Storing gas cylinders at home is dangerous

Far too many full or almost full gas bottles remain in our home or in our garden. They represent a real risk, either of explosion or for the environment.

In general, gas bottles are used for cooking, to operate additional heating or a DIY appliance. They are also found in commercial premises but of the approximately 68 million gas bottles in circulation in our country, only 10% return to the distributor after use. This means that everything else, the vast majority, is stored, without anyone doing anything with it. With the risks that this represents, and to which the National Federation of Firefighters is devoting an awareness campaign in partnership with Antargaz.

The risks involved are of two types. The first is human. A gas cylinder is a potential explosive if exposed to heat. Moreover, even when you think it is empty, the bottle still contains a little gas and this exposes the Firefighters to additional risks when they intervene. In the event of a fire, for example. Just 10 days ago, the press reported the case of four firefighters, injured while responding, following the explosion of gas cylinders in Loire-Atlantique. They are on the front line in these cases, but obviously the danger also concerns the residents.

The second risk concerns the environment. Not only for bottles abandoned in the forest, which could amplify the devastation of a fire, but also because our unused bottles would, in reality, have the right to a second life if we returned them to a point of sale. They would be subject to an emptying and an inspection to ensure that they comply with current safety standards. They could be filled with gas again and finally returned to the distribution circuit. This would avoid making new ones. You can also return unused bottles to an approved point of sale.

And for those you need, some safe storage tips: if it's butane, you can keep the bottle indoors, but not in the basement, which is generally poorly ventilated. If it is propane, it must be stored outside, under a simple shelter, that will be enough.
Whatever the bottle, keep it upright, vertically, on a very stable support, to avoid leaks. No need to fill it out yourself. Be sure to check the supply hoses for cracks or splits. Also look at the expiry date indicated on it: if it has been reached, this means that you need to change it.