Safer Propane Tank for Barbecue Grills Helps to Avoid Gas Leaks
NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 22, 2002
Release # 02-127
CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: Ken Giles, (301) 504-7052
New, Safer Propane Tank for Barbecue Grills Helps to Avoid Gas Leaks
- Device Expected to Prevent Many of the 600 Fires/Explosions Each Year
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
wants consumers to know that as of April 1, 2002, many state and local jurisdictions will require that all propane gas tanks being refilled for consumers to use with their barbecue grills must have a new safety device. The
over-fill prevention device will help to avoid propane leaks that can
cause fires and explosions. The new standard is published by the
National Fire Protection Association.
"CPSC worked with industry to develop this safety standard to
help prevent deaths and injuries," said CPSC Acting Chairman Thomas
Moore. "As people trade in their old propane tanks for newer ones, we
will see fewer fires."
Propane gas is highly flammable. Each year, about 600
fires/explosions occur with gas grills resulting in injuries to about 30
people. The new safety standard for propane gas tanks requires that an
"over-fill prevention device" be installed in new gas tanks. The new
propane gas tanks have valve handles with three "lobes" (prongs) while
older tanks have valve handles with five prongs. Beginning April 1,
only the new propane tanks will be sold or refilled nationwide. People
with older propane gas tanks will need to get the new, safer tanks when
they go in for a refill. While some dealers are trading in old tanks at
no cost, others may charge a fee, which could range from $10 to $20.
An additional industry standard (adopted in 1995 at the urging of
CPSC) provided for several safety features in the gas grills, hoses, and
connections. The safety standard calls for a device to limit the flow of
gas if the hose ruptures; a mechanism to shut-off the grill if it
overheats; and a device to prevent the flow of gas if the connection
between tank and grill is not leak-proof. People who have grills that
do not meet the 1995 standard should either get a new grill or be
especially attentive to the safety tips below.
Here are some safety tips to reduce the risk of fire or explosion
with gas grills:
Check grill hoses for cracking, brittleness, holes, and leaks. Make
sure there are no sharp bends in the hose or tubing.
Move gas hoses as far away as possible from hot surfaces and dripping
hot grease.
Always keep propane gas containers upright.
Never store a spare gas container under or near the grill or indoors.
Never store or use flammable liquids, like gasoline, near the grill.
Never keep a filled container in a hot car or car trunk. Heat will
cause the gas pressure to increase, which may open the relief valve and
allow gas to escape.
Make sure your spark ignitor is consistently generating a spark to
create a flame and burn the propane gas. If the flame is not visible,
the heavier-than-air propane gas may be escaping and could explode.
Never bring the propane tank into the house.
Charcoal Grill Safety Tips
Charcoal produces carbon monoxide (CO) when it is burned. CO is a
colorless, odorless gas that can accumulate to toxic levels in closed
environments. Each year about 17 people die as a result of CO fumes
from charcoal being burned inside. To reduce the risk of CO poisoning:
Never burn charcoal inside of homes, vehicles, tents, or campers.
Charcoal should never be used indoors, even if ventilation is provided.
Since charcoal produces CO fumes until the charcoal is completely
extinguished, do not store the grill indoors with freshly used coals.
In 1996, CPSC revised the label on charcoal packaging to more
explicitly warn consumers of the deadly CO gas that is released when
charcoal is burned in a closed environment. The new label reads,
"WARNING ... CARBON MONOXIDE HAZARD ... Burning charcoal inside can kill
you. It gives off carbon monoxide, which has no odor. NEVER burn
charcoal inside homes, vehicles or tents." The new label also conveys
the written warning visually with drawings of grills inside a home,
tent, and vehicle. The drawings are enclosed in a circle with an "X"
through it.