Posted on by Damian Teevan

Top Safety Tips When Using Butane and Propane Gas

Handling Gas Bottles

The first step of handling any heavy object is to ensure you know how to lift it properly. In short, remember this:

Lift with the legs, not with the back.

However, moving gas bottle require more care, especially if you are unsure what to do. If handled improperly, it could result in accidents, injuries or damage to the bottles, and no one wants any gas leakages! Here are some easy tips to ensure your safety:

  • First things first, gas bottles are heavy! If you’re struggling, don’t be afraid to ask for help.
  • Never roll gas bottles on their side, much like you’d never roll a keg of ale on its side (curdling, foamy mess).
  • Do not lift the gas bottle using its bottle cap, shroud or valve!
  • Store gas bottles in an upright position
  • Whilst you may think empty bottles are empty, they may still contain gas – you can test this by rocking the cylinder to feel the movement of liquid
  • Lastly never open the gas valve of an unconnected gas bottle, it’s very likely that there will be some gas left inside.

In short, the important thing to remember is: USE YOUR COMMON SENSE!

Using Propane Gas

It is essential when using a gas bottle that you keep it upright. Once you return the gas bottle after usage, ensure it’s empty or no longer usable. It’s also important to stay on top of your LPG appliances, keep them clean and haver them checked regularly. If you’re using Propane gas indoors, make sure there is a lot of natural airflow in the room, using ventilation appliances, grilles or anything that will circulate the air well will improve safety.

  • Ensure gas bottles are never kept below ground level – such as cellars.
  • If possible, avoid storing gas bottles indoors.
  • Keep the gas bottles away from heat, as this has the potential to increase the pressure inside, thus exceeding the safety measures.
  • Never try and disconnect or unscrew a regulator from a cylinder if the flame does not immediately go out.

Do’s and Don’ts When Storing Gas Bottles

More often than not, gas bottles are heavy and sometimes awkward to transport. To prevent injury and bottle damage, we believe it’s essential to inform our customers of safety precautions. Look below for some safety tips regarding gas bottle storage.

Do:

  • Storing gas bottle in areas that are well-ventilated will improve safety.
  • Store them outdoors!
  • Keep them upright!

 

Don’t:

  • Store them below ground level.
  • Use them where they are prohibited, i.e., high-rise apartments.
  • Keep them away from heat or near any toxic, corrosive or oxidant material.

Using Butane Gas

Like using any other bottled gas, it is essential you take the necessary safety precautions when using Butane gas. Ensuring the valves aren’t damaged, using them in the upright position and returning the gas bottle after it’s served its use or run out is also strongly advised.

Do NOT do the following:

  • Never attempt to disconnect the regulator from a gas bottle if the flame doesn’t go out when you turn the cylinder hand wheel.
  • Do not attempt to force a regulator of one size on to a bottle’s valve of another size
  • Do not attempt to modify, or tamper with a gas appliance.

Using Hoses and Flexible Tubing

You may not be aware that tubing and hosing are actually very important in the instillation of gas bottles, which is why you must handle them with care.

Key points to remember when keeping your tubing in top condition are as follows:

Keep them away from direct sunlight, dampness, abrasion and excessive loading.

Supplies should be certified with a valid certification to BS3212 or BSEB1763, they should also be produced under a quality system registered to BS EN ISO 9000.

Usually, a typical hose will las you about 5 years, and it’s important you remember to replace them once their lifespan comes to an end. Here are some tips to remember:

  • Be sure to check for signs of cuts, brittleness, hot spots and any other physical deformities.
  • If you think the hose is damaged or underperforming, be sure to contact .
  • Overuse or demanding operations may affect the hose’s longevity.

In short, what we at Allsaved seek to do is to inform our customers of the necessary safety measurements that need to be taken when handling dangerous gasses.

Do please ensure that you take the necessary precautions when using gas canisters, as they can be very dangerous in certain scenarios!