Using Propane

[ShadowNet]

Hey everyone, I'm a noob when it comes to GBBs, and I have a question about using propane.

Is it dangerous to use propane and fire my GBB indoors? I am concerned because with all the accumulated propane lingering in the air, there could be some serious problems if a spark went off.

[FOX_111]

No it's not dangerous. It may smell a bit, but it's ok. Unless you fire in your closet several mags and light a sigarette...

[surebet]

Unless you vent a whole tank, no.

An open window for the smell is nice though

[ShadowNet]

The propane in the air will dissipate over time right?

[FOX_111]

Yeah. The main issue is the smell. So ventilation is a must.

[demco11]

Its pretty safe... just crack a window open.

I shoot mine indoors all the time, and im a few metres away from a gas water heater with an open flame.

[lemegacool]

absolutely safe! it would take ALOT propane in the air to cause explosion, i've fired several mags in my bedroom many times and i still not have blowed up

[aznpos531]

Don't know if this will be considered a necro-post but propane, while non-toxic, can displace air and cause mild asphyxiation if accumulated. Furthermore, commercial propane products commonly contain other hydrocarbons (commonly butane and propylene) that will displace air even more effeciently. My question now is do you think it's dangerous to fire my GBB in the basement? Since propane is denser than air, it will be hard for the propane to dissapate. Propane at room temperture tends too sink to the floor. While I'm sure my basement isn't airtight, I'm still concerned about accumulation of the propane in my basement (propane, sinking, displacing air...)

[Drake]

Originally Posted by aznpos531

My question now is do you think it's dangerous to fire my GBB in the basement? Since propane is denser than air, it will be hard for the propane to dissapate. Propane at room temperture tends too sink to the floor. While I'm sure my basement isn't airtight, I'm still concerned about accumulation of the propane in my basement (propane, sinking, displacing air...)

It's denser than air, but it's not like water or anything: if you allow it to pool, it may (its one of the reasons you shouldn't light stoves in a tent); but if you walk around in it, it'll stir back into the air.

If your basement doesn't have any windows or ventilation or anything (underground concrete foundation) you may want to think about how you'll ventilate the area. Otherwise, just crack open a window and it'll vent out.

And unless your basement is markedly small or you're shooting off an irregularly large amount of propane, the concentrations will be negligible and will eventually dissipate.

[aznpos531]

Originally Posted by Drake

It's denser than air, but it's not like water or anything: if you allow it to pool, it may (its one of the reasons you shouldn't light stoves in a tent); but if you walk around in it, it'll stir back into the air.

If your basement doesn't have any windows or ventilation or anything (underground concrete foundation) you may want to think about how you'll ventilate the area. Otherwise, just crack open a window and it'll vent out.

And unless your basement is markedly small or you're shooting off an irregularly large amount of propane, the concentrations will be negligible and will eventually dissipate.

Thanks for the reply
I do have windows in my basement but they're at gound level, so they're pretty much at the ceiling of the basement. So unless a breeze comes in, I'd imagine it would provide minimal ventilation. It would help with the smell of the odourant though.

My basement isn't small and it's pretty open so I didn't think it would pose much of a risk. Still wanted to make sure with people who are more experienced with GBB's.