Propane Heaters (Dangers and Safety)!

As well we know, today there are several alternative fuels to choose from, particularly when it comes to heating and cooling. One of them is propane. It is great choice for anyone who wants to use more affordable energy (gas) but there is no available natural gas pipeline transmission in your local area. Propane is usually stored into a pressurized tank so thus it can be moved and carried easily from one place to another. This pressurized tank is one of factors why there is needed extra concern on how to use a propane heater properly and more safely.

However, propane heaters are one of popular alternative choices when it comes to heat the air during the coldest days of winter. They are offered in several sizes and types for different uses. And if we completely understand on how to use them properly and safely, they will be not too bad idea to get more affordable of heating costs, particularly if there is not available other heat sources. Like regular natural gas heaters, one of important that must be concerned is about the venting system. Make sure the room has a well-ventilation. The unit must be well-ventilated so thus the accidentally build-up of CO (Carbon Monoxide) can be prevented and minimized as well. Use Oxygen depletion sensor if necessary! Don’t miss to read and learn the operating instructions of the manual’s guidelines of your unit so thus you will always use it properly.

Propane and methane (natural gas) can be categorized into a flammable fuel! Therefore, there is needed and required more extra concern when we choose to use both. Not only fires, propane fuel that is stored into a pressurized tank can lead a serious explosion (like BLEVE ‘Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion’), especially if the tank (with big volume) catastrophically fails. The probability of the explosion and fire accident can be minimized if we use the heater carefully and properly. Keep far away any flammable objects from the unit.

We all agree that safety is the most important point. The following are pieces of helpful information that you should know on how to use propane heaters properly and safely, so thus any dangers and risks can be minimized as well:

CO (Carbon Monoxide)

Carbon monoxide is one of byproducts from combustion process of propane. Like mentioned before, therefore it is so important to make sure that your propane heater is well ventilated, particularly if you use it for indoor use.

A poor venting system can lead to a serious CO poisoning. Warning symptoms of CO poisoning; confusion – nausea – dizziness – sleepiness – headache – weakness, etc. CO will be merged into the blood of the body and finally will decrease the ability of the blood to take & carry O2 (Oxygen). This ongoing condition can cause in seriously loss of consciousness or even death, which the process will be worse and faster for drug use & alcohol consumption.

As well we know, portable propane heater is popular for outdoor recreation. It can be used to heat a closed outdoor space like RV, tent or truck cap. In fact, the symptoms of CO poisoning is too slow to be recognized by a sleeping individual. This is the reason why the risk of death can be much higher. Therefore use O2 depletion sensor for better safety!

Today, many modern propane heating units have already been equipped with an oxygen depletion system (indoor safety feature) that will be useful to shut down the heating system automatically if the oxygen level reaches unacceptable standard. The safety feature also will be helpful to turn off the unit automatically while the unit is overheating.

The other idea to keep naturally warm at night in your tent, you can wear adequate clothing or utilize a thermally rated sleeping bag or you can also consume more fluids or calories.

Understanding about flash point of propane

Flash point is the crucial point if the mixture of propane and air is exact in order to be combustible. It is around 2.15 % and 9.6 % of the total propane / air mixture. This means if the mixture is slightly higher than 9.6 % or a bit lower than 2.15 % then there is no combustion.

Odor of propane

Unfortunately, naturally… propane does not have odor so it can be categorized into tasteless and odorless flammable fuel. On the other hand, this odorless characteristic of propane is not safe and too risk that will make anyone cannot recognize while the leak occurs from the pressurized tank. Therefore, there is used an odorant in order to make the propane gas can be smelled.

Safety checklists:

1. Be careful with the lighting of propane heater. It will initially result and produce in a small flash of flame that can cause fire accident if there are any flammable materials that placed to close with the heater
2. Make sure to place the unit on the flat surface!
3. Avoid involving and using a ventless-catalytic model of propane heater to warm up the air of your room. Using ventless model is a dangerous proposition, particularly if the room has poor ventilation.
4. Make sure your CO detector has a proper and powerful battery back-up so it will work properly and continuously.
5. And once again don’t miss to read & learn the manufacturer’s instructions on how to maintain and use your propane heater properly.

Read also Simple guide on how to vent tankless water heating unit!

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