Propane tanks that hold a lot of gas are usually placed in locations that are somewhat risky. If your unit is mounted in an area that gets traffic, you may have to deal with tempering, collisions, and theft. In order to avoid these costly situations, several crucial steps must be followed.
Prevent Tampering
In most neighborhoods, people and animals tamper with gas tanks. Problems typically occur when the main gas line is bumped out of place. Although gas line technicians use special tools to secure the line, certain bolts can weaken over time. This is why tampering can lead to a minor or major gas leak.
The best way to prevent tampering is by placing your tank in a highly secured location. If this isn’t an option, you can protect the unit by putting commercial-grade fencing around it.
Avoid Vehicular Damage
Gas tanks that are used in commercial and residential areas should be mounted in a spot that’s away from streets and driveways. Vehicular damage can lead to a very dangerous situation because the impact will weaken the gas line. If a vehicle smashes into the housing at a high speed, the results may be more dramatic, as the collision might cause a major leak if the gas line breaks.
Protect Vital Components
The dome on a propane tank is a highly durable component that protects the fittings and valves. It also protects the vent and regulator when gas travels to appliances. Whenever a dome isn’t properly mounted on a tank, it must be readjusted by a trained gas line technician. Dome-related problems should be resolved quickly because debris and branches could damage the fittings if they’re not protected.
Safety Considerations
In order to fully protect a propane tank, proper safety procedures must be implemented. Since propane tanks are manufactured in different sizes, certain steps must be taken according to the situation.
If you’re going to buy propane for a grill, ensure that the tank is firmly secured before transporting it. When you make a stop, always remove the tank out of your car because propane gas can could problems if it’s left in a hot vehicle.
Whenever you smell heavy propane fumes near a tank, extinguish every open flame. Then, get all residents out of the general area where the smell is emitting. The gas supply valve near the tank should only be turned off if the surrounding area is safe.