Proper Transportation and Storage of Propane Cylinders

Transporting Propane Cylinders

If transporting your propane cylinder in an open vehicle, make sure the cylinder is in an upright position and strongly secure so the label on the cylinder is visible from outside the vehicle.

When transporting propane cylinders in an enclosed vehicle, make sure they are upright and secure. If it is a passenger vehicle, the cylinders must be securely upright on the rear floor with the window open.

Conversely, you can put the cylinders in the trunk inside a tote box and with the trunk partially open to ensure proper ventilation. You should have a latch that was provided to you by your cylinder retailer for this purpose.

The maximum number of propane cylinders that you can transport at one time is five. For open vehicles, the total combined mass of the propane and cylinders should not exceed 500 kg. The maximum number of propane cylinders that you can transport in enclosed vehicles is five. This is as long as each individual cylinder weighs a total of less than 30 kg (600 lbs). Typically, a full barbecue cylinder weights approximately 17 kg (34.5 lbs).

If you exceed these limits in either open or enclosed vehicles, your vehicle should be placarded as per the placard requirements. Also, make sure to carry the appropriate supporting documentation and the people operating the vehicle must have the appropriate training.

Store propane cylinders awaiting use in a well-ventilated area away from heavy traffic. Make sure to store them upright and place them on a flat surface such as concrete or other non-flammable material that will not collect water.

If storing propane cylinders in places such as damp grass or mud, this risks exposing the cylinder to conditions that may cause rust and/or pitting that may render the cylinder useless. It is not advisable to store any propane cylinder container indoors. Also, store a propane bottle outside on a firm surface and away from any source of ignition.

It is vital that you always position propane cylinders so that their relief valve is in direct communication with the vapor space of the container. If storing it vertically upright, it will have the relief valve communicating with vapor space. Regarding the cylinder relief valve, it is essential to keep the safety relief valve pointed away from anything that escaping propane could come into contact with and possibly cause a fire or accident.

If improperly storing, such as on their side with the relief valve in contact with the propane liquid and the safety relief valves open for any reason, the liquid from the cylinders will be escaping instead of vapor posing a much greater hazard. This is why it is important to make sure the relief valve is communicating with the vapor space of the tank. Store all consumer propane cylinders vertically upright in all circumstances.

These are just a few important guidelines to follow for transportation or storage of propane cylinders. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us here at Texas Propane with the link below!