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Propane Fire Safety
Propane is commonly used to fuel household appliances, such as fridges, stoves,
furnaces, and outdoor equipment such as barbeques, portable heaters and appliances
in recreational vehicles (RV). When used with care, propane is a safe, clean, non-toxic,
inexpensive and energy efficient fuel, but it doesn’t take much to create a hazardous
situation in an enclosed space.
Fire Facts
• When ignited in an enclosed unventilated area, a dangerous and potentially fatal
buildup of carbon monoxide can occur.
• If propane leaks or builds up in an enclosed, unventilated area, it can cause an
explosion when it comes in contact with a spark or open flame. The operation of
a wall switch, a cell phone/telephone or transmitting 2-way radio can produce a
hot enough spark to ignite propane.
• Exposure to propane in a confined, unventilated area can also cause an
asphyxiation hazard (when a large amount of gas displaces the oxygen in the
air).
• Propane is a colorless and odorless gas. A distinct odor resembling the smell of
rotten eggs is added to it so that you can detect escaping gas.
• Propane is stored as a liquid in pressurized cylinders at cold temperatures and will
burn your skin on contact.
• Liquid propane vaporizes when it is heated or mixed with air. When propane
vaporizes its volume increases 270 times its original liquid form. It is these
vapors that ignite.
• Propane is heavier than air and can spread and pool considerable distances along
the ground and be ignited by a distant heat source, spark or flame.
The Law
• As per the Propane Storage and Handling Code, all propane cylinders must be re-
qualified every 10 years and cylinders 45lbs or less shall be equipped with a
cylinder valve that does not allow the flow of propane until a positive seal is
achieved.
• As per the Propane Storage and Handling Code, no propane cylinders may be
stored or used inside any structure unless specified in the code, and shall not be
stored or installed under any fire escape, stairway, or ramp used as a means of
egress from a building. The code specifies that….”A maximum of three 5-lb
(single trip or non-refillable) cylinders may be stored in a dwelling unit. “
• As per the Gas Safety Standata G-05-01-B149:
If the owner(s) of a building allows propane barbecues and other appliances to
be installed on their outdoor decks and/or balconies, the certified
barbecues/appliances, cylinders or other items shall be installed in accordance
with the manufacturer’s certified instructions and can only be equipped with a
maximum of one 20-lb cylinder per installation; the cylinder must be equipped
with a OPD (Over Fill Protection Device) and a QCC-1 (Quick Closing Coupling)
connection valve; the balcony shall be of open design, not be located below
grade, and shall be of sufficient size to provide adequate clearance to
combustible materials as required by the barbecue manufacturer’s instructions; it
shall be transported through the building for refill purposes with the QCC-1
closed and equipped with a protective cap; and if transported by elevator must be
transferred by freight or service elevators or by a passenger elevator only if no
passengers are permitted on the elevator other than the person in control of the
cylinder.
Safety Tips
• When purchasing propane cylinders, ensure that they are Transport Canada
approved.
• When purchasing propane appliances, ensure that they are certified and labeled by
a recognized testing agency, such as the Canadian Standards Association
(CSA), or Underwriter’s Laboratories (UL/ULC).
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for using and fitting propane appliances to
their gas supply.
• Only use propane and propane appliances for their intended purpose and only
store enough for your immediate purposes.
• Make yearly cleaning, maintenance and safety inspections of propane cylinders
and/or appliances part of your routine. Where required, have them inspected or
repaired by a trained professional.
• When using propane appliances, keep them away from anything that can burn,
such as items in and around your home, including dry vegetation, deck rails,
wood balconies, twigs, etc. and items in or around vehicles.
• When handling and storing propane and propane appliances, keep them away
from heat sources or flames, such as lit cigarettes.
• Use and store propane outdoors in a cool, well-ventilated area; where possible.
• When using propane inside homes, campers, tents, sheds, and vehicles, keep the
area well ventilated.
• To check for leaks, brush a soap and water solution over the suspected area —
bubbles will form if there is a leak. If you suspect a leak, leave the area
immediately, shut off the gas supply if possible and remove any possible sources
of ignition. Call the fire department from a neighbor’s home.
• Check the flame on your propane appliance regularly. Appliances that use propane
should mostly show a blue flame with yellow tips. If the flame is mostly yellow,
this is a sign that the fuel isn’t burning completely and may be producing carbon
monoxide.
• Exposure to propane can result in nausea and headaches. If either of these
symptoms develops, get outside immediately and breathe fresh air. Under
extreme conditions, exposure to flammable gases can result in death.
It is now up to you to help prevent a disastrous situation by using and storing Propane
safely and properly. Remember that “Safety is an Attitude”.
Keith Martin
Manager of Fire & Emergency Services
County of Newell