General Propane Safety Information
- Liquid propane (LP) gas is a petroleum product as are gasoline and natural gas. In normal temperatures and pressures, LP gas is a gas. When moderate pressure is applied, inside a cylinder, LP gas becomes a liquid. As the pressure is released the liquid readily vaporizes and boils off as a gas.
- LP gas has no odor, but rather an odor additive so you can smell it.
- Propane gas is denser than air, if a propane tank purges to relieve pressure build-up, the propane will collect in low lying areas. These areas can be easily ignited and are highly flammable. Use caution when dealing with a propane tank that may have recently self-purged.
- DO NOT paint propane tanks any color other than white. Any alteration to tank color will result in tank purging, fire, personal injury, or death.
- Big John Grills & Rotisseries uses high quality Worthington Cylinders in 30 lb. and 40 lb. sizes. These tanks are protected with a rust-resistant white powder coat finish.
- Always keep the cylinder valve closed when not in use.
- Cylinders are designed to function with the valve completely open or completely closed, there is no in-between. Never open the valve just a “crack” or “half way”.
- Always position the propane cylinder so that the connection between the valve and the regulator will not cause any sharp bends in the hose.
- NEVER store or use propane cylinders indoors.
- Make sure the POL or QCC Connector is free from scratches or nicks which can cause gas leaks.
- DO NOT store or use gasoline or other flammable liquids or vapors in the vicinity of a gas appliance.
- DO NOT store extra liquid propane cylinders within the vicinity of a gas appliance.
- DO NOT store a liquid propane cylinder in/on any part of an appliance not intended for such use. Improper storage of a cylinder could lead an explosion, fire, personal injury, or death.
- DO NOT store or lean items against unit surface or fuel cylinders while operating.
- Shut off unit and all gas sources if the odor of unburned gas is detected. Make no attempt to use the unit until gas leaks are fixed and/or the odor is accounted for.
- Do NOT use a damaged, dented, or rusty LP cylinder or a cylinder with a damaged valve - replace with a new one immediately.
- Replacement LP tanks must match the regulator connection supplied with this grill and be a minimum of 30 lb. capacity.
Liquid Propane Tank Requirements
- For tanks not purchased from Big John Grills & Rotisseries: check to be sure cylinders have been tested within the past 5 years and have a D.O.T. certification. Your LP gas supplier can do this for you.
- All LP tank supply systems must have a collar to protect the cylinder valve.
- All tanks used on Big John Grills equipment must be a minimum of 30 lb. size.
- Tanks larger than 100 lbs. in size may require a POL for connection. Please call a Big John Customer Service Representative if you are using a 100 lb. propane tank.
Disconnecting and Transporting Propane Cylinders
- Turn off all control knobs and close the main cylinder valve. Disconnect regulator with QCC.
- Place cylinder valve plug snugly in the main cylinder valve outlet. Only use the cylinder valve plug that is provided with the cylinder. Other types of caps or plugs may result in leakage of propane.
- Treat “empty” LP cylinders with the same care as full ones. Even when the tank is empty, there is still some gas pressure left in the cylinder.
- Always transport and store propane cylinders in a secure, upright position. Never store these propane tanks on their side, handle them roughly, or drop them.
- Never keep propane cylinders (full or empty) in a hot vehicle. Heat can cause the relief valve to purge propane creating a very dangerous situation.
- To fill, take the LP cylinder to a propane gas dealer WARNING: We strongly recommend that your LP cylinder be filled by an authorized propane dealer, by a qualified attendant, who fills the tank by weight. IMPROPER FILLING IS DANGEROUS.
- Air must be purged from a new LP cylinder before the initial filling. Your LP dealer will do this.
Storing Propane Cylinders
- Turn off all control knobs and close the main cylinder valve.
- Place cylinder valve plug or cap snugly in main cylinder valve outlet.
- Always store propane cylinders in a secure, cool/dry place in the upright position.
- Never store propane cylinders in a vehicle of any kind and or anywhere the temperatures can reach 125° F.
Connecting a Refilled Cylinder & Troubleshooting
- See Product Owner's Manual for Specific Instructions
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