Safety Information

Important Safety Information
Updated 03/16/08

Propane is Odorized:   Propane is odorless in its natural state, so a skunk-like odor has been added to aid in the detection of leaks.  It is important that you be able to recognize the strong odor of propane.  The ability of people to detect odors varies widely and certain chemical reactions in a propane system can reduce the propane odor level.  If you or any of your family cannot smell propane odor, we recommend that you install a detector in your home for safety reasons.  Call us for information.

If you detect a faint odor of Propane:  If you detect a faint odor in the house, investigate, and try to find the source.  Sniff all around the appliance areas for a propane odor.  It is usually a pilot light that has gone out or a burner that has been left partially on.  If you cannot locate the source of the smell, call us for assistance.

If you smell a strong odor of Propane: When outdoors, shut off propane at the tank and call us immediately.  If you are indoors please do the following:

Leaking propane can be dangerous and should be dealt with promptly by experts.

Heating with unvented appliances:  Be aware of asphyxiation danger when using ranges, ovens, and unvented space heaters for warmth.  Room oxygen can be used up if adequate fresh air is not supplied to the appliance burner.  A dangerous level of toxic carbon monoxide can build up in the room.  Carbon monoxide has no particular odor but chronic headaches, nausea and heavy moisture on the walls and windows are indicators of potential problems.  The solution is immediate ventilation of the house with fresh air, and then call us to resolve the underlying issue.

Tampering is dangerous:  Do not force an appliance control valve or knob.  Never use tools, use only your hand to turn the knob of an appliance.  Forcing a control knob can override a safety feature and allow propane to leak.

Water can cause damage:  If an appliance gas control valve has been subjected to flooding or exposure to water, it must be replaced immediately by a trained service technician.

If a pilot light won’t light, don’t fight it!:  Before lighting a pilot, read the manufacturer’s operating instructions.  A pilot light is designed not to light if there is a problem.  If you have trouble lighting a pilot or keeping it lit, there is normally a safety feature keeping it from working.  If it won’t light, shut of the gas to the appliance and call us for help.
Don’t run out of propane:  When you allow your tank to run completely out of propane, you create a potential safety hazard.  If a valve in the home has been left open or an appliance has been moved or a gas line disconnected, a gas leak could occur when the system is again pressurized with propane.  This can be dangerous.  For convenience, comfort, and safety, don’t let yourself run out of propane, call us before you do.

Know how to shut off propane in case of an emergency:  Each propane tank or cylinder has a service valve which connects to the hose, tubing, or piping leading to the home or appliance.  Know where this valve is located.  In case of emergency, shut off the gas to your home or B-B-Q by turning the hand-wheel on the tank in the clockwise direction until the rotation stops.

Connecting a cylinder for use with B-B-Q:  Read and follow all manufacturers’ instructions.  Tighten the coupling nut at the end of the regulator hose assembly onto the cylinder valve.  (Note: this nut is a left-hand thread which turns in the opposite direction of a normal nut or bolt.)  Be sure that the regulator vent is clear of obstructions and pointing down so that water can’t get into the vent.  Turn off all valves on the appliance.  Open cylinder valve and check all connections for leaks using soapy water.  If bubbles appear, close the tank valve and tighten leaking connections.  Never light the appliance if there is a leak in the system.  Your health and safety may be a risk!  Never connect a B-B-Q tank to supply propane to a home.