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Propane Safety Tips for your Home:
General Tips
To readily recognize a leak, know what propane smells like. Propane retailers have pamphlets available with a scratch-and-sniff spot so that your entire family can recognize the smell. Propane leak detectors, similar to carbon monoxide detectors, are available. See your propane supplier to obtain one.
If you smell a leak, immediately evacuate everyone from the building and call your local propane supplier or the fire department from your neighbor's phone. DO NOT remain in the building, use the telephone or light switches or try to determine the source of the leak by yourself.
Be aware of where gas service lines are located, especially when working in your yard.
Water can damage the internal safety mechanism in the gas controls of an appliance. If you suspect that your appliance gas controls may have gotten wet (because of flooding, for example), have a trained technician replace them immediately.
Heating Appliances
All furnaces can collect lint and dirt and should be cleaned regularly. Contact your local propane supplier for information on proper cleaning, and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Water Heaters
Drain your tank periodically (until water runs clean - usually 2 to 3 gallons) to get rid of sediment buildup on the bottom of the tank.
Ranges
Have your unit serviced if the burner flame is not blue. The blue flame indicates complete combustion. A yellow flame means air inlets are clogged or burners need adjustment. Contact your propane supplier's service department immediately. Do not cover the oven bottom with foil - it can restrict air circulation.
Never use gas ranges for home heating.
For more information
For more infomation about propane safety around your home, you many download this new home safety booklet from the Propane Education & Research Council. (Adobe PDF)
Propane isn't all bad, here are some 'safe' facts about propane:
Propane vehicle tanks are constructed from carbon steel under a code developed by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. A propane tank is 20 times more puncture resistant than a typical gasoline, methanol or ethanol tank.
New propane cylinders are manufactured with a device that shuts off the filling process when the tank reaches 80 percent of its liquid capacity. This allows for changes in fuel volume caused by temperature variations without any release of gas from the tank.
Propane engine fuel systems are fitted with safety devices and shut-off valves that function automatically if the fuel line ruptures.
Propane has the lowest flammability range of any alternative fuel.
Propane leaks are easily detected because an odorant (ethyl mercaptin) with a scent similar to rotten eggs is added as a safety measure.
Propane is a nontoxic, nonpoisonous fuel that doesn't contaminate aquifers or soil.
Unlike gasoline and alcohol fuels, propane can't be ingested because it is stored in a closed container under pressure. It vaporizes internally when released from its container.
Propane with air won't ignite unless the source of ignition reaches at least 940 degrees Fahrenheit. In contrast, gasoline's source of ignition must reach only 430 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit before igniting.
If propane gas leaks, it doesn't puddle; it readily dissipates into the air.
The propane industry offers an award-winning preventive maintenance program called GAS Check® (Gas Appliance System Check). Trained technicians inspect entire propane systems and appliances to ensure they are running safely and efficiently, so consumers can save money and enjoy a healthy environment. The program also educates homeowners on the proper maintenance of propane appliances and how to avoid potential health hazards.
The Certified Employee Training Program (CETP)is a nationally recognized training program for people involved in the handling of propane, equipment and appliances. The CETP program is being used extensively throughout the country and is continually expanded and updated.
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Safety Tips 