Play it safe: Learn how to handle and store propane correctly

Michael Presutti By Michael Presutti Staten Island Advance
on March 05, 2009 at 12:52 PM, updated March 05, 2009 at 1:46 PM

Federal, state and local governments regulate the handling, use and storage of propane cylinders in the workplace, but seem to ignore similar activities by the rest of us. All those who use, store and handle propane should know how to do so safely; those little propane cylinders we haul around like they were bottles of water can be dangerous -- extremely dangerous.

Natural propane actually is odorless; manufacturers of propane gas add a distinctive odor so if gas should escape through a leak, it will be noticed. Many distributors of propane have a scratch-and-sniff card available that allows you to become familiar with the smell. It is advisable that all family members become familiar with it in this fashion, not by intentionally leaking off propane from a tank, which could be very dangerous. Keep in mind your sense of smell may be diminished if you have a cold or allergies.


When not in use, the top valve to the propane cylinder should be in the closed position to decrease the chances of spillage. Avoid having reserve cylinders around the house; the explosive force of one single propane cylinder can lift an entire house off its foundation.

Instead, frequently monitor the cylinder; when it draws near empty, refill it. Consider for a moment how your neighbor "likes to be prepared" with three or more "back-up" tanks alongside his house, which is also alongside your house. The old joke that insinuates your home is only as safe as the dynamite factory next door tends to make real sense when your neighbor has a series of propane refills just outside your door. Remember, pressurized gas inside a single propane cylinder has the capacity to fill 1,000 times its given compressed volume.


Propane should be stored outside the house in a cool, well-ventilated location above the grade of the yard and house and kept away from paths to lower areas, such as an open basement window. Propane gas is heavier than air, hence if it escapes from a cylinder, it will drop lower than air and settle at an ankle height or fill a hole in the grade, creating a very dangerous scenario. So, never store propane inside or in your garage or basement.

The density and weight of gas, liquid or solid, when measured relative to ordinary air or water is referred to as specific gravity (S.G.). The specific gravity of ordinary air is 1 S.G. All gases with a S.G. less than 1 are considered lighter than air; all gases with a S.G. more than 1 are considered heavier than air.

Gases heavier than air will sink. Propane has a S.G. of 1.554, making it about 50 percent heavier than air, which is why we always store propane outside and never in basements or anywhere escaped propane can build up.

If your propane cylinder becomes weathered, replace it with a new canister. Rust, dents and peeling paint all are signs of stress fatigue and should disqualify a canister from use. It is illegal for a propane gas supplier to fill an outdated or damaged cylinder or to fill it past a safety rated capacity.


If you suspect a propane leak, turn off the supply at the cylinder and leave the area immediately. Do not turn light switches or flashlights on or off or operate phones. Once you are well away from the area, phone your emergency services. Never light a grill to burn off the escaped gas; shut the supply valve on the canister, leave the area and wait for natural ventilation to clear the excess gas.

Propane incidents are rare, partly because of safety regulations and because most of us know propane can be deadly, but it pays to be reminded of the dangers. Spring will be here before we know it and propane sales will soar. Let's keep our homes and neighborhoods safe. Tell a neighbor, too.