Safety tips to avoid a propane explosion

Propane gas is a practical, reliable, safe source of energy provided that you observe basic safety procedures.

It is the main constituent of liquefied petroleum gas. When used carelessly, it can become a veritable time bomb since it can asphyxiate you or explode.

How to perform a leak test on your outdoor gas (propane) grill?

If you own an outdoor gas (propane) grill or barbecue, learn how to perform a leak test. Such a test only takes a few seconds and requires only a little bit of soapy water!

Here is how to perform a leak test on your outdoor gas (propane) grill:

This test must be performed when you connect a propane cylinder to your grill.
Turn all gas controls to the closed (OFF) position.
Open the propane cylinder valve and apply a solution of water and dishwashing liquid on the gas supply line and its couplings.
If you see small bubbles developing, it indicates that gas is leaking.
If you have thus detected a leak, retighten the couplings, or replace the defective parts. (If required, call upon a specialist.)

How to select a safe location for your barbecue?

At last, barbecue season is here! Before preparing your grillades, just make sure that the location of your barbecue is safe.

Always use your outdoor gas grill… outdoors! Never indoors! Inded, if you use it in a place either enclosed or poorly ventilated, you risk carbon monoxide poisoning! This gas is colorless and odourless and can be deadly!
Place your barbecue on a stable spot so as to keep it from tipping over.
Keep children from playing near the barbecue.
Do not run electrical wires or cables near the appliance.
To avoid the risk of fire, keep the barbecue at a distance from walls, windows, patio doors, trees and shrubs.
Once lit, never let the barbecue unattended and do not move it.

How to store propane cylinders safely?

Store these outside, never inside a garage or a garden house.
Place these in a vertical position, and make sure they are protected against impacts.
If your cylinder is defective or has been in use for more than 10 years, take it back to your propane distributor. Do not eliminate it with the household wastes, even if it seems empty to you: it could still contain enough fuel to cause an explosion!