Propane Safety
| Propane has a remarkable safety record, due in large part to the stringent codes and regulations developed by the propane industry and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). • Propane won’t ignite when combined with air unless the source of ignition reaches 940°F. • Propane gas is nontoxic and produces minimal emissions. • Propane is not harmful to soil or water. |
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| However, to use it safely there are a few basic points about propane gas you should know: 1: Become familiar with the smell of propane in order to detect leaks. Since propane is naturally odorless, a substance called ethyl mercaptan is added to it to give it a distinctive “skunky” odor. 2: Anytime you smell propane around your home, call us – day or night. Our staff will ask you a few questions to assess the situation and then instruct you on what to do. 3: Any work on equipment that is related to propane should be done by a professional from a company like Bottini. We have a dedicated staff of certified and experienced propane technicians. 4: Most propane appliances need to be properly vented. Please call us if you would like us to evaluate your equipment with regard to proper venting techniques. What to Do if You Smell Gas• If you smell gas when you're using stove burners, see if the burners are obstructed. • If all your appliances are turned off, your gas line may be leaking. If you feel it's safe to do so, turn off the main gas valve on your propane tank. • If the gas is coming out of the relief valve forcefully, DO NOT turn the gas valve off. If the pressure isn't released, the tank might burst. Report the problem to us immediately and notify your neighbors about the situation so they can also follow these precautions. Whenever you smell gas: • DO NOT light any matches, cigarette lighters or start anything that creates a spark (lawn mower, automobile, dryer, etc.). • DO NOT use your telephone, turn lights on or off, or even use a flashlight. They can all create sparks. • Call us and alert the fire department from a neighbor's phone, or get far enough away from your home and call us on your cell phone. Remember to tell the customer service representative what phone number you can be reached at. If your propane tank is releasing a small amount of gas, remember that all propane tanks with gas inside expand on hot days. The expansion will cause a small amount of gas to "spit" out of the relief valves. If the heat from your propane system is out, use our interactive questionnaire to troubleshoot your system. Propane Safety Pages |