family can recognize the smell of propane.

  • Can you smell it?

    Some people may have difficulty smelling propane. For example, some older people have a less sensitive sense of smell. Certain medical conditions, or the effects of medication, alcohol, tobacco, or drugs can make it more difficult to smell propane.

    Consider purchasing a propane gas detector as an additional measure of security.

    Odor loss is an unintentional reduction in the concentration of the odor of propane. This makes it more difficult to smell.

    Although rare, this can be caused by the presence of rust on the inside walls of the tank or cylinder. This can happen when air and moisture get inside an empty tank or cylinder that has its valve open.

  • If you smell gas at any time:

    • 1. Immediately put out all smoking materials and other open flames.
    • 2. If you are able to, safely turn off the cylinder valve. To close the valve, turn it to the right (clockwise).
    • 3. Immediately leave the area and call 911 or your local fire department.
    • 4. Before you restart the appliance, have a qualified service technician inspect your cylinder and appliance.

  • Storing Small Cylinders

    • NEVER store or place a propane cylinder indoors or in an enclosed area such as a basement, garage, shed, or tent. These include outdoor portable heaters, barbecue grills, and portable generators.
    • NEVER store or place a propane cylinder in an area of excessive heat (120 degrees or higher) or near a stove, fireplace, or other heat source. The heat builds up pressure inside the cylinder, which may cause the pressure relief valve to release propane. Flash fires or explosions can result from exposing cylinders to heat.
    • NEVER store or place a spare cylinder under or near a barbecue grill. The grill flame is a heat source that can cause the release of propane.
    • DO NOT smoke or have any ignition sources such as flames or spark-producing electrical tools in the area while handling or transporting cylinders.

  • Transporting Small Cylinders

    • ALWAYS transport and store a cylinder in a secure and upright position so it will not fall, shift, or roll.
    • ALWAYS close the cylinder valve and, if required, seal with a plug, even if the cylinder is empty. Ask your propane retailer if a plug is required.
    • ALWAYS place the cylinder in a well-ventilated area of the vehicle.
    • ALWAYS proceed directly to your destination and immediately remove the cylinder from your vehicle.
    • NEVER keep a filled cylinder inside a hot vehicle.

  • Testing for Propane Leaks

    It is important to inspect your cylinder and outdoor gas appliances for leaks. Do this before using them for the first time each season, as well as on a regular basis. This can be accomplished with a simple “bubble” test.

    1. Apply leak detector solution or thick soapy water to the connection(s) between the cylinder valve and the regulator outlet. These connections are marked with an “x” on the diagram to the left.
    2. Slowly open the cylinder valve and watch for bubbles.
    3. If bubbles appear, close the cylinder valve, tighten the connection, and repeat the process. If bubbles still appear, call your propane retailer immediately.

  • Refilling Small Cylinders

    • MAKE SURE YOUR CYLINDER IS EQUIPPED WITH AN OVERFILL PREVENTION DEVICE (OPD). An OPD is a safety feature that helps prevent small propane cylinders from being overfilled. Most cylinders with OPDs have special triangular handwheels with the letters “OPD” on them. If you are uncertain as to whether your cylinder has an OPD valve on it, ask your propane retailer.
    • NEVER use a damaged cylinder or a cylinder that has been in a fire. All cylinders must be inspected before they are refilled, and it is against the law to refill out-of-date cylinders. The last inspection date is stamped on the cylinder.
    • NEVER dispose of your propane cylinder by throwing it in the trash. Check to see if there are municipal programs for collection in your area, or contact your propane retailer for guidance on disposal of the cylinder.

  • Repairing Small Cylinders or Outdoor Appliances

    • DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES TRY TO MODIFY OR REPAIR VALVES, REGULATORS, OR OTHER CYLINDER OR APPLIANCE PARTS. Propane cylinders incorporate special components such as valves, connectors, and other parts to keep them safe for use with grills and other propane appliances. Damage to any component can cause a gas leak.
    • DON’T RISK IT! Call your propane retailer or a qualified service technician for assistance.

  • What Have You Learned?

    Read each statement below. Decide if the statement is true or false.

    True False
    If liquid propane touches your skin, “freeze burn” or frostbite may occur.
    Propane manufacturers add a smell to propane so customers can identify leaks.
    Some people have difficulty smelling propane due to their age or medical condition.
    If air, water, or rust get in a cylinder, the propane odor gets stronger and is easier to smell.
    Always store or use a propane cylinder indoors or in a basement, garage, shed, or tent.

  • What Have You Learned?

    Which of the following is the proper way to transport and store a small cylinder?

  • What Have You Learned?

    When using the bubble test, which of the images below indicates that your propane cylinder may have a leak?

  • What Have You Learned?

    Drag the appropriate word to fill in each blank.

    NEVER ALWAYS NEVER ALWAYS NEVER ALWAYS
    •   use a damaged cylinder or a cylinder that has been in a fire.
    •   dispose of your propane cylinder by throwing it in the trash.
    •   close the cylinder valve before transporting a cylinder.
    •   transport a cylinder in a well-ventilated area of the vehicle.
    •   store or place a propane cylinder in an area of excessive heat.
    •   proceed directly to your destination and immediately remove the cylinder from your vehicle.

  • Make Time for Safety

    Thank you for making time for propane safety. To learn more, download our brochure ‘Propane Safety for You and Your Family’ or visit: propane.com

  • Thank you for completing the e-Learning Module: Small Cylinder Transportation and Storage

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