Propane Safety


About Propane and Propane Safety

Propane 101 – This site was designed specifically to educate consumers on propane. Topics include the parts of a tank, how prices are formed, when to get a gas leak test, what to do in an emergency and much more. This site has it all.

Propane Exceptional Energy – Have you ever wondered what propane really is and where it comes from? Or how about how to prepare your propane system for certain weather conditions? This site contains these answers and more – including grilling recipes. To teach your family safety concerning propane, check out the learning modules.

Ohio Propane Gas Association | National Propane Gas Association – Each of these sites have the latest news and events concerning propane in their respective areas. Harvest Land is a member of each of these associations to better serve you.
 

Know the odor of propane

The purpose of the odorant is to help people detect the presence of propane. It is important for all members of the household to be able to distinguish the smell of odorized propane. Ask your propane dealer for a demonstration of the distinct smell if you are not familiar with it. Certain conditions may prevent a person from smelling the odorant, such as:

  • Colds, allergies, congestion or other similar medical conditions
  • Use of tobacco, alcohol and/or drugs
  • Decline in a person's sense of smell due to age or other physical conditions
  • Olfactory fatigue from being exposed to the odorant for a period of time 
  • Strong odors overpowering the smell of the odorant 
  • Leaking gas passing through soil, reducing the smell of the odorant 
  • Sleep – the odorant in propane may not awaken a sleeping person

If you smell a leak

  • DO get everyone out of the home and move away a safe distance. 
  • DO attempt to shut off the valves at the tank.
  • DO call both your propane supplier and the fire department for help from a telephone that is a safe distance from the house.
  • DO NOT attempt to find the leak. 
  • DO NOT attempt to repair your appliance or light your pilot light. 
  • DO NOT turn light switches on or off inside the home. 
  • DO NOT use a telephone inside the house or in nearby areas. 
  • DO NOT light matches anywhere inside or near the home.


Do you know what propane smells like?
Contact your local propane dealer for a free scratch-and-sniff brochure.

 

How Do I Maintain My Propane System and Appliances?

The propane system at your home or business should only be installed, maintained and repaired by experienced personnel. Call a qualified service technician to light or relight pilot lights on your appliances.

DO NOT bleed gas lines into enclosed areas.
DO NOT tamper with gas controls on your appliances.
DO NOT use appliances that have been flooded or have become wet. The controls may be damaged and cause the safety feature built into the controls to malfunction and allow a dangerous propane leak.
DO NOT let your propane system run out of propane. If it happens, turn off the gas valve on the tank or cylinder and call your propane dealer.
DO have wet or flooded appliances and controls serviced immediately.
DO have your propane system and all appliances periodically checked by a qualified service technician for proper operation and safety.

IN AN EMERGENCY

WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL GAS


More Information:

WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL GAS>

WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL GAS IN YOUR HOME >

  

Our Policy

As distributors of Liquefied Propane Gas, we are concerned with the safety of our patrons in regard to propane safety. The largest concern we have is if a customer calls to report an odor of propane gas. The following is the policy for handling customers who call in and report “I smell gas” in their home.

  1. When a customer calls to report they smell Propane Gas in their home we will obtain and record the name, address, date, time of call, and directions to their home on the “I Smell Gas” – Procedures form.
  2. Our employees will instruct the caller to shut off the service valve on the supply tank, and get everyone out of the house immediately If the caller is unsure of what that is we will, over the phone, describe where the valve is located and how to shut if off. Instruct the caller to state where they will be so that the delivery personnel can find them for detailed information.
  3. The HERITAGE COOPERATIVE employee who took the call will immediately contact the delivery driver or service technician so they can be in route.
  4. Upon arrival to the home, the delivery personnel should locate the customer and find out the information needed to check out the problem using the equipment at his disposal to determine the source of the leak. If the leak is such that an expert is needed, then all attempts to correct by delivery personnel should cease. The customer will then have to make arrangements with a service company.
  5. If no problems exists, or are correctable by the delivery personnel filling operations may continue.
  1. NO FLAMES OR SPARKS! Immediately put out all smoking materials and other open flames. Do not operate lights, appliances, telephones, or cell phones. Flames or sparks from these sources can trigger an explosion or a fire.
  2. LEAVE THE AREA IMMEDIATELY! Get everyone out of the building or area where you suspect as is leaking.
  3. SHUTT OFF THE GAS. Turn off the main gas supply valve on your propane tank if it is safe to do so. To close the valve, turn it to the right (clockwise).
  4. REPORT THE LEAK.  From a neighbor’s home or other nearby building away from the gas leak, call your propane retailer right away. If you can’t reach your propane retailer, call 911 or your local fire department.
  5. DO NOT RETURN TO THE BUILDING OR AREA until your propane retailer determines that it is safe to do so.
  6. GET YOUR SYSTEM CHECKED. Before you attempt to use any of your propane appliances, your propane retailer or qualified service technician must check your entire system to ensure that it is leak-free.