Are you transporting your propane tanks safely in your car or SUV? Seems like a self-intuitive question. But if you quickly answered yes — are you sure? Your car’s safety – and more importantly, the safety of you and your family could be at stake.
Small propane tanks are used for a variety of outdoor activities, such as heating, cooking, or grilling and swimming. Many propane users get them refilled at local refilling stations throughout the summer. If you are one of them, it’s important to know the rules and regulations for transporting these tanks to prevent a dangerous accident.
Do’s and Don’ts for Transporting Small Propane Tanks
It is very important to handle small propane tanks with care when transporting them. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there are roughly 600 propane tank explosions per year. While not all of these occur in vehicles, transporting a faulty or leaking tank and leaving it in a hot car greatly adds to the likelihood an explosion will occur. Here are some important transportation tips to consider when traveling with propane tanks or taking your propane tank for refills.
DO:
Secure the Tank
Make sure you secure your propane tank in an upright position. You do not want the propane tank to roll over, fall, or shift when driving as it is a safety hazard to drive with the tank turned on its side. Doing so could cause the cylinder to roll and shift the pressure relief valve to the bottom. The safest way to secure a cylinder in a vehicle is with a propane tank holder and stabilizer. Tank holders fit tightly around the propane cylinder or lock into the cylinder’s foot ring. Some people prefer using a milk crate to keep the cylinders in the vertical position. You can also secure the tank with rope, rope or a ratchet strap, but make sure you have a good anchor point in your car.
Provide Ventilation
Place the tank in a well-ventilated area of your enclosed vehicle. Crack the window to help with ventilation.
Close the Valve
Close the tank’s valve tightly before transporting it, and any time it’s not in use. Even when the tank is empty, the valve should be sealed.
Go Directly to Your Destination
Make picking up the tank your last errand. Do not drive around with the tank in your vehicle more than is necessary. Keeping a propane tank in a vehicle for an extended period of time increases the risk of safety issues.
Store the Tank Outdoors
Store propane tanks outdoors only, and away from direct sunlight. Return the filled propane cylinder to a secure and upright position. Do not put the tank in a shed or garage. And never store your propane tank in your living area or in any spot that’s attached to your home.
Can I Leave My Propane Tank In My Car?
Remove the Tank from the Car Immediately
Take the tank out of the car and soon as you reach your destination. Never leave your propane tank inside a closed vehicle for long periods of time and never leave a propane cylinder in a hot vehicle.
DON’T:
Exceed the Propane Amount
According to regulations for the safe handling of propane, you cannot carry more than four propane cylinders in a sedan or SUV at one time.
Exceed the Weight Limit
No single cylinder may contain more than 45 pounds of propane. And the total combined weight of all the cylinders in an enclosed vehicle cannot exceed 90 pounds. More than 90 lbs. of total propane can only be transported in the back of an open pickup truck or trailer.
Smoke Cigarettes
Do not smoke in the vehicle while transporting propane tanks. If you do, there’s a high risk of fire or explosion, especially if the tank valve is accidently left open.
And Another Do:
Choose Levco and Have Your Tank Delivered
An even safer way to endure safe transport of your propane tank, is to enroll in a propane delivery program, like Levco’s Propane Exchange. With this service, customers don’t have to put the tank in their car, travel to a local dealer, wait on line or pay high, marked-up prices. Levco transports every tank safely and conveniently right to the customer’s home. And ensures that it is up to code and meets federal, and state required guidelines.
Levco offers automatic propane delivery using tank monitors, installation of new propane tanks, as well as our Propane Exchange program. Whether you use propane year-round or just in the summer months, Levco is the premier choice! Thousands of homeowners have trusted Levco to keep their tanks full since 1980! Give us a call at (203) 533-8249 or contact us today!
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