Why should propane tanks not be refueled in a closed trailer or truck?

Why should propane tanks not be refueled in a closed trailer or truck?

• A. Propane vapor is one and one-half times heavier than air and will linger in the floor of the truck or trailer
• B. It may cause immediate explosion
• C. It would contaminate the propane with exhaust gases
• D. It would cause the tank to overheat

Answer: (A)

Propane vapor is heavier than air, about 1.5 times as heavy, so when released it tends to settle and pool near the floor. In a closed trailer or truck, any leak will accumulate at floor level, creating a flammable layer that can be ignited by a spark, static discharge, or a hot surface. Refueling in an open, well-ventilated area keeps the vapor from concentrating and allows it to disperse, greatly reducing the risk of ignition. The concern isn’t an immediate explosion during refueling, but rather the dangerous buildup of flammable vapor in a confined space. Contamination with exhaust or overheating the tank aren’t the primary risk in this scenario.

Propane vapor is heavier than air, about 1.5 times as heavy, so when released it tends to settle and pool near the floor. In a closed trailer or truck, any leak will accumulate at floor level, creating a flammable layer that can be ignited by a spark, static discharge, or a hot surface. Refueling in an open, well-ventilated area keeps the vapor from concentrating and allows it to disperse, greatly reducing the risk of ignition. The concern isn’t an immediate explosion during refueling, but rather the dangerous buildup of flammable vapor in a confined space. Contamination with exhaust or overheating the tank aren’t the primary risk in this scenario.