Need Help- haven't used set-up in a while

[ashvamp]

I need some help. I have an oxygen concentrator and propane set-up with a minor that I used to use regularly about a year and a half ago, but haven't touched since then. I want to start lampworking again, but am scared I'll blow myself up. Everything worked fine then but I want to know how I should inspect my equipment to make sure it is still all safe. It has been in a drafty, but dry, shed.

Other concerns:
I read some of the other threads and I will immediately move my propane tank outside the shed I use. What else, besides a fire on the tank and built up gas, could cause a propane tank explosion? Am I missing anything? I have a big BBQ style tank.

How can I make sure my tank is safe in the winters when we get snow? Can I use a propane tank when it is stored outside and the temperature is freezing? My real BBQ tank is always outside uncovered and looks good with a small bit of surface rust from sitting under snow. Am I worrying too much?

The ventilation in the shed is good b/c it is a small shed and has wide doors on either end, but I would like to do the lampwork outside on my deck if possible, but am scared that I will burn down the neighborhood. I have heard many people who use a deck, but what precautions should I take? The deck is made of composite so it is very fire resistent, but I have a lot of pines in the area and that means needles on the ground. Could a piece of hot glass ignite my needles? I live in a forest so people are picky about the place burning down.

Anything else I should think of before lighting up again?

Help.

thanks!

[MikeAurelius]

Replace your T grade hoses before you start. If they've sat in a shed where temperatures can get really high and really low, just to be safe, I'd replace them.

Yes, a piece of hot glass can ignite pine needles. Personally, I wouldn't torch outside if you have large pines in the area. It's just asking for problems.

No problems on the tank outside. You will probably want to put it in a Rubbermaid type outside plastic bin to protect it and the regulator from the elements, but as far as cold is concerned, provided your outside temps don't fall below -10 F, you should be ok. If they do get that low, an electric blanket turned on and wrapped around the tank about an hour before you start will resolve that problem.