Lauren McFarlane, BA, CHSC, President, Act First Safety
While returning from a regular dog walk last weekend, I passed by the rear of a family mini-van. The hatch was up and a man was rummaging around the storage area filled with tools, chests, bags, boxes and a propane cylinder on its side with the top pointed toward the rear seat. The van bore no signage yet its contents indicated that it was used by someone in the skilled trades, likely the man at the back of the van.
Propane cylinders must be stored and transported correctly. They should not be stored in small indoor spaces (certainly not a family mini-van), but outdoors where there is plenty of ventilation and positioned in the upright position or on its side in a manner that the pressure relief valve will activate correctly in the event the cylinder has been overfilled or is exposed to excessive heat (such as in a van!).
Safe propane handling becomes increasingly important during the summer months when it gets hotter and consumer use increases because of more barbecuing and outdoor activities like camping. In the workplace, it is important for workers to receive accredited propane handling training such as safe handling for propane in construction and propane torches.
Act First Safety is an accredited trainer with the Canadian Propane Association.