Over the years, propane has turned out to be a versatile gas. It has both industrial and domestic uses, but at the same time, the gas is flammable. Given that it is pressurized to be stored in the liquid form, you need to take guard while storing and transporting the cylinders. Due to this pressurization, the cylinders have a tremendous explosive force. Propane gas transportation involves certain crucial checklists. Possible leakages from the cylinders cannot be ruled out. To remain safe while transporting the gas, it’s imperative to adhere to certain guidelines.
Upper limits on propane gas transportation
To step up the guard against harm in the case of accidents, the authorities have imposed a limit on the volume of gas that can be transported at a time. For commercial houses, the load would be regulated once it exceeds 440 pounds.
Besides, the nature of the vehicle being used to transport propane largely determines the limits. Commonly, these vehicles come under two broad categories.
- Enclosed vehicles: Enclosed vehicles include any means of transportation with a closed roof. This can be an SUV, coupe, or sedans. Since these vehicles are closed, there is a greater risk potential while transporting the propane gas. The maximum limit is four cylinders of propane gas in an enclosed vehicle. The overall weight has to be lesser than 90 pounds. No cylinder should exceed 45 pounds of weight.
- Pickup trucks or open trailers: If you have been using open trailers or truck beds to transport propane, you have the liberty to transport a larger volume. However, you need to adhere to the right guidelines when it comes to transportation procedures. Here, you can transport up to 1,000 pounds of the gas. Therefore, when you need to transport propane gas in bulk, open trailers would be the ideal option.
Tips to transport propane gas in enclosed vehicles
- Make sure that the propane gas tanks are placed in vertical or upright positions.
- To prevent the tank from falling during transportation, use a tank stabilizer or milk crate.
- Between the rear and front seats, you can wedge a tank full of propane gas safely. It should be a tight fit, so that the cylinders do not bump along the road.
- Another option is to keep the tank of propane in the trunk, particularly when you don’t have space on the back seat.
- For additional security, use a rope or bungee cords to transport the tanks in cars or enclosed vehicles.
Transporting propane gas in trucks: Advantages and guidelines
When you adhere to the prescribed protocols, you would enjoy certain advantages of transporting propane gas in trucks. When you need to carry a greater number of cylinders, trucks would be ideal. Here, the upper limit of transportation of propane is 1,000 pounds. Therefore, even if you have heavier tanks of 50 or 100 pounds, you can seamlessly accommodate them in trucks.
- The tanks above 100 pounds might be too heavy, so always have an assistant when you load them on the trucks.
- Maintain a vertical upright position for the tanks all the time.
- Strap the propane tanks securely to the truck for better stabilization to a strong anchor point.
Additional guidelines for transporting propane tanks
- Make sure that the tanks are properly ventilated during transportation in a closed vehicle.
- Before transporting the tanks, be careful to close all the valves.
- Follow the shortest route to the destination, as it would be risky to keep the tanks exposed for long.
- When you arrive at the destination, unload the tanks immediately and store them safely.
- Never smoke inside or close to the vehicle carrying propane tanks.
With these guidelines, you can safely transport propane gas tanks. Whether you have been using the fuel domestically or commercially, it makes sense to adhere to the prescribed safety norms during transportation.
