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Propane Safety
Thursday, July 28th, 2011

Propane, also called LP-gas, is a safe, economical, clean-burning, and versatile fuel when properly used. Regardless of the type of energy you use, safety is extremely important. An understanding of how your delivery system and appliances work, and what to do in case of a leak or other safety-related emergency are extremely important when dealing with propane as with electricity, natural gas, fuel oil, and gasoline. According to the National Fire Protection Association, almost 84% of liquefied petroleum (LP) gas fires in homes involve ignition by some form of equipment. The most common types involved were open-fired grills, hot water heaters and stoves, due to part failures and leaks.

Handle Propane with Care - safety is important!

Follow these important safety tips when using propane at home:

  • Handle any propane-powered equipment cautiously and always follow the manufacturer¹s instructions. Cylinder tanks for equipment such as stoves and ovens must be located outside of the home.
  • Never store or use propane gas cylinders larger than one pound inside the home. Any gas leaking from a cylinder could build up and be ignited by a flame or spark, causing an explosion or a fire.
  • Never operate a propane-powered gas grill inside the home or on a balcony or porch. High levels of carbon monoxide gas can be generated causing serious illness or death.
  • Have propane gas equipment inspected periodically by a professional for possible leaks or malfunctioning parts.
  • Carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions and warnings concerning lighting an appliance pilot.
  • If you smell a strong odor of gas, leave the area immediately and call the fire department from outside the home. To make propane easier to detect in the event of a leak, manufacturers deliberately add a chemical compound to give it the distinctive rotten egg smell.
  • For more information visit, the Propane Education and Research Council Web site at www.propanecouncil.org.

Article Credits: Fire Marshal Alan Perkins, CFPS, is a 32-year veteran of the fire service. A Certified Fire Protection Specialist through the National Fire Protection Association and a member of several similar safety organizations. Perkins is the Fire Marshal for the Washington Township Fire Department, Dublin, Ohio. For more information, contact: Leslie Dybiec, Public Information Officer Phone: (614) 652-3928 Fax: (614) 766-2507 or ldybiec@wtwp.com.

Live Safe Foundation is an Ohio based non-profit organization (501c3), and leading grassroots movement, devoted to making and fire and life safety education, awareness initiatives and life saving tools available on a broad basis to communities, campuses, and institutions in an effort to reduce national fire fatalities and fire losses. Live Safe aims to help finance fire safety education where means are otherwise unavailable. Live Safe is developing and sponsoring programs to help groups find the resources needed to advance individual and community fire safety.

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Grill the steaks – not the house
Friday, May 13th, 2011

According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking is the No. 1 cause of structure fires in the United States. While we typically think of kitchen fires when we think of cooking fires, today I’m going to speak to safety while grilling.

In a period from 2003-06, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 7,900 home fires involving grills or barbecues each year, including an average of 2,900 structure fires and 5,000 outside fires. These 7,900 fires caused an average of 10 civilian deaths, 120 reported injuries and $80 million in direct property damage each year. Of these 7,900 fires, 81 percent involved natural gas or propane grilles.

Grill the steaks - not the house!

For those readers that live in apartments, condos or any other multiple occupancy residential dwellings, the 2006 International Fire Code prohibits grilling devices on combustible balconies, decks or within 10 feet of combustible construction. For people who fall under these regulations, I recommend a common or shared barbecue that is maintained by your association in a park or common area.

For everyone else, some safety tips regarding safe grilling from the National Fire Protection Association are listed below.

SAFETY TIPS

  • Propane and charcoal barbecue grills should only be used outdoors.
  • The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
  • Keep children and pets away from the grill area.
  • Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
  • Never leave your operating grill unattended.
  • Keep a glass of water near-by to extinguish flare-ups from the grease dripping on the burner.
  • There are several ways to get the charcoal ready to use. Charcoal chimney starters allow you to start the charcoal using newspaper as a fuel.
  • If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire.
  • Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources.
  • There are also electric charcoal starters, which do not use fire. Be sure to use an extension cord for outdoor use.
  • When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.
  • Check the gas tank on propane grill’s hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. This is accomplished by applying a light soap and water solution to the hose. A propane and/or natural gas leak will release bubbles.If your grill has a gas leak, by smell or the soapy bubble test, and there is no flame, turn off the gas tank and grill. If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again. If the leak does not stop, call the fire department.
  • Always follow manufacturer’s instructions.
  • If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not move the grill.
  • Light the grill immediately after turning the valves on.
  • Never try to ignite the grill with the cover in the closed position.
  • If the grill does not light immediately, close the valves, open the lid and allow the grill to air out for a few minutes before attempting to re-light it.Follow these tips and don’t burn the steaks.

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    Propane Safety
    Thursday, August 5th, 2010

    Propane, also called LP-gas, is a safe, economical, clean-burning, and versatile fuel when properly used. Regardless of the type of energy you use, safety is extremely important. An understanding of how your delivery system and appliances work, and what to do in case of a leak or other safety-related emergency are extremely important when dealing with propane as with electricity, natural gas, fuel oil, and gasoline. According to the National Fire Protection Association, almost 84% of liquefied petroleum (LP) gas fires in homes involve ignition by some form of equipment. The most common types involved were open-fired grills, hot water heaters and stoves, due to part failures and leaks.

    Follow these important safety tips when using propane at home:

    • Handle any propane-powered equipment cautiously and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Cylinder tanks for equipment such as stoves and ovens must be located outside of the home.
    • Never store or use propane gas cylinders larger than one pound inside the home. Any gas leaking from a cylinder could build up and be ignited by a flame or spark, causing an explosion or a fire.
    • Never operate a propane-powered gas grill inside the home or on a balcony or porch. High levels of carbon monoxide gas can be generated causing serious illness or death.
    • Have propane gas equipment inspected periodically by a professional for possible leaks or malfunctioning parts.
    • Carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions and warnings concerning lighting an appliance pilot.
    • If you smell a strong odor of gas, leave the area immediately and call the fire department from outside the home. To make propane easier to detect in the event of a leak, manufacturers deliberately add a chemical compound to give it the distinctive rotten egg smell.
    • For more information visit, the Propane Education and Research Council Web site at www.propanecouncil.org.

    Article Credits: Fire Marshal Alan Perkins, CFPS, is a 32-year veteran of the fire service. A Certified Fire Protection Specialist through the National Fire Protection Association and a member of several similar safety organizations. Perkins is the Fire Marshal for the Washington Township Fire Department, Dublin, Ohio. For more information, contact: Leslie Dybiec, Public Information Officer Phone: (614) 652-3928 Fax: (614) 766-2507 or ldybiec@wtwp.com.

    Live Safe Foundation is an Ohio based non-profit organization (501c3), and leading grassroots movement, devoted to making and fire and life safety education, awareness initiatives and life saving tools available on a broad basis to communities, campuses, and institutions in an effort to reduce national fire fatalities and fire losses. Live Safe aims to help finance fire safety education where means are otherwise unavailable. Live Safe is developing and sponsoring programs to help groups find the resources needed to advance individual and community fire safety.

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    Posted in Line of Duty | No Comments »





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