Propane Safety

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, including:

• The presence of air, water, or rust in a propane tank or cylinder.
• The passage of propane leaking through the soil.

Since there is a possibility of odor loss or problems with smell detection, you should respond immediately to even a faint odor of gas.

1. Extinguish flames and sparks. Put out all smoking materials and other open flames. Avoid using anything that can create a spark or an electrical charge, such as lights, appliances, telephones, or cell phones, that can ignite an explosion or fire.
2. Leave the area. Get everyone out of the building or area where you suspect gas is leaking.
3. Shut off the gas. If it is safe to do so, turn off the main gas supply valve on your propane tank. To close the valve, turn it to the right (clockwise). If you have more than one tank, turn them all off.
4. Report the leak. Call your propane supplier right away—from a neighbor’s home or nearby building—and if you can’t reach them, call 911 or your local fire department.
5. Do not return to the building or area. Wait until your propane supplier, an emergency responder, or a qualified service technician determines that it is safe to do so.
6. Get your system checked. Have your propane supplier or qualified service technician check your entire system before attempting to use any of your propane appliances.

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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 purchasing one or more detectors for your home.

Guidelines regarding propane detectors:

• Buy only units that are listed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding installation and maintenance.
• Never ignore the smell of propane, even if no detector is sounding an alarm.

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 before the start of each heating season.

Do not try to modify or repair valves, regulators, connectors, controls, or other appliances and cylinders/tank parts. Doing so creates the risk of a gas leak that can result in property damage, serious injury, or death.

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.

If You Suspect CO Is Present, Act Immediately!

1. If you or a family member shows physical symptoms or CO poisoning, get everyone out of the building and call 911 or your local fire department.
2. 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.
3. If no one has symptoms, but you suspect that CO is present, call your propane provider or a qualified service technician to check CO levels and your propane equipment.

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. To help reduce the risk of CO poisoning:

• Have a qualified service technician check your propane appliances and venting system annually, preferably before the heating season.
• Install UL-listed CO detectors on every level of your home.
• Never use a gas oven or range-top burners to provide space heating.
• Never use portable heaters indoors unless they are designed and approved for indoor use.
• Never use a barbecue grill (propane or charcoal) indoors for cooking or heating.
• Regularly check your appliance exhaust vents for blockage.

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.

Please review this safety information carefully. If you have any additional questions or would like to learn more, feel free to contact us here or call our office at (919) 936-0221.

Don’t run out of gas. Serious safety hazards, including fire or explosion, can result.

• If an appliance valve or a gas line is left open, a leak could occur when the system is recharged with propane.
• If your propane tank runs out of gas, any pilot lights on your appliances will go out. This can be extremely dangerous.
• A leak check is required. In many states, a propane provider or qualified service technician must perform a leak check of your propane system before turning on the gas.