Butane lighters offer reliable service and efficient fuel consumption. The fuel these lighters used constitutes a pressurized gas which, obviously, is very flammable. This fuel must be stored under proper conditions for safety reasons and to insure that the fuel dispenses correctly when the lighter is refilled.
The first and foremost rule when storing butane is access. It needs to be kept away from children as it does present a hazard to little ones. This fuel is liquid in the can but quickly becomes a gas in the absence of sufficient pressure. Anyone rupturing one of these cans is going to find themselves momentarily in a cloud of flammable gas.
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.
Some lighters, such as the many well-known Zippo pipe lighter designs, use liquid-fuel. This fuel is not as vulnerable to temperature changes as is butane but also requires that it be stored safely. The principal danger with liquid fuel is presented in the form of spills. This fuel not only presents a fire hazard, it will ruin finished and painted surfaces, in many cases. Always make certain that there is no way that children can access lighter fuel of any type. While it’s safe enough when handled by adults, it presents a very real hazard to children.
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