3 Safety Tips To Keep In Mind For Your Propane Tank

A propane tank can be quite useful to a homeowner as it can be used for a variety of different things ranging from cooking on the grill to heating your home. But a propane tank can also be quite dangerous if it is not handled with care. Here are 3 safety tips you should keep in mind at all times when you have a propane tank on your property.

Keep It Outdoors 

If your propane tank is not always hooked up to the device that makes use of it, you will need a safe place to store it. Never under any circumstances should you store a propane tank in an enclosed space like your basement, garage, or backyard shed. You'll want to keep the propane tank outdoors and in an upright position. Be careful though not to place it somewhere where it will come into contact with direct sunlight. 

Be Careful Where You Are Placing Combustible Materials

While you need to be aware of where you are placing your propane tank, you also need to use caution when you are storing other materials around the outside of your house. Specifically, you don't want any combustible materials to be placed anywhere near the propane tank. So in other words, that stack of firewood should be placed on the other side of the house or yard. Make sure your children also know not to place their toys or other random items anywhere near the tank while they are outside playing.

Transport with Care

If you must move your propane tank from one location to another, for example, when you need a refill, then keep these best practices in mind. Always keep the tank in an upright position, and ensure that the valve of the tank is locked and covered with a cap. Secure the tank in place with a rope inside your vehicle. (Don't use a metal chain as metal hitting metal can produce a spark). While traveling down the road with the propane tank, keep at least one window of your vehicle open even if it's a cold day. Only refill your tank at an official filling station.

Propane tanks have many convenient uses, but you also need to make sure you handle them with care. Never store your propane tank indoors or place any combustible materials anywhere near the propane tank. If you must move the tank from one site to another, keep your windows open and the tank in an upright position at all times. For more safety tips, reach out to a propane tank supplier, like Northwest Propane LLC, today.