Propane Safety Tips

Our team goes to great lengths to demonstrate the highest respect for propane gas and its equipment. After all, every fuel should be handled with care. Whether we’re in the shop, driving the delivery truck, or refilling your tank, safety is the undisputed top priority every minute of every workday.

Our commitment to safe propane operations does not end upon delivery, however, and we want to make sure you fully understand how to be a safe user of propane. Below is some of the information that will help you get the most out of your propane usage in a safe way. Be sure to share this information with your family (or employees) so everyone is educated about how to respond to the rare—but possible—case of a propane emergency.

What to Do If You Smell Gas

Propane’s scent is typically described as smelling like a rotten egg, a skunk’s spray, or a dead animal. If you think you smell propane gas, follow these steps immediately:

1. Extinguish flames and sparks. Put out all smoking materials and other open flames. Avoid using anything that can create a spark or electrical charge such as lights, appliances, telephones, or cell phones, which can ignite an explosion or a 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 us, 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.

Propane Education & Research Council Safety Series

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