Propane Safety Tips for Your Home

General Tips

• To readily recognize a leak, know what propane smells like.  Propane gas retailers have pamphlets available with a scratch-and-sniff feature so the entire family can recognize the smell.  Propane leak detectors, similar to carbon monoxide detectors, are also available.  See your propane retailer to obtain one.
• If you smell a leak, immediately evacuate everyone from the building and call the fire department from a nearby phone.  DO NOT remain in the building, use the telephone or light switches, or try to determine the source of the leak yourself.
• Be aware of where gas service lines are located, especially when working in the yard.
• Water can damage the internal safety mechanism in the gas controls of an appliance.  If you suspect an appliance’s gas controls may have gotten wet (due to flooding, for example), have a trained technician replace them immediately.

Heating Appliances

• All furnaces can collect lint and dirt and should be cleaned regularly.  Contact a local propane retailer for information on proper cleaning, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Water Heaters

• Drain the tank periodically until water runs clean? usually 2 to 3 gallons? to get rid of sediment buildup on the bottom of the tank
• Insulate the hot-water storage tank and pipes, but be careful not to cover the thermostat.  With a propane, natural gas, or oil water heater, be careful not to cover the water heater’s top, bottom, or burner compartment; when in doubt, get professional help, such as a propane retailer or a licensed plumber.
• To guard against scalding, set the temperature of the water heater at 115° Fahrenheit.

Ranges

• Follow the manufacturer’s installation and operating instructions.
• Have the unit serviced if the burner flame is NOT blue.  The blue flame indicates complete combustion.  A yellow flame means air inlets are clogged or burners need adjustment.  Contact a propane retailer’s service department immediately.
• Always keep pot handles turned inward while cooking and do not leave food simmering unattended.
• Always keep the range surface clean.
• Schedule regular preventive maintenance checks for all appliances.
• Do not cover the oven bottom with foil—it can restrict air circulation.
• Never use gas ranges for space heating.
• Never allow children to turn the burner control knobs on your propane gas range.
• Keep all flammable materials away from burner flames.

 

 

Propane Gas Grill Safety Tips

Propane Grill Do’s

• Always use the grill outdoors in a well-ventilated area.  Always follow all the manufacturer’s instructions and keep written materials and manuals in a safe, accessible place.
• Make sure the grill burner controls are turned off and keep the cylinder valve closed when not in use.
• Make sure the gas grill is shut off and completely cooled before covering it after use.
• Always use or store cylinders in an upright, vertical position.  Store cylinders outdoors away from sources of ignition (i.e. heat, matches, or lighters).
• When a cylinder is refilled, have the supplier check for dents, damage, rust, or leaks.
• After filling, take the cylinder home immediately.  While transporting, keep the vehicle ventilated with the cylinder valve closed and plugged or capped.
• When a grill is not in use, cover disconnected hose-end fittings and burner air intakes with small plastic bags, or obtain protective fitting caps from the propane gas retailer to keep out dirt, insects, and moisture.
• Before lighting a propane gas grill burner, use a leak-detection solution to check all connections for tightness.  Contact a local propane gas retailer to obtain the leak-detection solution and instructions on how to use it.
• If there is a significant and uncontrollable release of gas or fire, call the fire department immediately and move all people and pets away from the unit.

Propane Grill Don’ts

• Do not bring cylinders indoors or into an enclosed space such as a garage.
• Do not smoke while handling the propane cylinder.
• Do not leave the cylinder in a vehicle.
• Do not use matches or lighters to check for leaks.
• Do not allow children to tamper or play with the cylinder or grill.
• Do not use, store, or transport a cylinder where it could be exposed to high temperatures. (This includes storing spare cylinders under or near the grill.)