Propane
Propane gas is a practical and safe source of energy providing
that certain basic security rules and regulations are followed. It is
very important to know and understand the properties of propane gas and
to make sure your appliance is properly installed. You will find below
a few tips to help prevent accidents during the use of your gas appliance
while allowing you to safely enjoy the benefits to there maximum during
your times of leisure.
Propane gas can heat and/or light up your living space, it can also cook
and/or cool your foods while at the cottage or even at a campsite. At
home it is being used more and more for everyday cooking on the BBQ.
Propane gas properties
Propane gas :
• |
heavier than air; |
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It requires a large quantity of air to ignite
combustion; |
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It is flammable when density is between 2.4%
and 9.5%; |
• |
It is non toxic on its own, but a poor combustion
may generate carbon monoxide and become lethal. |
Propane gas is odourless and colourless. To insure safety, an odorant
is added so that any leakage would be detected. Propane gas is contained
under pressure within a tank that can hold a large amount of energy. Propane
is stored partly in the form of liquid and partly in the form of gas.
Pressure within the tank increases as the temperature rises.
Flammable gas odours?
A propane gas appliance or an installation that smells gas may be indication that there is leakage, insufficient air ventilation, poor combustion or inadequate exhaustion the combusted product.
If you detect the smell of gas you must immediately:
• |
Evacuate the premises where the
appliance is located; |
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Make sure there is adequate ventilation; |
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Turn off the gas supply valve; |
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Call your propane gas supplier or a qualified
technician; |
You must avoid:
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Using any sort of lighting device
such as a flashlight or a candle, etc… |
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Do not strike a match or use a lighter etc… |
• |
Do not turn on a light switch or any type of
electrical device etc.. |
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Do not smoke |
Minimum clearance from a gas tank or a reservoir with a capacity equal to or less than 125 US gallons (475 litres)
• |
3 ft (1m) from all openings in
a building (eg: doors, windows, …) |
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ft (1m) from an electrical meter |
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3 ft (1m) from a gas appliance exhaust vent |
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10 ft (3m) from a starting switch (electrical
plug, air conditioning unit, compressor, thermo pump, mechanical
or direct air intake) |
• |
There is no minimum distance required between
the gas tank or reservoir and a property line, from another gas
tank or a neighbour’ s building wall that has no opening. |
