LP gas

Propane is an excellent fuel: clean, efficient, and easy to handle. If you're careful. If you're not careful, sooner or later it will explode. Then you may experience a brief, and possibly posthumous, moment of fame.

Buying an LP gas cylinder with an OPD safety valve, and following the grill's safety instructions, is a small price to pay for keeping the buildings around you intact, and you on the right side of the sod.

When it is time to get the cylinder filled, see if it's dented, gouged, or rusty. If it is, you probably need a new one. Another thing: LP gas cylinders for grills now have an "OPD," or Overflow Prevention Device. If the gas cylinder you use doesn't have one of these things, it is time to get a new one.

You probably don't like spending money any more than I do. Gas cylinders are expensive, but think about it: buying one is a whole lot cheaper and easier than buying a new house, and finding a new family to live in it.

Making sure that the valve on the tank is closed when you're through is a good idea. You don't want that gas escaping. If it collects, and makes contact with something hot, it will ignite.

Don't overdo it, though. I'm told that some folks have gotten enthusiastic with a wrench, using mighty force to shut the valve. This isn't necessary, and can damage the valve.

LP gas cylinder valves typically have handles that are obviously designed to be shut by hand: and are designed to be opened and closed by someone with normal strength. Just be sure the cylinder's valve is turned all the way to the closed position when you're done.

Do I have to say it? A 20 pound cylinder holds 20 pounds of LP gas. That leaves a little room for the liquid to expand. And it will, particularly in Minnesota, in normal August heat. Asking a dealer to overfill your cylinder is the opposite of smart.

When you light a gas grill, leave the lid open. If it is shut, gas could build up and "flash" when it ignites. That wouldn't do the grill, or you, any good.

Storing LP cylinders takes a little attention. They should be kept upright, in a place where the temperature won't get above 120 degrees Fahrenheit. The storage area should outside, away from fire (that includes the grill), more than a yard from windows or doors leading into a building, and at least 2 yards from air intakes for air conditioning or ventilating systems. That's according to a couple of more-or-less official safety resources, anyway.

Next: Extreme Safety: Above and Beyond the Call of Reason

Or: How to Grill

Copyright © 2005-2010 Brian H. Gill