Making a Safe Fuel Even Safer.
Propane is a very safe fuel. But as with any energy source, there
are steps you should take to further ensure your safety:
If you detect a gas leak, immediately evacuate everyone
from the house and call your local propane provider or the fire
department from a neighbor's telephone.
- Learn what propane smells like. Propane retailers have scratch-and-sniff
pamphlets to help your family recognize its distinctive odor.
- Know where gas lines are located, so you won't damage them
when digging or working in the yard.
- Change or clean furnace filters regularly as recommended by
the manufacturer.
- Don’t store cleaning fluids, oil-soaked rags, gasoline,
or other flammable liquids near a gas-burning appliance where
vapors could be ignited by the pilot light.
Additional Safety Information:
Small
cylinder specific information
Large
tank specific information
Safe
grilling tips
STORM SAFETY TIPS
WEATHER-RELATED EMERGENCIES
PROTECT YOUR PROPANE SYSTEM IF THE WEATHER TURNS BAD. Before,
during, or after severe weather, you may need to take specific action
to ensure the continued safe operation of your propane system.
WATER CAN DAMAGE YOUR PROPANE SYSTEM. If flooding
is predicted for your area, turn off the gas valve at the cylinder
or tank BEFORE the water rises. Do not turn the gas back on until
the gas system and all appliances have been checked by a qualified
service technician. AFTER A FLOOD, contact a qualified service technician
to check your propane system and appliances. A qualified service
technician will likely have to do some or all of the following:
- Replace the regulator and/or pressure relief valves if there
are signs of water, dirt, debris, or corrosion.
- Replace the automatic controls and appliance regulators on
any gas appliances that have been under water.
- Inspect and (if necessary) replace manual shut-off valves in
gas piping, and perform tank testing of the system.
- Clean appliance main and pilot burners and replace pilot orifices.
CLEAR THE SNOW. You should clear heavy snow and ice
from regulators, regulator vents, piping, tubing, and valves. Failure
to do so can cause damage that could result in a gas leak. Appliance
vents, chimneys, and flues also must be kept clear of snow and ice
so appliances can vent properly. This is especially critical on the
roofs of mobile homes. Clear snow carefully. Use a broom rather than
a shovel to avoid damaging any components. Also, clear the walkway
and tank area so that propane-company personnel have ready access
to your tank.
WHAT IF SOMETHING DOESN’T LOOK RIGHT AFTER A STORM?
If your tank has shifted position; gas lines are bent, broken, or
damaged; or you see something else unusual about your system or
appliance, turn off the main gas supply valve on your propane tank,
if it is safe to do so. Then contact your propane retailer or a
qualified service technician.
Industry Efforts to Safeguard Propane Use.
- GAS Check® (Gas Appliance System Check) is an award-winning
preventive maintenance program developed by the National Propane
Gas Association (NPGA) and funded by the Propane Education &
Research Council (PERC) that trains technicians and educates homeowners
on the safe handling of propane and the maintenance of propane
appliances.
- The Certified Employee Training Program (CETP) developed by
NPGA and funded by PERC is a training program used extensively
throughout the country by people involved in the handling of propane,
equipment, and appliances.
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