5 Important Safety Tips for Handling Propane Tanks
Propane tanks are considered as an essential part of heating and cooking. They are also used in the agricultural industry for fireplaces, grills, and other appliances.
Propane tanks are often stored outside or on the back of a truck. This poses a risk to people who could be near it when it explodes because propane is harmful if inhaled over time, it can also lead to death by suffocation.
Propane tanks must be handled with care to avoid any incidents like these. When handling these tanks, make sure that they are not too close to anything that can burn or heat up which could cause an explosion or fire if the tank overheats.
There are also some other safety tips when dealing with propane tanks you should follow, and every propane supplier in the world would encourage these same tips.
Keep it Outside
Propane tanks should be kept outside to avoid accidents and potential fires. Even though propane tanks are made of a special material that prevents the buildup of pressure, they can still explode if something punctures them.
Propane tanks are designed to have a release valve which requires a metal pin before it will work properly. However, these pins can corrode and cause problems with the release valve if they aren’t replaced regularly which is yet another reason they should be left outside.
Keep it in Shade
Propane tanks should be kept in a shaded area to prevent them from getting too hot. Keeping your propane tank out of the sun will help to prevent a fire.
Propane tanks should also be stored in shade because the tanks will not rust or corrode like they would if they are exposed to sunlight.
Keep it Upright
Propane tanks should be kept upright to prevent them from leaking. The first step is to turn the tank so that the valve is on top and to flip it over so that you can access the valve cap.
Make Sure the Valve is Closed When Not Using
The valve is a fitting that helps to prevent the gas from escaping. When it is not used, make sure that the valve is closed.
Ensure the Tank isn’t Damaged
Propane gas is a potentially dangerous fuel. If your propane tank is damaged, you should turn off the gas and call a professional to take care of the situation.
Propane tanks are usually not a source of danger because they are specifically designed to be difficult to puncture. But if you have a leaky or damaged tank, it can create a fire hazard or even explode.