Tipp of the Week-Propane tank safety
Hello, Tipp City! Marc the Cop here,
Summertime means it's time to fire up the backyard barbecue and fry up some hot dogs, hamburgers, or my favorite, rib-eye steaks.
I recently acquired a Weber Gas Grill. Shout out to my old friend, Sgt. Mike Lang Ret., who is a Weber Grillographer! Mike has the YouTube Channel Another Pint Please. Mind you, I am a charcoal grill kind of guy. Gas Grills are great, but you can't beat the taste and smell of a good charcoal fire. Gas grills are incredibly convenient for whipping up some food on the fly. With my new acquisition, I needed a twenty-pound gas bottle. I sent out a group text to my family to see if one of them had any to spare. My Nephew Jon had a two, to give to me. So, off to Covington to get the propane bottles. I stopped by Ace Hardware to get them filled. The young man who was going to fill them gave me the bad news that he was unable to fill the bottles because they were too old and had not been recertified.
Propane tanks are a convenient and efficient fuel source for gas grills, but they must be handled with care to ensure their safe use. A typical grill uses a 20-pound (5-gallon) propane tank, which stores gas under high pressure. To safely enjoy your outdoor cooking, always inspect the tank and its connections before use. Check the valve and hose for signs of wear, cracking, or leaks. An easy way to test for leaks is by spraying soapy water on the valve and hose; if bubbles form while the tank is on, gas is escaping, and the tank should not be used.
Always keep the tank upright when in use and during transport. Never store propane tanks indoors or near heat sources, such as fire pits or grills. When not in use, close the tank valve tightly. Also, avoid leaving tanks in hot vehicles, as heat can increase pressure and cause the safety relief valve to vent propane gas.
Another critical aspect of propane tank safety is understanding expiration dates. In the United States, propane cylinders must be requalified or replaced every 12 years from the date of manufacture. You can find this date stamped into the collar or handle area of the tank, typically in a month-year format (e.g., “06-17” means June 2017). After 12 years, the tank must either be inspected and requalified by a certified professional or replaced. Requalified tanks receive a new inspection date and are typically suitable for another 5 to 7 years.
Using an expired tank is not only illegal in many areas but also potentially dangerous. Many propane refill stations will not refill a tank that is past its expiration date. Expired tanks may have weakened metal or compromised valves that could lead to leaks or explosions. It’s also a good practice to regularly inspect the tank’s condition, regardless of the date. Look for signs of rust, dents, or corrosion, all of which indicate that the tank should be taken out of service.
Practicing proper propane tank safety helps prevent accidents and keeps grilling fun and safe. Always inspect your tank, use it properly, store it correctly, and check the expiration date. If in doubt, replace it. Safe grilling starts with a safe tank.
Remember the 9 PM routine! The 9 PM routine is a nightly reminder for residents to remove valuables from their vehicles, lock their vehicle doors, secure their residences, turn on exterior lights, and activate all alarms and security systems.
That is all for this week! Please be safe and care for one another.
I'll see you in church on Sunday!
Sgt. Marc Basye (Ret.)
Do you have a suggestion for the Tip of the Week? Your input is valuable to us. You can email me at Marcthecop@tippgazette.com!
The opinions and statements in this column are those of the author, who is not affiliated with any law enforcement agency. This column is for entertainment purposes only. Persons referred to may be fictional for comedic purposes only.
