Barbeque Grills & OPD Devices

As of April 1, 2002 cylinders without OPD's cannot be used.

An OPD (Overfilling Prevention Device) is a safety feature that helps prevent small propane cylinders from being overfilled.

There are limits to how much propane can be put into a cylinder.  A properly filled cylinder will have a vapor space left in the top of the cylinder to allow room for expansion of the liquid with a change in atmospheric temperature.  An overfilling prevention device is a secondary means of assuring that cylinders are not overfilled.

There are at least two ways to identify OPD equipped cylinders.  New cylinder wrappers and/or warning labels will include this information.  Second, most cylinders with OPD's have special triangular the letters "OPD" (However, some OPD's were produced before the letters on the valve handles and valve bodies were required so check the wrapper or label or ask your propane refiller to identify the type of valve on your cylinder.

Beginning in October of 1998 all newly manufactured small propane cylinders (capacity of 4 pounds up to 40 pounds) are equipped with an overfilling prevention device.  

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Gas Grills safety features

Consumers should consider purchasing grills that have these safety features:
a device to limit the flow of gas in the event of hose rupture; 

a mechanism to shut-off the grill;
and  a feature to prevent the flow of gas if the connection between the tank and the grill is not leak proof.

Check for gas leaks!

• Check for gas leaks, following the manufacturer's instructions, if you smell gas or when you reconnect the grill to the LP gas container.
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions, however you can also take a soapy solution (one part dish soap, five parts water) and pour it over the connections. The solution will begin to bubble if there is a leak.
• If you detect a leak, immediately turn off the gas and do not attempt to light the grill until the leak is fixed! Do not attempt to repair or fix the leak yourself!
• Keep lighted cigarettes, matches or open flames away from a leaking grill.
• See an LP gas dealer or a qualified appliance repair person.

All outdoor grills have the potential to lead to tragedy when carelessness causes structural fires or serious burns to people and pets. According to the Insurance Information Institute, backyard barbecues result in more than 2-thousand fires, over 300 grill related injuries and 3 or more deaths each year.
Please follow the safety tips on this page when using your gas grill or barbeque.

Avoid Deadly Grilling Dangers

• Keep a fire extinguisher accessible near your grill area when you begin.
  Be sure you know HOW TO USE A FIRE EXTINGUISHER before you need it!

• Be sure all children know how to dial 911 for any emergency situation.

• Do Not wear loose clothing while cooking.

• BE VIGILANT WHEN YOU HAVE SMALL CHILDREN AROUND.
  THERE ARE MANY POTENTIAL HAZARDS FROM the LIGHTER FLUID, FROM the PROPANE TANKS OR JUST THE HOT SURFACES OF THE GRILL.

• Do not use the grill in a garage, breezeway, carport, porch, party tents, patio, fire escapes or under a surface that can catch fire.

• All grills in use should rest at least 15-20 feet from the house, car,
  trees and party decorations.

• If you live in a condo, townhouse or apartment complex, gas grills are prohibited on balconies or covered patios.  

• Never leave any grill unattended or allow children to play or run in the area of the grill.

• Remember that alcoholic beverages are flammable! Keep them away from the grill.