Polk Township Vol. Fire Dept.
Propane Safety Info
Basic Facts about Propane
Propane, when used properly is an safe, clean, versatile fuel with many different uses. Propane is used in home heating and cooking, Barbeque grills, vehicle fuel, crop drying and many others. It is a liquid stored under pressure in tanks and cylinders. Propane is vaporized to a gas before it leaves the tank or cylinder and is dispensed through a pressure regulator to the appliance. In it's natural state, Propane is an odorless, colorless gas. A chemical odorant is added to the Propane to give it a distinct smell for detection. Propane is heavier than air, therefore a leak may collect initially at lower levels.
Do you have a Propane leak?
Always be aware of the slightest propane smell; it's odor is easy to recognize. If you smell propane, ALWAYS treat it as a serious leak. Some examples of warning signs are:- Smell of gas lasts longer than an instant after burner is on
- The presence of foul odor persists
- You can't trace the odor. A garbage, sewer or dead animal odor may be a serious propane leak
- You hear a hissing noise near a gas appliance, piping, tank or cylinder
Remember that there are several things that may prevent you from smelling a leak:
- Cold, sinus congestion or allergies
- Cooking odors
- Use of tobacco, alcohol or drugs
- Certain prescription medication
- Damp or musty smell in a basement
- Prolonged exposure to Propane odor
How to test for a Propane leak
There are three ways to detect a Propane leak:
Sniff test
- Since Propane is heavier than air, it tends to collect in lower lying areas first. Get down on your hands and knees and sniff close to the floor to smell for Propane. If you smell Propane DO NOT light a match. Follow the Emergency Procedure listed below.
- Bubble test
- This test should be performed by your trained propane service person.
The bubble test checks for a leak by applying a leak detector solution or thick soapy water on all connections.- Apply solution to connections between cylinder valve and regulator outlet and/or any other connections you suspect may be leaking.
- Slowly open the tank or cylinder valve and watch for bubbles.
- If bubbles appear, close the tank orcylinder valve and tighen connections immediately (Do not over-tighten).
- Repeat steps 1-3 until bubbles stop. If you can't stop the bubbles, contact your dealer for service.
- Propane Gas Detectors
- The National Fire Protection Association and other regulating agencies acknowledge that odorants added to Propane to not provide 100% effective leak protection. On rare occasions, a leak may not be detected by smell. Gas Detectors that sound an alarm are available for a reasonable price (make sure it is UL listed).
Emergency Procedure
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1
|
Extinguish all smoking material and other open flames.
DO NOT operate electric switches. DO NOT light matches or lighters. DO NOT use your phone. Any spark or flame in the area where Propane gas is present may ignite the gas. This could include the spark of a light switch, telephone, fan, refrigerator motor, cigarette, pilot light, flame from a burner or even static electricity from walking across a room. |
| 2 | IMMEDIATELY get everyone out of the building, vehicle, trailer, or area. |
| 3 | Close all gas tank or cylinder supply valves. |
| 4
|
Use your neighbor's phone to call a trained Propane service person and 911.
DO NOT re-enter the building, vehicle, trailer, or area until a service person or the fire department advise it is safe to return. |
| 5
|
Let the trained Propane service person and firefighters check for escaped gas. Have them air out the area before you return. |
| 6
|
Have the trained service person:
|
| 7
|
Re-enter the area ONLY when the trained service person or firefighter say it is safe. |
It is very important to understand Propane and what to do in case you have a leak. If you have any further questions, please contact your Propane dealer.
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John D. Einhorn
Sources:Thermogas Company