Propane Safety
Important Propane Safety Information for You and Your Family
If You Smell Gas
- No flames or sparks! Immediately put out all smoking materials and other open flames. Do not operate lights, appliances, telephones or cell phones. Flames or sparks from these sources can trigger an explosion or a fire.
- Leave the area immediately. Get everyone out of the building or area where you suspect gas is leaking.
- Shut off the gas. Turn off the main gas supply valve on your propane tank, if it is safe to do so. To close the valve, turn it to the right (clockwise).
- Report the leak. From a neighbor’s house or other building away from the gas leak, call your propane retailer right away. If you can’t reach your propane retailer, call 911 or your local fire department.
- Do not return to the building or area. Not until your propane retailer, emergency responder or qualified service technician determines that it is safe to do so.
- Get your system checked. Before you attempt to use any of your propane appliances, your propane retailer or a qualified service technician must check your entire system to ensure that it is leak-free.
Can You Smell It?
Propane smells like rotten eggs, a skunk’s spray or a dead animal. Some people may have difficulty smelling propane due to their age, a medical condition or the effects of medication, alcohol, tobacco or drugs.
Odor Loss. On rare occasions, propane can lose its odor. Several things can cause this.
Since there is a possibility of odor loss or problems with your sense of smell, you should respond immediately to even a faint odor of gas.
Propane Gas Detectors
Under some circumstances, you may not smell a propane leak. Propane gas detectors sound an alarm if they sense propane in the air. They can provide an additional measure of security. You should consider the purchase of one or more detectors for your home.
Guidelines regarding propane gas detectors:
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Appliance Maintenance
Leave it to the experts. Only a qualified service technician has the training to install, inspect, service, maintain and repair your appliances. Have your appliances and propane system inspected just before the start of each heating season.
Do not try to modify or repair valves, regulators, connectors, controls or other appliance and cylinder / tank parts. Doing so creates the risk of a gas leak that can result in property damage, serious injury or death.
Running Out of Gas
Don’t run out of gas. Serious safety hazards, including fire or explosion, can result.
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Lighting Pilot Lights
If a pilot light repeatedly goes out or is very difficult to light, there may be a safety problem. Do not try to fix the problem yourself. It is strongly recommended that only a qualified service technician light any pilot light that has gone out.
You are taking the risk of starting a fire or an explosion if you light a pilot light yourself. Carefully follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions and warnings concerning the appliance before attempting to light the pilot.
Carbon Monoxide (CO) and Your Safety
What is carbon monoxide (CO)? You can’t taste or smell CO but it is a very dangerous gas. High levels of CO can come from appliances that are not operating correctly or from a venting system or chimney that becomes blocked.
CO can be deadly! High levels of CO can make you dizzy or sick. In extreme cases, CO can cause brain damage or death. Symptoms of CO poisoning include headache, dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath and nausea.
CO detectors can improve safety. For an extra measure of safety, consider installing a CO detector listed by UL on each level of your home.
If You Suspect CO Is Present, Act Immediately!
- If you or a family member shows physical symptoms of CO poisoning, get everyone out of the building and call 911 or your local fire department.
- If it is safe to do so, open windows to allow entry of fresh air and turn off any appliances you suspect may be releasing CO.
- If no one has symptoms, but you suspect that CO is present, call your propane retailer or a qualified service technician to check CO levels and your propane equipment.
To Help Reduce the Risk of CO Poisoning:
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