Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 2: Keep your bottle safe
• Method 2 of 2: Check the quality of your gas bottle
• Warnings

Propane gas can be found in many households and is mostly used for gas barbecues. Since propane is highly flammable, it should be stored safely outdoors. If properly stored, you can continue to use the bottle for years to come. Just make sure not to damage your bottle before putting it away.

To step

Method 1 of 2: Keep your bottle safe

1. Never keep the bottle indoors or in a shed. If there is a leak, the gas could linger in the environment and cause a dangerous situation. Even the spark from a starting car or lawn mower could ignite the gas.
   • If you live in an area where it snows a lot, it is wise to mark the place where your bottle is located. If the bottle gets snowed under, you can easily find it and dig it out.
2. Store the bottle outdoors in a dry, well-ventilated place. Make sure the bottle is in the shade and on a flat surface so that the bottle cannot fall over or roll away. Perhaps on the bottom shelf of a scaffold. Make sure the scaffold is attached to a solid wall.
   • Do not store the propane gas bottle in a confined space.There is a possibility that gas leaks out, which could create a dangerous situation.
3. Keep the bottle above -40 ̊C during the cold months. As the temperature drops, so does the pressure in your bottle. Make sure the bottle is in a sunny spot so that it can heat up every day.
   • Make sure the bottle is full so that the pressure cannot drop too much.
   • Do not insulate the gas bottle by covering it. This blocks out the sun, which could cause the pressure to drop further.
   • Never use a heater or electrical device to heat up your tank.
4. Do not store the bottle where the temperature can rise above 50 ̊C. As soon as the temperature rises, so does the pressure in the bottle. Do not put the bottle in direct sunlight during the hottest months. Provide a spot with enough shade.
   • Propane gas bottles have a vent valve that ensures that the pressure remains the same in case of permanently high temperatures. The built-up pressure is released and disappears into the open air. Make sure there are no ignition sources near the gas bottle that could start a fire.
5. Place the bottle 3 meters away from flammable material. Including open fire and / or electrical appliances. Also, don't keep extra bottles too close to each other or near a barbecue. If a bottle catches fire, you don't want the same to happen to the nearby bottles.
6. Use a sturdy plastic crate to keep the gas bottle upright. When the bottle is upright, you are assured that the valve will not be damaged and therefore no gas can leak. A standard plastic crate is strong enough to hold a barbecue gas cylinder weighing 9 kg.
   • There are also special gas cylinder holders for sale, both online and at hardware stores and garden centers. Use such a holder if your gas bottle does not fit in a plastic crate.
   • Build cinder blocks or bricks protection around the gas cylinder. However, do this in such a way that the valve and handles remain free.
7. Do not place your gas bottle near ventilation grilles or windows in your house. Look for any vent grilles near your propane gas bottle. Propane is heavier than air with the result that it sinks to the ground and ends up in ventilation shafts and basements. In the event of a gas leak, you do not want the bottles to be placed somewhere where the gas can easily enter your home and pollute the air.
   • Never put your bottle near air conditioners, radiators or heat sinks. These ensure that gas can enter your home.
   • Should there be a gas leak in your home, evacuate the property immediately and notify the fire brigade.
8. You can leave the gas bottle attached to the barbecue. This is an easy way to store the bottle. Close the gas tap on top of your bottle. Use a protective cover to protect the barbecue from the elements and direct sunlight. This way you can easily use the barbecue all year round.
   • If you store your barbecue in a shed or garage, remove the bottle and then leave it outside.

Method 2 of 2: Check the quality of your gas bottle

1. Make sure that the gas tap is closed as soon as you are not using the gas bottle. Turn off the tap clockwise, do this hand tight. This prevents any gas from escaping from the bottle.
   • If you can smell the rotten eggs, it could just be that gas is leaking from your bottle.
2. Remove the seal and look for rust. Cut off the plastic seal around the bottle. Water can get trapped between the plastic and the bottle causing rust. Rust affects your gas cylinder, making it easier to damage.
   • Always keep the seal on the bottle. This often contains important instructions. This way you can always check everything again.
3. Check the bottle for dents and peeling paint. Exterior damage may indicate further damage to the gas cylinder. Replace your gas bottle if you see rust, dents or peeling paint.
   • Never fill a gas bottle that is weathered or damaged.
4. Any gas cylinder older than 10 years should be checked by a professional. A propane gas cylinder older than 10 years must also be reclassified. It must also be checked whether the gas bottle can still be used safely by you. Even though there is apparently no damage to the gas bottle, it could just be that the bottle has some damage on the inside.
   • Once everything has been properly checked, it is important that you have the bottle checked again every 5 years.

Warnings

• Liquid propane gas is highly flammable and is under very high pressure when contained in a gas cylinder. Never place the bottle near heat sources. This way the bottle cannot catch fire or explode.
• Propane gas has the unpleasant smell of rotten eggs or skunks. If you smell this, you should absolutely not do any work that could generate sparks. Leave the room immediately.