Portable Gas Bottles & Butane Cartridges for Camping: Top Safety Tips
There’s nothing quite like cooking your dinner over an open campfire in the Australian wilderness. Although modern day conveniences mean you no longer have to figure out how to start and safely maintain a fire in order to cook your food while camping. Now you can take a portable gas barbeque on your next camping trip and save yourself the hassle.
Throughout Australia, the use of fires has some restrictions due to the prevalence of bush fires, and therefore it’s especially important to adhere to these restrictions while camping. Campfires can easily spread burning embers which can start bushfires. The use of LPG gas bottles to fuel your camping accessories is a common alternative to a campfire, both for convenience and safety reasons.
LPG is the most common camping fuel due to its portability, cost-effectiveness, safety and also due to the fact that it burns cleanly. Not only that, your LPG gas bottle that can fire up your portable barbeque can also be used to power lights, kettles, heaters and even your portable shower unit, taking your outback camping experience to new levels of comfort and convenience.
And trust us, while modern technology might make your camping feel less rustic, a portable gas barbeque and a warm shower does not constitute “glamping”. You are still braving the elements and having an adventure!
Refillable or Disposable Gas Canisters?
You can find both refillable and disposable gas canisters for camping to fuel a variety of camping accessories. Available at many hardware and outdoor stores, as well as at your local service station. Refillable cylinders are more suited to those with a caravan, as they are less portable due to their size and weight. These are often used to fuel your barbeque at home.
The smaller, more portable disposable butane gas canisters are perfect for hikers, or those who like to travel light. These are especially those going bush for a few days as you don’t want to be carrying a 4kg gas bottle in your pack! These can easily power your fold up stove top, but as they are smaller, they will of course run out faster. So, it may pay to pack a couple of canisters, depending on how long you are planning on venturing into the wilderness for.
Either way, both options require you to cook, heat, and light on the go, without needing a power source to keep you going. However, both types of gas canisters require safe usage and handling.
How to Safely Use a Portable Gas Bottle
Although convenient, inappropriate storage, transportation, use and maintenance of gas bottles and butane cartridges can be dangerous, so it is essential to become familiar with proper handling to ensure your safety.
Safe Storage:
- Gas bottles should be stored upright at all times, in a well-ventilated area outside.
- Storage should also be out of direct sunlight and in a cool area.
- Valves should be turned off when the gas bottle is not in use.
- Gas bottles should be stored away from flammable liquids and aerosols.
Secure Transportation:
- Gas bottles should be carried upright at all times.
- If transporting a gas bottle in a car, the gas bottle should be no more than 9kg, as well as being positioned upright, and firmly secured.
- Only two gas bottles should be transported in a single car.
- Keep gas bottles out of direct sunlight.
Safe Gas Bottle Usage:
- Always read the manufacturer's instructions before use.
- When installing to a stove, heater or gas light, ensure this is done correctly as per the manufacturer’s standards.
- Portable gas bottles and butane gas stoves should not be used indoors or in confined spaces.
- Take caution when using LPG fuel in windy condition as burners can blow out.
- When disconnecting, shut off the valve first, and keep away from flames.
- If you are using the gas bottle for cooking, do not use automotive LPG.
Gas Bottle Maintenance:
- Refillable gas bottles need to be re-tested every 10 years.
- Do not use a naked flame to check for leaks, you should instead cover the suspected leak with soapy water and check for bubbles.
- Do not tamper with the valves.
How to Safely Use a Butane Gas Canister
Similar to other bottled gas, it is essential you take the necessary safety precautions when using butane gas canisters.
Safe Storage:
- Butane gas canisters should be stored out of direct sunlight in a cool area.
- Ensure storage is in a well-ventilated space away from flammable liquids and aerosols.
Secure Transportation:
- Keep canisters upright in a storage container and with the lid securely in place.
- Ensure gas canisters are kept out of direct sunlight during transit.
Safe Gas Bottle Usage:
- Always read the manufacturer's instructions before use and use butane products according to the manufacturer's standards.
- Butane gas stoves should not be used indoors or in confined spaces.
- Take precautions to avoid inhaling butane when using it for cooking, heating or lighting.
- Take caution when using butane fuel in windy condition as burners can blow out.
- When using pots for cooking, only use pot sizes as per the manufacturer guidelines. Pots that are too large can concentrate the heat down toward the gas canister, which may cause it to overheat.
- When disconnecting, shut off the valve first, and keep away from flames.
Gas Bottle Maintenance:
- Check for leaks and make sure all connections are tight. Always cover the suspected leak with soapy water and check for bubbles.
- Periodically inspect the valves to ensure there is no damage and never tamper with the valves.
For all gas appliances, replace any faulty components before using them or speak to a gas appliance professional if you unsure about how to make it safe for use.
Gasmate: Your Go to LPG & Butane Gas for Camping
Gasmate is the industry leader in gas bottles, barbeques and accessories with a commitment to exceptional safety standards and innovative design. Gasmate camping cylinders have a 20-year reputation of reliability and safety, as well as being certified to Australian standards. Available in a range of sizes, including 1.25kg, 2kg, 3kg, 4.5kg, and 9.0kg. Gasmate gas bottles have been manufactured to store LPG at above atmospheric pressure.
The Gasmate butane cartridge range is suitable for portable gas stoves, butane lanterns and lights, camping stoves and other approved butane canister devices. The range consists of 220g rim vent release canisters as well as 230g and 450g screw type connection cannisters which are designed for safe and easy operation.
For more information, call our friendly team on 1300 174 876 or visit your local Gasmate stockist.