Propane Cylinder Safety

All cylinders must have a decal identifying contents as a flammable gas.
Cylinders may only be filled by properly licensed and qualified technicians.
It is illegal to have a cylinder filled beyond 80% of its capacity.
All cylinders must be inspected and re-qualified/replaced after 10 years. All cylinders should have a date stamp on the collar indicating the date at which it was last qualified.
If you have a cylinder that is beyond its 10 year qualification date, you can bring it to your local Dowler-Karn branch to have it properly requalified or replaced.
Even if a cylinder is under 10 years from it's qualification date, it may still need to replaced if in poor condition - check your tank for leaks and signs of rust and wear.

Propane is odourized to smell like rotten eggs - if you smell this then you should check for leaks.
When checking for leaks on the tank, ensure that the valve on the cylinder is completely off and that the cylinder is away from any sources of heat or ignition.
Take a mixture of soap and water and apply to suspect areas on the tank - if the mixture begins to bubble, that indicates the presence of a leak.

Always ensure that the cylinder is upright and secured during transport.
Ensure that the valve is always closed during transport, even if empty.
Never put or leave a propane cylinder in a closed vehicle. If heats builds up inside the vehicle, it could cause an explosion.
Ideally, cylinders should be transported in the rear floor of the vehicle with the window open for ventilation. If inside the truck of a vehicle, the cylinder should be secured and upright and the truck partially open for ventilation.

Keep cylinders outside, in areas that are well ventilated and away from heat and flame.
Keep cylinders upright on firm foorting, off the ground on top of a surface that will not burn.
Use only for appliances approved to work with propane.
If not in use, close valve completely (even if empty) and plug or cap the valve opening.