Facts about Propane
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Your safety and that of our employees
are our most important concern!
Propane is a safe, reliable fuel. Like many other
fuels, however, it is flammable. That means it
can be dangerous if not handled properly.
Remember, in order to protect you, your family
and others, you must be aware of (and respect)
the normal, everyday hazards around you. Propane
is no exception.
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A Pressure Situation
The propane in your gas system is stored under pressure.
While it's stored, there's no problem. But, in the unlikely event
your system develops a leak (which can be caused by physical damage
or deterioration), it can become dangerous.
Propane burns at an even rate when properly mixed with
air, as in your stove or furnace. But, if a leak occurs, a flame or
spark could ignite it. If that happens, it could cause a fire or even
an explosion. Although such accidents are rare, we want you to be
aware of this possibility.
Know Your Propane System
Your propane system has four basic parts:
1. A tank or cylinder, equipped with a main shutoff valve;
2. One or more regulators, designed to reduce pressure between the
container and your appliance(s);
3. Gas piping, to carry the propane to your appliance(s); and
4. Gas appliance(s).
The tank or cylinder is where the propane is stored. It
is equipped with a shutoff valve, which turns the gas "on" or "off".
The regulator controls the gas pressure, while the gas piping carries
the gas to your appliance(s).
It is important for you to know the location of the main
shutoff valve on the tank or cylinder. Remember its location and become
familiar with how to shut it off in an emergency situation.
How Do You Tell if There Is a Leak?
1. By smell. A disagreeable odor is added to the
propane so that you will be able to detect the smell easily in case
a leak develops or an unlit burner is left turned on.
2. Buy electronic gas alarm. If used, the gas alarm
supplements a person's ability to detect a gas leak and sounds a warning
when it detects the presence of unburned propane.
You should be aware that some persons have different thresholds
of smell and cannot detect the odor of propane as readily as others.
Also, sometimes people with a normal sense of smell temporarily lose
their ability to detect odors because of illness, use of tobacco,
alcohol or drugs. Also, cooking odors, tobacco smoke and aerosol and
odor removing sprays can cover up other odors. In certain instances,
the odorant in the propane may diminish or weaken, making it difficult
for a person with a normal sense of smell to detect a gas leak. Be
aware that being heavier than air, leaking propane may tend to settle
near the floor while dissipating into the air.
Steps to Take if You Smell Gas
Never assume that the odor of gas is a sign that your tank
is running low. If you smell gas in the house IMMEDIATELY follow
these suggestions:
DO...
Extinguish all smoking materials and any other open flames
or sources of ignition.
Get everyone outside and away from the building. Shut off
the gas supply at the tank.
Call your Propane Supplier from a neighbor's phone. If
you cannot reach your Propane Supplier, call the fire department.
Stay outside and leave the gas off until the leak has been
found and fixed.
DO NOT...
Turn light switches, appliances or thermostats on or off,
and do not use the telephone. A spark from one of these could ignite
the gas.
Light or try to re-light any appliances. Leave this job
to your Propane Supplier.
Re-enter the building, until the problem has been corrected.
Additional Safety Tips
1. Keep combustibles, such as curtains, paper, cleaning
fluids, etc., away from any energy source, including gas and electric
appliances where they may cause a fire.
2. Have a B/C rated fire extinguisher readily available.
Be sure it is charged and that you and your family know how to use
it.
3. Gas appliances, like humans, need oxygen (air) to function
properly.
4. If you smell gas near your tank or cylinder, call your
Propane Supplier.
5. Use only listed propane appliances. Look for the seal
from a nationally recognized independent testing laboratory.
6. Use gas grills outdoors only. Use or store propane cylinders
outdoors only.
If You Run Out Of Gas
Letting your propane container run empty creates additional
hazards. If you run out of gas and lose pressure in the system, a
potentially hazardous condition can result. If you do run out of gas,
follow these steps:
1. Turn off all control valves on all gas appliances.
2. Turn off the shutoff valve on the propane container(s).
3. Call your Propane Supplier to arrange for delivery,
and advise them you are out of gas.
4. Don't turn the gas back on yourself. Let your Propane
Supplier do it. When you schedule your fill, be sure it is for a time
when you will be at home, so your Propane Supplier can relight and
check your appliances and system to assure that they are operating
properly and are leak free.
5. Immediately after your tank is refilled, have a service
technician check to see that all safety controls are functioning properly
and the piping system is leak free.
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Safety information
from the National Propane Gas Association. George Propane
is a member of the NPGA. |
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