Propane Safety – Montgomery County Food Truck Association

Propane tanks

Jason Buford — Fri, 03 May 2024 18:55:11 +0000

Propane poses the most significant risk of fire in a food truck. NFPA asserts that 68 percent of food truck fires are related to leaks or structural failures in propane tanks. Propane explosions were behind almost every food truck fire involving injuries and deaths in recent years.

Here’s the thing: while cooking with propane is generally considered safe, just a small, 20-pound propane cylinder attached to a backyard grill contains the explosive power of 170 sticks of dynamite – generating more than 425,000 BTUs (British Thermal Units) of energy.

Food trucks can carry 100-pound propane cylinders capable of exploding with more than 2.5 million BTUs. The very nature of food truck use amplifies the risk, as trucks are commonly parked at events or lined up along streets where large numbers of people congregate, cramming an enormous explosive potential into a small, heavily populated space. Some states consider food trucks a potential terrorist threat due to the explosive power of their propane tanks.

Food trucks are constantly on the move, driving over bumpy roads and potholes that can jostle propane tanks—loosening connections and fittings, and causing other structural damage. Failing to properly tighten fittings when tanks are swapped out can also cause leaks.

Since propane is heavier than air, an undetected leak on a tank inside a truck tends to pool near the floor. In a truck saturated with cooking smells, people may not realize that they are standing in a pocket of propane gas. A single spark from the oven or stove can ignite the gas.

Carrying propane tanks on the outside of trucks decreases the risk posed by leaks—but increases the risk of tanks exploding on impact in even minor collisions.

Lighting Pilot Lights

Jason Buford — Fri, 03 May 2024 18:42:07 +0000

If you are noticing that a pilot light in your food truck is going out on a consistent basis, there is likely an issue with either your appliance or propane system. Make sure that you get the appliance or propane system inspected by a qualified propane service tech.

If you are a smoker, do not smoke or have any source of ignition before lighting your pilot.

Always turn on your exhaust fan (if your food truck is equipped with one) prior to turning on any LP gas valve.

Do not let any untrained employee light the pilot. Be sure to have an employee who knows what they’re doing or light the pilot yourself to ensure the pilots are lit safely.

Safety practices for propane tank refill and distribution

Jason Buford — Fri, 03 May 2024 17:43:22 +0000

Proper training and certification of all employees involved in propane refill. If employees don’t have this training, don’t let them refill the tanks.
Do not refill tanks unless they are equipped with an overfill protection device (OPD). Tanks with an OPD have a triangular-shaped hand-wheel, with the letters “OPD” printed on it and on the side of the valve. Do not fill tanks that have a round or star-shaped hand wheel.
Inspect each tank for the date of manufacture. Tanks are usually good for 12 years from that date. If the date isn’t stamped on the tank or the label has been removed, do not fill the tank.
Check the tank and valve for leaks after partially filling an approved tank by applying a soapy water solution around the tank and valve. A leak will cause bubbles to form. If the tank has a leak, do not continue to fill it.
Make sure customers wait in a designated area at least 10 feet from the dispensing area. This helps reduce distractions that can cause filling errors and protects the customer.
Inspect all equipment used in the refilling process.
Post visible and easily understood signs that outline your safety requirements and designate areas that are off-limits to customers. Also, post a “No Smoking” sign in the dispensing area.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Make sure that your propane container, piping, and appliances installed on your mobile food vending truck is in accordance with Section 6.23 of the National Fire Protection Association’s Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code, commonly referred to as NFPA 58.