subject: Storing Butane In The Home [print this page] Many adventurous individuals who need windproof lighter have gravitated toward the many butane torch types on the market. These lighters do provide excellent and reliable service under adverse conditions. The flame can be directed, even when the lighter is inverted, which makes them useful for starting campfires and other tasks.
These lighters are powered by gaseous butane which is aerosolized by the jet when the fuel release mechanism is tripped. This fuel is generally safe but one needs to make certain they follow basic safety precautions when carrying it around on a camping, fishing or hunting trip.
Butane fuel is noted for its hot burn. It is used in many windproof lighters where a high-pressure torch style flame prevents it from being extinguished. This characteristic says something about how flammable this gas can be: even with a wind pushing it away from the jets, it ignites quickly enough to prevent it from being blown away before it catches fire. One should keep this in mind when considering where to store canisters of this gas. A flame from a gas stove or any other source will quickly set a cloud of butane alight.
The canister of butane needs to be kept safe from puncture for the same reasons it needs to be kept safe from heat and cold. While it may be carried safely in a backpack, it should be kept away from cutting implements or other sharp items. Butane fuel is best kept in a bag or wrapped in a soft cloth and placed in its own pocket of the backpack, preferably as far away from the bearer as possible in case it does happen to rupture. The best advice is to assume that the can will rupture, even though this is unlikely, and to pack accordingly.
Butane needs to be stored in a cool place. Heat can cause the can to rupture as readily as can mistreatment. Likewise, the cans need to be insulated from very cold temperatures which can cause the fuel to dispense improperly. This fuel is best stored in a locked location safely out of reach of any young ones. Be certain not to leave cans of this fuel in a car on a sunny day, as well, as the temperatures in vehicles on such days easily reach levels that can cause the can to explode.
