Propane Safety and High Country Propane
Here are some important things for you to know and remember when handling, using, storing or transporting propane.
- Liquid Propane is a hazardous material that vaporizes at -44 Fahrenheit. That’s cold enough to severely burn your skin.
- Propane Vapor is flammable so know the smell (like rotten eggs) and how to safely respond to the smell of propane.
- Liquid Propane vaporizes at 270 times it’s liquid volume so a little liquid propane makes a lot of propane gas.
- Liquid Propane is stored under pressure that increases as temperatures increase. Propane cylinders have pressure relief valves to vent propane gas if the internal pressure exceeds 250psi. Subjecting a cylinder to high temperatures can result in the unintentional release of propane vapor (like in a car in the summertime).
- Safely dispensing liquid propane from one cylinder into another requires training and proper safety equipment (PPE).
- Refilling a single-use (disposable) propane cylinder is a violation of DOT rules when that cylinder is transported on a public roadway.
- Propane Vapor is heavier than air so gravity carries it downhill and it can collect in basins (like basements). Never store propane indoors.
- Propane tanks should always transported in an upright position. The pressure relief valve of a propane tank vents vapor when the tank is upright but it will vent liquid propane if the valve is in the liquid space of the tank.
- DOT propane cylinders have a 12 year lifespan and can be re-certified for additional 5 year service periods. Re-certification requires a visual inspection of the tank, foot ring and collar in addition to being being in compliance with all current DOT standards.
- ASME propane tanks do not have service lifespans but may be taken out of service if they are corroded or damaged.
- When propane tank valves or gauges stop working the tank must be temporarily taken out of service for replacement.
- Children must be taught propane safety and respect the appropriate level of caution required around propane tanks and appliances.
Do you have a propane safety question?
Call us today in Eagar at (928) 333-9900 or in Gardnerville at (775) 783-8369
We Provide Local Propane Services to the following communities –
Eagar Arizona, Springerville Arizona, Greer Arizona, Alpine Arizona, St Johns Arizona, Nutrioso Arizona, Reserve New Mexico, Alma New Mexico and Luna New Mexico.
Gardnerville Nevada, Minden Nevada, Wellington Nevada, Topaz Lake Nevada, Markleeville California, Coleville California, Walker California, Bridgeport California
Propane Safety Videos
What To Do If You Suspect A Propane Leak
How To Turn Off Your Propane Tank
How To Read A Propane Tank Guage
How To Handle and Transport Small Propane Cylinders
Getting Your Propane System Inspected
Need Propane Safety Info?
Use our Download Library!
Propane Consumer Safety Information
Important Residential Propane Safety Info
Cal Fire Defensible Space Flyer
Underground Propane Tank Ownership
Propane Safety and Extreme Heat
Propane Safety and Thunderstorms
Propane Safety and Power Outages
TANK INSTALLATION PLACEMENT INFORMATION
Above ground tank installation setbacks
Underground tank installation setbacks
PROPANE PROPERTIES
BTU Per Gallon | 91,502 |
BTU Per Cubic Foot | 2,488 |
BTU Per Pound | 21,548 |
Pounds Per Gallon | 4.24 |
Cubic Feet Per Gallon | 36.39 |
Cubic Feet Per Pound | 8.66 |
Specific Gravity of Vapor | 1.50 |
Specific Gravity of Liquid | 0.504 |
Boiling Point in Degrees F | -.44 |
Vapor Pressure in PSIG at 0 F | 23.5 |
Vapor Pressure in PSIG at 100 F | 196 |
Propane Chemical Formula | C3-H8 |
Octane Number | 125 |
Motor Fuel RIM | 104 |
Cu.Ft. Air Required to Burn 1 Cu.Ft. Gas | 23.5 |
Ignition Temperature | 920-1120 Degrees F |
Maximum Flame Temperature | 3595 Degrees F |
Flashpoint | 156 Degrees F |
Flammability | L.E.L. 2.15 U.E.L. 9.6 |