The Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) is sending the following information to media outlets across Ontario. Please consider distributing this information in your community so members of the public are aware of the potential safety hazard.

On April 1, 2010 the OFM was called to investigate an explosion at a propane filling and distribution centre in Smithville, Ontario. Although the investigation is ongoing, a safety issue was identified involving 20-pound propane barbeque-type cylinders. These propane cylinders are available to the public at cylinder exchange facilities and are identified on the label with Tank Traders / Superior Propane.

The safety issue involves cylinders that have been sent to retail cylinder exchange facilities that may have their cylinder valve left in the open position. Connection of the supply hose to the propane cylinder when the valve is in the open position could result in the release of propane creating the risk of fire. The OFM and the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) are urging anyone who has purchased a 20-pound propane cylinder that is identified with a label Tank Traders /Superior Propane from an exchange facility to check and ensure that the cylinder valve is in the closed position. Please note that the cylinder valve should always be in the closed position while you are connecting the tank to your barbeque and when the barbeque is not in use.

Also, if you have a 20-pound propane cylinder with a valve that is green in colour, do not use the cylinder and return it to the supplier.
For more information on this issue, please click on the Safety Order FS-179-10.

LEARN MORE:
To get your barbecue ready for grilling season, TSSA recommends making this three-step safety check part of your spring cleaning routine:

1. CLEAN: use a pipe cleaner or wire to make sure the burner ports are free of rust, dust, dirt, spider webs or other debris.

2. CHECK: examine the hose leading from the fuel supply to the burners. Replace if cracked or damaged.

3. TEST: find leaks by applying a 50/50 solution of water and dish soap to all fuel and hose connections. If bubbles appear, tighten the connections and/or replace the damaged parts and always re-test.
Remember that barbecues are for outdoor use only. If used in an enclosed space, carbon monoxide – an odourless, colourless, poisonous gas – will gather and reach dangerous exposure levels, which can lead to serious health effects, or even death.