Propane gas is an efficient and affordable way to heat your home, provide hot water, generate electricity, and provide you with the ability to cook. Every day, millions of homeowners use propane gas for multiple uses. Yet, because propane is a flammable gas, it is necessary for you to take precautions to ensure your safety while getting the most out of your propane heat and energy source.

Safe handling is vital when it comes to propane use. While propane gas is affordable and efficient, it can also pose dangerous threats to your home and life if it is not handled properly. Below are numerous safety tips to keep you and your loved ones safe. Some may seem like they do not need to be stated, but you would be surprised at the number of accidents and injuries that have occurred from improper handling and usage of propane gas and propane tanks. By listing even the most obvious safety tips, we hope to remind you of the most basic ways to maintain your safety.

Propane Safety Tips

If You Smell Gas –

• Don’t ignore the smell! Propane manufacturers deliberately add a smelling agent to alert people to leaks in their tanks. If you smell an unpleasant odor such as a decaying animal, rotten eggs, or a skunk’s spray, it is imperative that you turn off anything in the area that could spark ignition.
• Shut off the gas at the source by turning the valve completely to the right.
• If you smell a propane leak, call the authorities immediately after shutting off the gas.
• Leave the area while you wait for emergency help to arrive.

Proper Handling –

• Do not use or store portable propane tanks indoors.
• When transporting tanks, properly secure portable tanks so they do not tip over.
• Do not leave portable propane tanks in cars or closed vehicles.
• Do not use propane gas grills inside.
• Do not use portable stoves or ovens for space heating indoors. This includes inside basements, campers, RVs, tents, etc.
• Do not use portable electric generators indoors. Running generators should be kept outside.
• Always purchase portable propane tanks from a reputable company to ensure that necessary safety measures have been taken before your purchase.

Do NOT Let Your Tank Run Out of Gas –

This tip is probably the most non-obvious. Most people would assume that letting a tank go empty would prevent accidents, yet an empty tank can pose serious safety hazards – including fire or explosion.

• If an appliance valve or gas line is left open when the propane tank runs out, a leak can occur when the system is recharged with gas.
• Air and moisture can enter an empty storage tank, allowing rust to build up inside the tank. Rust can decrease the concentration of propane gas’s odor, making it more difficult to smell if there is a leak.
• When propane tanks run out of gas, the pilot lights on your appliances will also go out. This poses an extreme danger and must be handled properly.

Take Extra Precaution –

It is recommended that you purchase a propane gas detector. This small detector is designed to sound an alarm if it senses the presence of propane. Installing a detector in the main space where you use propane tanks will help you, family members, or other visitors to your home be alerted if a propane leak occurs. This is especially important for those who have difficulty smelling propane or if appliances are in areas where the smell of propane may not be detected.

At Quality Propane, we want to help ensure the safety of all those who rely on propane gas for their homes and businesses. We offer personalized customer care, true 24-hour emergency service, and prompt, reliable delivery services. We want to be the company you depend on for all of your propane needs!