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HAZARDS OF PROPANE FUELED VEHICLES
Propane is a gas that is turned into a liquid when stored in pressurized
cylinders. You should be aware that as the temperature of the fuel tank rises,
the liquid fuel expands which increases pressure inside the tank. In cold
weather this could result in a fire or explosion if a propane-powered vehicle
with more than 80% liquid fuel in the fuel tank is brought into a heated
building from outside. The increased air temperature in the shop causes
increased pressure inside the fuel tank. This will open the safety relief valve
if the tank has been overfilled, and the released propane gas can burn if any
ignition sources are present.
General Safety Precautions When Servicing Propane Fuel Vehicles In Cold
- Before bringing a
propane-fueled vehicle indoors for service be sure the propane system is
leak-free. In weather above freezing use a soap and water solution to check
connections, valves, and lines. In colder weather use a commercial leak detector
solution that is available from safety supply houses, or use a combustible gas
indicator that is calibrated for propane.
- Be sure the fuel tank is not
filled beyond the maximum recommended filling capacity (usually 80%). The level
of liquid fuel can be checked as follows:
The fuel lines should be free
of fuel when the vehicle is indoors for repairs or servicing. Fuel lines should
be charged only when propane is required to operate the engine. The procedure
- Park the vehicle on a
level area outdoors with no possible sources of ignition nearby.
- While wearing neoprene
gloves, disconnect the fuel line and briefly open the tank valve. If the
container is safely filled you will hear an audible hiss when the valve is
opened. No white fog will appear.
- If the tank is overfilled,
you will see a white fog when the valve is opened.
- If the tank is
overfilled, do not take the vehicle indoors until the liquid level is reduced
below 80%. Consider letting the vehicle run to accomplish this.
- When the liquid has
reached a safe level, recheck all valves, especially the pressure relief valve
to be sure there are no leaks before moving the vehicle indoors.
When repair or service work
has been completed, recharge the fuel line:
- Turn the tank valve to
the closed position. Clockwise closes the valve.
- Allow the engine to
operate until it stops from lack of fuel.
If propane gas is released in
an enclosed area (for example, if the relief valve opens), the following actions
should be quickly taken:
- Open the fuel line
valve VERY SLOWLY, until the line fills with propane.
- If the excess flow
valve should close, shut off the tank valve and wait 10 - 15 seconds for the
valve to reset. Then, SLOWLY open the tank valve again.
Be sure to follow all safe
operating procedures as recommended by the equipment manufacturer and consult
- Evacuate the area.
- Remember that propane
vapors are heavier than air and will settle at floor level.
- Eliminate all sources
of ignition (torches, water heaters, pilot lights, cigarettes)
- Close off the source of
the leak if possible and open all doors to ventilate the area.
- Do not restart any
ignition sources until after the propane odor has been eliminated.
with them, and/or the distributor if you have questions.
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