Propane Safety and Storage Tips
Propane Tank Important Tips

The exploding propane tank—common in Hollywood action films, rare in real life—is almost always a result of an already burning, hot fire. Millions of people in North America use propane safely every day, but it’s always smart to minimize the risks. Here are some tips:
- Store propane cylinders outside in the open, even over winter. Propane is heavier than air; in an enclosed space it will sink and collect. In a bedroom, it could potentially asphyxiate someone by displacing air; in a basement, it could reach an ignition source (a water heater or a furnace, perhaps) and ignite.
- Never modify the cylinder, the regulator hose, or anything else that isn’t supposed to be adjusted. No homemade flamethrowers, hot-air balloon heaters, or propane-powered bicycles.
If you ever smell gas indoors, get outside and call 911.
- Start your barbecue with the lid open, lighting it immediately after turning on the control valves. If you wait too long, propane will collect in the base of your grill. And if the barbecue doesn’t light quickly, turn the valves off, leave the lid open, and wait for the propane to dissipate before starting again.
- Leak test your barbecue annually (and whenever the regulator trips). Squirt soapy water on the cylinder and regulator connections and the hose, then slowly open the cylinder valve. Bubbles indicate a leak. A leaky connection could just need gentle tightening, but if the leak persists, shut everything off, and call your barbecue’s manufacturer.
Safety Tips
Handle propane tanks carefully.
- Don’t use or store portable propane tanks in basements or living spaces
- Properly secure portable propane tanks when transporting
- Do not leave portable propane tanks in cars or closed vehicles
- Secure temporary tanks when used for building heat, hot water, or cooking
- Contact a qualified propane service retailer to connect tanks to appliances
Use propane gas appliances with care.
- Do not use propane gas BBQ grills inside
- Refrain from using propane stoves or ovens for space heating
- Do not use portable electric generators indoors – keep outside of building
- Have a qualified propane service technician connect appliances and perform a leak test
What to do If you smell gas.
- Immediately extinguish all smoking materials and open flames
- Get everyone out of the area where you suspect the gas is leaking
- Turn off the gas supply valve of your propane tank if it is safe to do so
- Once away from the leak, contact your propane supplier. If you can’t reach them, call 911
- Do not return to the area until your propane retailer, emergency responder, or qualified service technician determines it is safe to do so
- Get your system checked. Before you attempt to use any of your propane appliances, your propane retailer or a qualified service technician must check your entire system to ensure that it is leak-free.
This was extremely helpful, one thing I would like to add is that Modern Propane also occasionally deals with leak testing and they can re-qualify your tanks. This place is the real deal.