At Canadian Tire Petroleum, we believe it's important to know how to handle propane properly. Below, you will find some simple, straightforward advice on the proper handling and storage of propane.

Propane Cylinders
Our trained service personnel adhere to these strict guidelines and steps when refilling your cylinder.

• Check to see if the cylinder meets the rigid safety specifications based on government regulations as stated in the National Standard of Canada CAN/CGA-B149.2 Propane Installation Code.
• Look for a date of manufacture or the last valid inspection mark.
• Make a visible inspection of the cylinder for cuts, gouges, dents and rusting.
• Test for leakage that may render your cylinder unserviceable.
• Inspect the cylinder's relief valve that may have to be replaced, based on the regulatory guidelines.

Note: When you purchase any new propane cylinder, regulations require that it be purged prior to filling. With proper attention, propane is a safe, versatile, reliable source of energy.

When Transporting Cylinders

1. Ensure you place your propane cylinder down gently on a firm base; it can be dented or damaged if mistreated.
2. Always stand your cylinder upright in a well-ventilated area.
3. When transporting a cylinder in a vehicle, secure the cylinder with a strap or other device that restricts it from moving freely.
4. Keep the cylinder valve closed, even when the cylinder is empty.
5. Insert safety plugs in older, left-hand threaded cylinders during transportation or shortage. Do not insert them in newer, right-hand threaded cylinders, as they will sustain     damage if safety plugs are inserted.
6. Keep the cylinder away from flame or heat.

When Cylinder Is in Use

1. Cylinder must be used and stored outside at all times.
2. Secure your cylinder on a firm base away from flame or heat. Too much heat will cause the propane liquid to expand and apply undue pressure on the cylinder walls and valves.
3. Your cylinder must be fully opened to operate properly. Always use a pressure-reducing regulator.
4. Never attempt to adapt your cylinder to an appliance it was not originally meant for. Cylinders will only function safely and properly with appliances for which they were approved.
5. After you have made the connection, check for leaks with a soapy water solution or leak detector. Never use matches or open flame to check for a leak in your cylinder.
6. Be sure to use the correct attachments with the cylinder you are using. Older cylinders have a left-hand thread and will not function with devices designed for newer cylinders that have a right-hand thread.

When Cylinder Is Not in Use

1. Always close the cylinder valve tightly when not in use, even when empty. This will prevent propane leakage with filled cylinders and interior corrosion of empty cylinders.
2. Store your cylinder outdoors in a well-ventilated area away from flame or heat. It should always be stored in a secure, upright position outside.
3. Protect the cylinder valve, as damage to this area of the cylinder can cause hazardous leakage of propane. The cylinder's protective collar must be intact and at least 3" high for a cylinder to be certified.
4. Only use cylinder safety plugs in older, left-hand threaded cylinders during storage. Newer, right-hand threaded cylinders will sustain damage if safety plugs are inserted.
5. Store cylinder away from flame or heat.