Using propane

On this page you’ll find safety guidelines for using propane. Follow them to keep propane both convenient and safe.

When camping or at the cottage, you can use propane for heat, light, cooking and refrigeration. At home, it’s mostly used for barbecuing, but also for patio heaters and decorative fire pits.

Click on a topic to learn more.

Do’s

• Use appliances only for their intended purpose.
• Keep propane cylinders outdoors.
• Place cylinders on a solid base to prevent them from tipping over.
• Never operate an appliance unattended.
• Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Provide adequate ventilation when operating appliances.
• Use a CAN/CSA-6.19-certified carbon monoxide detector in your home and test its operation and battery periodically.
• Check for a completely blue flame. Yellow or orange flames mean a burner might need adjusting or cleaning.
• Only select approved appliances bearing one of the certification seals listed on the Certification organizations and seals
• Close the propane supply valve after every use of any outdoor appliance.

Don’ts

• Never attempt to repair or modify a propane appliance.
• Never use outdoor propane appliances (e.g., BBQs or patio heaters) indoors during a power outage for cooking or heating.
• Never operate an appliance in a gazebo or other outdoor roofed structure that is closed on more than two sides. The ventilation will not be adequate.
• Never obstruct air intakes or exhaust. Combustion gases must always be vented outside, into the open air.

Summary video

Watch a brief video on propane appliance safety:

Cylinders over 10 years old

Return cylinders that are more than 10 years old or defective to your propane distributor or your municipality’s ecocentre or other approved depot. Even if cylinders seem empty, never put them in the garbage. They could contain enough gas to cause an explosion!

If your cylinder is more than 10 years old, you can continue using it until it’s empty, so long as its condition has not deteriorated since it was last filled. Once it’s empty, it cannot be refilled, and you will have to buy a new one, which will be good for the next 10 years.

Filling:

• Check that the person filling your cylinder holds a valid certificate issued by Emploi-Québec.
• Never fill a cylinder that’s over 10 years old.
• Never fill a cylinder beyond 80% of its capacity.
• Do not transfer propane from one cylinder to another.

Storing:

• Store cylinders outdoors all year round. Only non-refillable propane or butane cylinders up to one pound, such as camp stove cartridges, may be stored indoors (maximum three). A propane cylinder is in storage when it is not connected to an appliance.
• Keep cylinders upright and protected from impacts.
• Avoid exposure to temperatures above 50°C, open flames, heating appliances or any other ignition source and keep away from designated smoking or vaping areas.

Transporting:

• Keep propane cylinders upright.
• Ensure cylinder valves are tightly closed.

Tunnels

• Road vehicles transporting more than two propane cylinders are prohibited in tunnels with a posted restriction.
• In such tunnels, only cylinders of 40 pounds and less, such as those used for barbecues, are allowed.

Ferries

• Before boarding a ferry with a recreational vehicle carrying propane, notify the ship’s captain or their representative.

Transporting or storing propane cylinders aboard a passenger vehicle is prohibited unless the storage space is vented to the outside. This could mean leaving a window or the trunk partially open. Secure cylinders in a holder or with a strap to keep them from tipping over.

When travelling in an RV, make sure to shut off the propane valve, even if the cylinder is outside the vehicle.

As soon as you connect a propane cylinder to an appliance, test for leaks. It only takes a few seconds... and a little soapy water!

Important: Do not smoke, extinguish all flames and ignition sources, and do not use a flame to detect leaks.

1. Turn off all of your appliance’s gas controls.
2. Open the valve on the gas cylinder or your building’s natural gas shutoff, and spray the supply hose and all gas fittings with a 50/50 mix of dishwashing soap and water.
3. Small bubbles or the smell of rotten eggs or boiled cabbage mean you have a leak.
4. If you detect a leak, close the valve on your propane cylinder, tighten all fittings and replace any defective parts. If necessary, call in a specialist. Don’t forget to read the safety instructions on your propane cylinder.

Fire

Although propane-powered appliances are very safe, carelessness or an oversight can lead to accidents. In an emergency:

1. Evacuate immediately.
2. Call the fire department.
3. Do not attempt to extinguish the flames except if you can safely close the cylinder valve.

Gas leak

If a propane appliance or system smells like rotten eggs or boiled cabbage, there might be a gas leak.

Avoid:

• Smoking
• Using lighting and ignition sources such as flashlights, matches and candles
• Flipping any electrical switch
• Using a cell phone.

If possible, shut off the gas supply and ventilate the space (e.g., by opening a window). If the odour persists and the appliance is indoors, evacuate the building and call 911.

Poisoning

Experiencing nausea, dizziness, itchy eyes, headaches or vomiting? If you have these symptoms, you may have carbon monoxide poisoning.

Immediately:

• Evacuate the premises where the appliance is located
• Call your local fire department or 911
• Shut off the appliance’s gas supply if possible
• Adequately ventilate the premises if possible.