Commercial Propane Safety Support

Temporary heating equipment powered with propane is portable and widely used in a variety of industries. Builders, manufacturers, exterminators, emergency management and more utilize propane to fuel temporary heating units. Various cylinder sizes and bulk tank storage can be used to fuel temporary heating equipment. Heaters must be designed for use with LP Gas and AGA, UL, or CGA approved.

Temp Heat Safety Tips:

• The maximum size container to be used inside a building is a 100 lb. cylinder.
• Cylinders are to be used, stored, and moved in an upright position.
• Cylinders should never be lifted or carried by the valve.
• Cylinder valves must be protected by caps or collars.
• Cylinder valve outlets on containers less than 45 lbs. must be plugged or capped.
• Cylinders must be equipped with an excess flow valve or POL adapter that connects the regulator to the container valve to ensure there is excess flow protection.
• LP Gas hose must have a working pressure of at least 350 p.s.i.g.
• Tubing, hose, and valves, must be protected from excessive heat, physical damage, or tampering.
• Heater / hose separation must be no less than 6 ft.
• Hose connections and fittings should be checked with a non-corrosive leak detector solution.
• Regulators should be suitable for the type of LP Gas service it is intended to be used.

The following are helpful tips for handling forklift cylinders:

• Forklift cylinders should only be filled by trained personnel using proper safety procedures
• DO NOT smoke while handling propane cylinders
• If you detect a leak, shut off valves and place the cylinder outside
• If a leak develops while the container is installed on a piece of equipment, shut off the container and equipment, if it is safe to do so. If it is not safe to shut down, or if the leak persists, evacuate the area and contact emergency services. Never remain in the area if propane vapors are detected.
• Contact your propane provider to repair or replace propane tank
• When not in use always close all propane valves
• Store all cylinders in safety storage racks away from any source of ignition or extreme heat
• Always read warning labels attached to propane cylinders
• Direct contact with propane will cause freeze burns to skin
• Remember, propane is a hazardous material, treat it with respect!

As with any appliance, proper maintenance is extremely important. All appliances using propane must be properly maintained in order to operate safely, properly, and efficiently. Here are a few things to know: 

• LEAVE IT TO THE EXPERTS. Only a qualified service technician has the proper training to install, service, maintain, and repair your appliances. Make sure you have a qualified service technician install and service your appliances.
• ANNUAL INSPECTION IS IMPORTANT. Contact a qualified service technician to perform an appliance inspection.
• BE SURE YOUR APPLIANCES CAN "BREATHE" PROPERLY. Regularly check the vents of your appliances to be sure that flue gases can flow easily to the outdoors. Insects, birds, and small animals sometimes build nests in vent pipes. Other obstructions such as snow or ice may also occur. If you see evidence of this, call a qualified service technician. Also, clear the area around your appliance to be sure plenty of air can reach the burner for proper combustion. Note: Not all propane appliances require venting. Refer to manufacturer instructions for venting needs on your appliance.
• NEVER store combustible materials near appliances.
• WATCH FOR YELLOW FLAMES OR SOOT BUILD-UP. When appliances are operating properly, propane burns with a blue flame. If you see yellow flames, or notice significant amounts of soot on any equipment, the gas may not be burning completely. This can create carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless, and poisonous gas. Contact a qualified service technician if any of the above conditions occur.

DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES try to modify or repair valves, regulators, connectors, controls, or other appliance and cylinder/tank parts. Doing so creates the risk of a gas leak.

CALL AN EXPERT. If you are unable to operate any part of your propane system, or if you think an appliance or other device is not operating properly, call your propane retailer or a qualified service technician. They can inspect, adjust, repair, or replace any part of your propane system.

YOUR PROPANE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED FOR SAFETY. Propane cylinders, tanks, and appliances incorporate special components (such as valves, connectors, controls, burners, and pilot lights) to keep them safe for use. Damaging these components can cause gas leaks.

The following are safety tips related to connecting propane appliances. AmeriGas has trained professionals who can install appliances and check connectors. Call customer service to schedule an installation or maintenance appointment.

• PROPERLY INSTALL AND MAINTAIN CONNECTORS. The final section of the system that brings gas to your appliances is the appliance connector. It is important that all appliance connectors are properly inspected, installed, and maintained by a qualified service technician.
• HAVE CONNECTORS CHECKED WHEN MOVING OR REPLACING APPLIANCES. Connectors can wear out from too much moving, bending, or corrosion. Connectors should be checked by a qualified service technician whenever the appliance is replaced or moved from its location.
• USE ONLY APPROVED APPLIANCE CONNECTORS. Make sure that all connectors and gas piping/tubing that bring propane to your appliances are installed by a qualified service technician and approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.
• APPLIANCE CONNECTORS MAY NOT be run through walls, partitions, cabinets, etc.
• HAVE OLDER APPLIANCE CONNECTORS INSPECTED. Over time, some types of appliance connectors can crack or break, resulting in a serious gas leak and the possibility of fire or explosion. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has warned that certain types of older connectors are extremely dangerous. If you have an appliance that is more than 20 years old, have a qualified service technician inspect the connectors to be sure they are safe and meet current safety-code requirements.
• MOVEABLE APPLIANCES WITH CASTERS must be limited by a restraining device to prevent movement beyond the length of the propane connector in accordance with the connector manufacturer’s recommendations.
• USE CAUTION WHEN MOVING AN APPLIANCE YOURSELF to check the connector; this might damage the connector and create a leak.

The following are tips on handling and maintaining cylinder tanks used on lawn equipment:

• Lawn equipment cylinders should only be filled by trained personnel using proper safety procedures
• DO NOT smoke while handling propane cylinders
• If you detect a leak, shut off valves and place the cylinder outside
• If a leak develops while the container is installed on a piece of equipment, shut off the container and equipment, if it is safe to do so. If it is not safe to shut down, or if the leak persists, evacuate the area and contact emergency services. Never remain in the area if propane vapors are detected.
• Contact your propane provider to repair or replace propane tank
• When not in use always close all propane valves
• Store all cylinders in safety storage racks away from any source of ignition or extreme heat
• Always read warning labels attached to propane cylinders
• Direct contact with propane will cause freeze burns to skin
• Remember, propane is a hazardous material, treat it with respect!

Learn more about safety on our residential propane safety information page.