If you think you smell boiled cabbage or rotten eggs, check the propane tank! Propane is purposely treated with this odor so that the smallest leak will be obvious. If you suspect a leak, use the soap bubble test to determine from where the propane is leaking.

-Make a solution of dish soap and water.
-Use a paint brush to spread the soapy water over the joints and the hose connection.
-Turn on the tank but not the barbecue itself. If bubbles form, you have a leak.
-Turn off the tank and before you use your barbecue again be sure to replace the damaged hose or connection.

As of April, 2002 all propane cylinders used for BBQ's are required by law to be equipped with the OPD (over-fill protection device) valve. This valve can be identified by the triangle shaped handle. If your BBQ cylinder does not have this valve, you will no longer be able to get it refueled.

This valve was developed because many cylinders were being over filled, creating a major safety issue. This valve will now keep your cylinder at a safe level when being refilled.

Other safety issues to help you enjoy your gas grill:

-Store your propane tank outdoors and always keep the cylinder upright.
-When removing the tank for fueling, be careful not to loosen any other connections.

Transporting propane containers: The best method of transporting your propane container is to secure it in the vertical position in a pick up truck. If you must use a car, secure it in the vertical position, preferably in the trunk. After refueling always remove the container A.S.A.P. from your vehicle. Never leave a just filled propane container in the passenger compartment of a parked car. Temperatures can quickly climb to dangerous heights, risking the release of propane from the safety pressure relief valve.

With the older POL style valves: When hooking-up the propane cylinder, use the proper wrench. (To tighten, you need to turn the threaded fitting that connects to the cylinder valve counter-clockwise.) The inside of the new OPD valve is equipped with the same left hand threaded connections, allowing you to use your old BBQ connection with the new OPD valve.

If you have the new OPD valve and the new OPD connector on your BBQ you will be able to simply connect the two using your hands and turning the black connection in the normal clockwise direction.

Valve Guard- Must be fully attached and not blocking the accessibility of the valves.
Foot Ring- Must be fully attached, allowing the tank to stand.
Rust- Tanks must be free from all types of rust. Tanks should be periodically sanded and re-painted.
Dents- Tanks must be free of dents, bulges or weakened welds.
Valves and Gauges- All valves and gauges must be in proper working order, free from leaks. Relief valves must be replaced 12 years from the date of manufacture.
Data Plate- The manufacturers data must reflect the requalification status of the tank.

* Requalification specifications are found in the NFPA 58 (National Fire Protection Association) LP Gas Code, Appendix C, Design, construction and requalification of DOT Cylinders page 58-81 section C-3.2.4 (c).