Portable propane heaters have gained popularity among campers, cabin residents and people in other settings where electric or natural gas heat is unavailable or impractical. Fire and carbon monoxide gas pose the biggest risks when dealing with portable propane heaters. Follow the safety procedures governing propane heaters.
Function
Propane heaters work by burning propane, a gas byproduct of petroleum. Propane is stored as a liquid at room temperature in pressurized tanks that can be the size of whole rooms, or smaller handheld cylinders. Some portable propane heaters are simple units meant to heat a room. Others combine propane heat with an electric fan that directs the hot air produced by the heater toward a crowd or space that needs heating. Propane heaters require a good air supply to work properly.
Safe Use
Before first use, and at several times during the season, check the heater, propane tank, and all connectors, joints and valves for signs of rust, corrosion or weakness. Check for propane leaks by rubbing a soap water solution around the connector joining the propane tank to the stove body or hose. Bubbles at the joint indicate a propane leak that needs to be repaired.
Safe Placement
Check that you're using a heater that's been tested and certified by an examination laboratory. Place your heater on a firm, level and nonflammable surface, where it cannot be tipped or disturbed. Keep your heater several feet away from curtains, carpets, furniture, bedding, clothing and other potentially flammable materials. Make sure that neither children nor pets can come close to the heater.
If using an electric propane heater, ensure that people or objects won't block the hot air or exhaust.
Ventilation and CO Prevention
Indoor propane heaters must be properly vented to the outside. Failure to vent exhaust gas outdoors can lead to a deadly indoor buildup of carbon monoxide gas. Have a professional inspector examine your heater at the beginning of, and during, each season of use. Make sure you have CO and propane alarms present in your house and the room where the heater is. Also make sure your heater has an automated low-oxygen shutoff alarm.
Leak Detection
While propane itself has no odor, fuel companies add a noxious-smelling substance called mercaptan to propane to enable customers to detect a leak. In the event of a leak, turn off all flames in the room and immediately exit the area to call for help. Propane is highly flammable and can be explosive in air.
Member Comments