Propane Safety

What is Propane? 

Also called LPG - liquefied petroleum gas or LP - is a liquid fuel stored under pressure.  In most systems, propane is vaporized to a gas before it leaves the tank.  Propane is flammable when mixed with air (oxygen) and can be ignited by many sources, including open flames, smoking materials, electrical sparks and static electricity.  Severe freeze burn or frostbite can result if propane liquid comes in contact with your skin.

Can you smell propane?                                                                                                                                 

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Propane smells like rotten eggs, a skunk's spray or a dead animal.  Some people may have difficulty smelling propane due to age, a medical condition or the effects of medication, tobacco or alcohol. On rare occasions, propane can lose its odor. Several things can cause this including:  the presence of air, water or rust in the cylinder or the passage of leaking propane through the soil.  We recommend purchasing a Propane Gas Detector as an additional measure of security for your home.

What to do if you smell gas.

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1.  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.

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2.  LEAVE THE AREA IMMEDIATELY!

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3.  SHUT OFF THE GAS.


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4.  REPORT THE LEAK.

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5.  DO NOT RETURN TO THE BUILDING OR AREA until your propane retailer, emergency responder, or qualified service technician determines that it is safe to do so.

 

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6.  GET YOUR SYSTEM CHECKED.