Liquefied petroleum gas known was “LP gas or LPG”, was created by recovering evaporating fuel gases and compressing into a liquid for storage.  Since that time Propane is readily used in home and camping cooking appliances, heating of homes and water, dryers, lighting and of course as an engine fuel.  Since it is lighter than air it also has the added advantage of not having a negative effect to water tables or soil. 

The propane tanks, like every pressure vessel used for storing fuels must conform to the rules as set out by the ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers).  Of course there are also regulations laid out by all levels of government for the safety and well being of the public.  At the end of this article are three links that may help.  The following are some points to consider, though there are of course many more.

Key points noted

Large Propane cylinders used for home applications are usually not the basis for the questions we have been receiving.  They are built by, handled by, propane professionals and not moved for refilling.

NEVER STORE PROPANE CYLINDERS INDOORS, IN A HOUSE OR GARAGE.

Ensure the bottle/cylinder valve is always closed when not in use, even when empty.

Propane bottles/cylinders should be placed where they won’t be hit, dented or placed in areas where water collects under or around them (rust).

Propane bottles/cylinders are also required to have easy readable markings identifying them for propane use and must have; Foot Rings, Protective Collars, Relief Valves, Service Valves Bleeder Valves, Fixed Liquid Level Gauge and Nameplates

Propane bottles/cylinders must not be stored improperly or on their side.  The concern is that if the safety relief valve opens for any reason, liquid will be escaping instead of vapour posing a much greater danger.  

Damaged or removed protective collars may leave the valve exposed to serious damage.  If the exposed valve is hit hard enough, it can break off and the escaping propane can create an explosive projectile.

The foot ring keeps bottles the standing in an upright and helps protect the bottom from touching the ground. Bottles/cylinders without a foot ring are illegal to refill

Turn off the cylinder valve immediately if you suspect a leak, smell an odour, or hear a high-pitched whistling noise Always contact a qualified service, for repairs to your barbeque or bottles/cylinders parts, including connectors, regulators, valves, burners, and controls.

Transporting Propane Bottles/cylinders

Typically a full BBQ/ Boat/RV bottle/cylinder weights 17 kg (34.5 lbs), and the maximum number of cylinders you can transport in your car is five, as long as each bottle/cylinder weighs less than 30 kg (66 lbs).

All bottles/cylinders must be transported upright and secured.

In passenger vehicles they be secured, stored vertically with the valve up and on the rear floor with the window open or in the trunk inside a tote box and with the trunk partially open.  The key here is to ensure proper ventilation.  One site suggests transporting them in a milk crates to protect them and stop them from rolling around. 

If you are transporting a lot of bottles/cylinders you may fall under The Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) regulations, which has strict requirements that include among, specific training, documentation, and placarding.  You can visit TDG website at  http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/tdg/safety-menu.htm for more information.

Condition of Propane Bottles/cylinders

Know the Rules

Though a bottle/cylinder may seem safe to use, requirements state that any rust, dents or bulges can compromise its integrity and are unable to be refilled and must be removed from service.

If Bottles/cylinders are properly maintained they can last longer than their normal so learn how to look properly maintain yours.

Around the Home/Campsite/RV/Trailer/Boat

Create guidelines/rules for your children in regards to Propane bottles/cylinders.

When using in a recreational vehicle (R.V.), camper or on a boat, ensure all everyone is familiar with the use and maintenance instructions. If you are renting, ask for safety instructions.

Remember propane Bottles/cylinders should not be stored in wet/damp grass or mud that increases the risk of rust and/or damage rendering the bottles/cylinders unfit.

Before lighting barbecue, open lid to help prevent propane from pooling under the lid while trying to light it.

When you finish using the barbecue, turn bottle/cylinder valve off first clearing any propane that may be in the hose, and then close BBQ burner valves. Keep the burner controls turned off and the cylinder valve closed when not in use.

Ensure all lines not attached to the barbecue are closed and terminated with caps or plugs.

I should also note that more information can be readily found at http://www.propane.ca and http://www.propane101.com .   The latter is a US website but has some valid information for anyone.

You could also visit the Propane training institute for more information,
http://www.propanegas.ca/PTI/index.asp

Enjoy a safe summer!

First off,  you must be a licensed Petroleum Mechanic level 2 (PM2), to remove or install UST’s.  The TSSA “who puts the public safety first” certifies and licences PM2s and has strict guidelines to protect the community and the environment.  The TSSA naturally governs these guidelines through licenced mechanics.  We at Mannion’s (as well as other licenced operators), are happy to comply. 

Do you have a UST?

 If you have concerns raised by environmental reasons, your insurance company, or your Real Estate advisor as to  the existance or possible existance of a UST, locating the tank becomes paramount.  We at Mannion’s are able to locate the tank, ascertain the state of  the tank, trace supply lines and if nothing is found provide you with an opinion letter outlining our investigations.  However, if a tank and peripherials are located, we will supply you with an UST removal work plan outlining options available to you.

How do you remove a UST?

Of course the size of the tank, removal of it’s contents, and depth are all factors to consider.  However that said, our licenced PM2 supervises the whole process from conception to completion including;  finding locates, supervising where applicable the backhoe operator, transportation of contents and the tank itself within ministry guidelines, refilling of excavation hole, all the while keeping you the business/home owner informed with the necessary information. 

We at Mannion’s are specialists in the Ottawa Capital and valley area and have been providing our clients with a peace of mind approach that helps eleviate surprises and concerns.  We look forward to assisting you with your questions and tank removals.

Welcome aboard Allen!

Mark.

- Vicki Baxter Amade, Estate Management Officer, British High Commission

We are all aware that water is heavier than oil, and as such we know that inside your tank water will seek the lowest part and collect there.  Water as the cause of rust will fatigue the metal of your tank from the inside out, making it very difficult to determine the condition within the tank.  Your concern and that of your insurance company is all the oil above that potential breach and truly there isn’t any way to tell the condition of the tank without taking it apart. 

Fortunately the tank’s loss of containment starts simply with drips on the floor, however unchecked it can lead to a catastrophic loss of all the oil above the breach.  If any or all of the oil reach the water table, lakes or streams the resulting cost for remediation can run from 10’s of thousands to millions of dollars.  Consider it takes only one gallon of oil (4.54 litres) to pollute 100,000 gallons of water.

How does the water get there? Condensation mainly, poor oil quality delivered, leaks in the fill or vent lines and to a lesser level improper filling techniques.

How can I protect myself?  Start by doing regular checks of the top and bottom of the tank, looking for any signs of seepage.  Oil drips on the top may be an indicator of fill and vent leaks.  Keep the areas under the tank clear of any stored items or debris making it easier to notice when drips occur.  There must be adequate sloping of the tank to encourage water to be drawn towards the oil filter and captured there.  One of your best and most cost effective defenses of ascertaining water in your tank is a yearly change of the oil filter located close to the tank. This will also safeguard your oil fired appliance(s) and keep them running cleanly.   If you have water your filter, it’s probably in your tank as well.

Your oil distributor company is also very aware of these guidelines and if it violates the Oil code of Ontario in anyway will red tag your fuel supply system .  Once tagged, oil cannot be delivered by any company until the resulting violation has been corrected. 

So if you have any concerns, signs of leakage or a red tag, we at Mannion Petroleum are available to inspect your system and help with any questions you may have regarding what to do next.  We are in the oil safety business.

 I am writing to tell you how pleased I am with your company.

I was aware that many people had problems when the time came to have their oil tanks removed, as a result I had serious concerns.  When I searched for a company to do the work, your company was recommended by a well known furnace installation company.

I am happy to report I found your staff to be respectful of both my concerns and ultimately my home.  Even when your on-site tehcnicians were asked not to cut the tank, to take it out in one piece, which resulted in extra effort and time on your part, they happily complied.  The work was timely, clean, efficient and friendly.

All the best!

Ralph Mox

Ottawa

The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (T.S.S.A.), is an organization that governs many facets of our daily life such as; amusement devices, boilers, elevating devices, fuels, operating engineers and upholstered and stuffed articles, and it receives it rights from the Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000. The T.S.S.A states “The purpose of that act is to enhance the public safety in Ontario by providing for the efficient and flexible administration of the technical standards…”    What this means to you as a building or home owner is there are enforceable guidelines for the removal or installation of fuel oil systems.  Rules designed to protect you and the environment. 

As is the case with all regulatory organizations, past incidences have shown the public where potential problems have occurred by not standardizing workmanship through guidelines. It addressed the safety needs for clients, workers and the environment through training and procedures.  In regards to us in the handling of fuel supply systems, it protects us all.  We, the registered fuel contractors respect these rules and in many cases actually encourage our staff to develop beyond their current license(s).  The latter allows staff to bring more awareness to the task at hand by extrapolating information from other areas.

The T.S.S.A works with licensed contractors by collecting information to build a safety data base to reduce the potential of problems and help identify difficulties before they arise.  The act also provides for stiff fines for those who operate outside the legal guidelines, guaranteeing that you as the consumer can rest assured that you are protected. The T.S.S.A. is a wealth of information aiding the consumer and contractor, and where there are happy contractors there are happy consumers.

Our website is now being updated regularly and thank you for your interest.

Please note: that we are not associated with Mannion’s Pump House Ltd.