Check How to Store Butane Cans and Keep Them From Overheating

How many butane accidents were reported?

The Korea Consumer Agency analyzed 396 camping product safety accidents reported to the Consumer Injury Surveillance System (CISS) from 2018 to 2020 and issued a safety warning on July 20, 2021. Reports rose each year: 115 in 2018, 139 in 2019, and 142 in 2020.

One reported case is from July 2018 at a beach, where a can burst and the person was treated at a hospital for burns to the face and left arm.

In June 2019, the National Fire Agency said butane gas explosions during portable gas burner use averaged 111 a year over the previous five years (2014 to 2018). Casualties averaged 27 people a year, made up of 2.4 deaths and 24.6 injuries.

In 2019, there had been 45 cases and 19 injuries by mid-June. On June 2 that year, in a home in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, a family of nine suffered burns when butane gas overheated and exploded while they were grilling meat on a burner.

Where should you store the cans?

The National Fire Agency advises detaching the canister from the burner after use and keeping it in a cool place. It is also clear about what to avoid.

• Near anything that uses open flame
• Left in a car for a long time in summer

The Korea Consumer Agency also says not to keep butane cans near open flame, because even a used-up can still holds a small amount of gas. If you have been keeping spare cans next to a fire pit or burner, move them to a cool spot away from the fire.

How do you prevent overheating while cooking?

While you are cooking, the key is to block the ways a can can pick up heat. The two agencies point to four actions.

1. Do not use a grill plate larger than the trivet. The Korea Consumer Agency explains that the can can heat up and explode in that case.
2. Following the National Fire Agency's guidance, do not use two burners joined together. Not using a grill plate larger than the burner is part of the same rule.
3. Do not heat a can to draw out the remaining gas.
4. Do not force a burner to light with a lighter.

How do you dispose of a used can?

The Korea Consumer Agency explains that an empty can still holds a little gas. So it advises disposing of cans in a safe, well-ventilated place, and the National Fire Agency says to do so where there is no open flame. What the two have in common is to throw cans away far from fire.

What should you look for when buying?

The National Fire Agency advises using a portable gas burner with a quality certification mark (KS) and butane gas with an explosion-prevention device. Before you buy, check first whether the can has an explosion-prevention device and whether the grill plate you plan to use is no larger than the burner.