Safety Guide for Propane Users
This complete safety guide covers everything from detecting gas leaks to safe usage of propane appliances and cylinders. Keep your household informed and protected.
Read and follow these safety instructions to reduce the risk of fire, explosion, and serious injury or death. Share this information with everyone else in your home.
What to do if You Suspect a Gas Leak
If You Suspect a Gas Leak:
A propane gas leak is an emergency. It can result in fire and explosion. Be prepared to respond.
Even Though Odor is Added, You Might Not Smell a Propane Leak
There are several reasons why a propane leak may go undetected by smell:
The Propane Odor Does Not Get to Your Nose
- The odor may be present in an area where there are no people.
- Because propane is heavier than air, it may settle near the ground.
- Airflow may move or disperse the propane odor.
Propane Has Lost Its Odor
Reasons may include:
- A cold, allergies, sinus congestion, or other medical conditions.
- Tobacco, alcohol, or drug use.
- Being older.
- Being asleep.
- “Odor fatigue.” This occurs when continuous exposure to the propane odor causes your nose to become desensitized.
- The presence of other strong odors, such as tobacco smoke, cooking smells, or musty/damp odors, which may mask the smell of propane.
Your Ability to Notice the Odor is Reduced
The odor that is added to propane can sometimes be absorbed by materials such as soil, water, or rust, making it more difficult to smell (“odor loss”).
If Your Gas Runs Out or Is Shut Off
When to Use a Qualified Professional
Use a Qualified Professional:
Propane Appliances & Maintenance
Be Sure Your Appliances Can “Breathe” Properly
Appliances need air for proper combustion, and exhaust gases need to flow to the outdoors. Ventilation problems can result in high carbon monoxide levels in the home.
- Keep the area around your appliance clear.
- In wintry weather, keep the area around vents clear of snow and ice.
- Check appliance vents for obstructions such as insect, bird, or small animal nests. Call a qualified professional if you see evidence of blockages.
Properly Install and Maintain Appliance Connectors
WHAT IS AN APPLIANCE CONNECTOR?
An appliance connector is the flexible tubing that serves as the final section of the propane system that brings gas to your appliances. Connectors must be specifically designed for use with propane appliances. Connectors that are improperly installed or that are damaged can leak gas.
PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE, AND REMOVAL REQUIRED
- Have appliances installed by a qualified professional.
- Do not install, loosen, or disconnect appliance connectors yourself. All appliance connectors must be properly installed, inspected, maintained, and disconnected by a qualified professional.
- Over time, some types of appliance connectors can crack or break, resulting in a gas leak. A qualified professional can inspect appliance connectors to be sure they are safe and meet current code requirements.
AVOID STRESSING CONNECTORS
Connectors can crack or break when flexed or twisted, such as when an appliance is moved. Use care near connectors, such as when cleaning. If you damage a connector, turn off the gas and contact a qualified professional.
Bad Weather: Protect Your Propane System
FLOODWATER CAN DAMAGE YOUR PROPANE SYSTEM
If flooding is predicted, turn off the gas valve at the cylinder or tank before the water rises. Contact a qualified professional to turn the gas back on, check your propane system and appliances, and address any flood damage.
CLEAR THE SNOW
Snow and ice can damage system components, causing a gas leak. They can also block ventilation, causing high carbon monoxide levels in the home.
- Keep heavy snow and ice off of propane piping, regulators, and meters. When clearing snow, be careful to avoid damaging components. For example, use a broom rather than a shovel.
- Keep the area around appliance vents clear of snow and ice so appliances can take in fresh air and vent out exhaust gases properly. This is especially critical on the roofs of mobile homes.
Also, clear the walkway and tank area so that propane-company personnel have ready access to your tank.
NEVER TRY TO HEAT UP A TANK
In the event of extreme cold, NEVER try to keep propane storage cylinders or tanks warm by applying an external heat source.
Have the appliance installed by a qualified professional.
Use Propane Space Heaters Safely
Carbon Monoxide Safety
Carbon Monoxide Can Be Deadly. Be Prepared To Respond.
WHAT IS CARBON MONOXIDE (CO)?
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that is colorless, odorless and tasteless. High levels can cause brain damage or death. Young children, the elderly, people with heart disease, and those under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication are particularly susceptible to carbon monoxide poisoning.
WHERE DO UNSAFE LEVELS OF CARBON MONOXIDE COME FROM?
Unsafe levels of carbon monoxide can be generated by appliances that are defective or improperly installed, operated, or maintained, or have air intakes blocked. Carbon monoxide can also enter a home if an appliance venting system or chimney becomes blocked (for example, by a bird’s nest).
To Reduce the Risk of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning:
USE CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS
Carbon monoxide detectors sound an alarm when they sense excessive levels of carbon monoxide in the air. (Carbon monoxide detectors are different from smoke detectors and propane gas detectors, although some combination detectors are available.) Install a UL-listed carbon monoxide detector on each level of your home. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
HAVE APPLIANCES CHECKED ON SCHEDULE
Have a qualified professional check your propane appliances in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and schedule. For example, furnaces are often checked before each heating season begins.
KEEP CHIMNEYS AND INTAKE AND EXHAUST VENTS CLEAR:
- Regularly check your appliance air intake and exhaust vents to be sure that air can flow in for the gas to burn properly and exhaust gases can flow easily to the outdoors.
- Keep vents and chimneys free of debris such as leaves and animal nests. In winter, keep them free of snow and ice.
- Always open the chimney damper when you use your fireplace.
POSITION AND USE VENT-FREE APPLIANCES CORRECTLY
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for placement and use of vent-free appliances, including fireplaces and logs.
HEAT ONLY WITH APPLIANCES INTENDED FOR INDOOR HEATING:
- Never use a gas oven or range-top burners to provide heating.
- Never use portable heaters indoors, unless they are designed and approved for indoor use.
- Never use a barbecue grill (propane or charcoal) indoors for heating or cooking.
ONLY RUN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES OUTDOORSNever run an internal combustion engine, such as your car, lawn mower, generator, or snow blower, in enclosed areas such as your garage.
Indicators That Unsafe Levels of Carbon Monoxide May Be Present
CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR ALARM
Carbon monoxide detectors sound an alarm when they sense excessive levels of carbon monoxide in the air.
EXPERIENCING PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS
Exposure to high levels of carbon monoxide can cause symptoms like:
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Shortness of breath
- Other flu-like symptoms
IMPROPER APPLIANCE OPERATION INCLUDE
Unsafe levels of carbon monoxide can be created when fuels are not burning properly or appliances are malfunctioning. Signs that this might be happening include:
- Soot, especially on appliances and vents
- Unfamiliar or burning odor
- Increased moisture inside windows
Portable Propane Cylinders
If You Suspect a Cylinder Leak
SIGNS OF A CYLINDER LEAK may include a propane odor, hissing gas, visible cloud of propane, or flames at the cylinder.
IF THERE ARE SIGNS OF A LEAK:
Propane Cylinder Safety
Transporting Cylinders
Transport Safety
Secure the Cylinders
WAYS TO SECURE A CYLINDER
- Tie-downs/straps
- Propane cylinder stabilizer
- Cardboard box, milk crate
SECURE CYLINDERS UPRIGHT
- Make sure they will not shift or roll.
- Avoid transporting in passenger area. If possible, secure in:
Storing Cylinders
Storing Small Cylinders
Testing for Propane Leaks
Maintenance and Disposal
Do Not Repair or Modify
Damaged or Unwanted Cylinders
Overfill Prevention Devices (OPD) Required
Only use cylinders with an Overfill Prevention Device (OPD). An OPD is a safety feature that is required by law. Most cylinders with an OPD have a special triangular handwheel with the letters “OPD” on it.
If your cylinder does not have an OPD or you are not sure, do not use it. Take it to a propane retailer and exchange for a cylinder with an OPD, or purchase a new cylinder.
Safety Checklist
THINGS TO DO RIGHT NOW:
SHARE THIS INFORMATION WITH EVERYONE IN YOUR HOME OR BUILDING
THINGS TO DO AS NEEDED:
