Of course, there probably is not anything that is perfectly safe. If that is what you are looking for, forget any kind of patio heater. For that matter, you should have your gas or electric furnace removed, as well as any appliances. You also should buy a horse and give your car away.

Ultimately, no one can guarantee anything is perfectly safe, including patio heaters and horses. However, the way we use that patio heater or horse is a huge determining factor in its safety. Learning and following common sense safety measures, such as those presented here, will go a long way toward making sure your experience is a safe and enjoyable one.

The most common propane source for patio heaters is the traditional, reliable 20 lb. propane cylinder used for years with outdoor gas grills. It should ease your mind to know that it would take a great deal of conscious, tireless effort for you to explode a propane cylinder. It just does not happen very easily.

If there is concern, it should be with the connections that link the patio heater to the fuel source, as well as the flame that is produced. Gas leaks, which can be caused by poor connections, certainly can be a danger. So is an open flame that is not being properly supervised. Dented, rusted, or otherwise damaged propane cylinders, valves, collars or footings should be avoided.

Should you smell gas, shut off the gas and extinguish the flame. If the odor continues, contact your gas supplier or fire department. They will be able to restore safety and peace of mind.

In addition to smell, there are effective ways to test for leaks, including brushing soapy water on all gas connections (with tank valve open). If this creates bubbles, you have a leak. Manufacturers may provide other testing guidelines, which you should follow.

It is a good bet they will not include using matches or lighters, or smoking and consuming adult beverages while checking for leaks. If unsure why that is, please obtain a restraining order from any gas heater, grill or appliance.

Even though better manufacturers check factory connections for leaks, parts can loosen as a result of movement during shipping. Make up your mind to take the time to double-check every connection. Also, most patio heaters require at least some assembly, so take whatever time is needed to do a good job.

Great care should be taken in assembling products such as this. Complete all steps as directed and do not force any parts together. If this is not your specialty, find someone special to help you.

Just as every owner’s manual will warn, outdoor patio heaters are not intended for indoors. Burning propane produces carbon monoxide. Outdoors on your patio or deck, no worries. In an enclosed area indoors, the carbon monoxide can accumulate and prove fatal. Patio heaters are not equipped with a chimney the way an indoor fireplace is. Their ventilation system is the outdoors.

Another common sense precaution is to keep things away from the heater that could catch fire. Clothing, paper products, toys, the siding on your house, shrubs and other vegetation are all examples of things you should keep at least three feet from the heater. If the manufacturer recommends greater clearance than that, then follow those guidelines. For instance, materials such as gasoline, paint, and other flammable liquids and vapors require far greater clearance.

The surface around the patio heater’s dome and burner becomes extremely hot. Temperatures approaching 1600 Fahrenheit are possible on the heater’s emitter.

Alert everyone, therefore, of the high temperature, especially children. Set clear boundaries for not touching or getting too close to the heater. Then, listen to your own advice, such as not trying to move a patio heater while it is in operation. As you may expect, leaving a patio heater unattended while it is lit just does not make sense.

Manufacturers usually recommend not using a patio heater if there are winds in excess of 10 mph. That is good advice. So is placing your heater on a stable, hard and level surface. Following these two guidelines will eliminate all kinds of risks should the heater fall over. Well-made units have automatic shut-off switches, but they do not eliminate every potentiality.

To our original question, yes, outdoor propane patio heaters are safe. Their fundamental safety, as well as that of propane use, have been greatly enhanced by higher industry standards and more stringent regulations. The unknown factor is the individual using the heater and his/her safety consciousness. If that is you and you have read this far, it is a good bet that you will safely enjoy your patio heater for years to come.

Chris Basher is considered an authority on outdoor patio heaters , fire pits, outdoor patio fireplaces, and other backyard products. He is the owner of www.FirePitNow.com, an outstanding Internet place to find these and other related products. For other valuable, free information regarding outdoor patio heaters and similar products, take a moment to visit his website.