Tips for propane users
Glen Vienneau
Northern News Services
Yellowknife (Dec 22/00) - When it comes to propane, most of the problems are caused by people.
"If there's going to be a problem with propane, it's going to be people failure first," said Mike Lowing, deputy fire chief for the Yellowknife Fire Department.
Mechanical failures are rare. People just need to follow a few simple precautions, said Lowing.
"Most of our problems are related to how people use propane, trying to overcome cold weather," he said.
Cold temperatures turn gas propane into liquid. Caution must be exercised to re-vaporize it to the gaseous state.
Taking a portable propane cylinder indoors can be dangerous. If the cylinder leaks, fumes can collect in an enclosed area, possibly leading to an explosion.
A more frequent problem is caused home owners who modify their barbecues or portable heating units.
For the most part, mishandling these units has led to most of the fire calls involving propane, he added.
In one instance, Lowing said a person used a torch to warm up a cold propane tank.
"Most of the fires that involves propane are carelessness, pure and outright," he said.
The proper way to heat a propane tank is an approved polar pad.
These heating blankets cost from $600 to $800 and are available from propane suppliers and plumbers.
In addition, Ron McRae, inspection services manager for the GNWT Department of Public Works, has another suggestion.
Homeowners can also cover their propane tanks with snow, which insulates the tank.
Both measures will help keep the propane gases flowing through the system.
Ken Olds, manager for ICG Propane also recommends people ensure their tank is topped up.
"The best you can do as a home owner is keep your tank full," said Olds.
If one suspects their system has a problem, he said the unit should be inspected right away.
One sign of a problem is the distinctive "rotten eggs" scent added to propane by manufacturers.
"It's the first step in alerting you that there's a problem. If you smell propane in your home, get out," said Lowing.
In such a case, turn off the propane tank, then call the fire department, he said.
Another way to prevent danger is to get a propane furnace serviced once a year.
"People say that propane is dangerous and you're going to die. No, propane is a very safe fuel," said Lowing.
"It just needs to be treated with respect and knowledge."
