Propane Safety Tips

First identified as a volatile organic compound in gasoline by Dr. Water O. Snelling in 1910, propane has been widely used as a major fuel source since the 1930’s. Millions worldwide depend on propane to make their lives more comfortable, and because it is clean, reliable, affordable, and relatively safe, propane is widely used in home appliances such as cook tops, dryers, fireplaces, garage heaters, and patio heaters.

According to the Propane Education and Research Council, because the government is now enacting laws to bring forth a 20 percent reduction in gasoline consumption, propane is widely considered an efficient and cost-effective alternative fuel source. In fact, the Council notes that increasing the use of this affordable fuel in fleets by just 10 percent could displace over one million gallons of gasoline by 2017.

In terms of using propane as a home heating fuel, the portability of propane-fueled heaters makes them ideal for both garage and patio heating, as they can be moved from one place to the next with minimal trouble. However, like any type of fuel, propane gas is highly combustible, and when produced, it is both odorless and colorless. Therefore, for safety reasons, chemical odorants such as ethyl mercaptan are added to the fuel so that in the case of a leak, the gas can be detected by its strong, distinct smell.

However, at times, these odorants may not be enough to warn a user of a propane leakage, as colds, allergies, smoke, or alcohol can impair one’s ability to detect odors. Strong, competing odors may also mask the smell of escaping propane, and exposure to certain materials such as those used in masonry may lessen the effectiveness of the odorant. As well, continued exposure to propane can cause one to get used to the odor and fail to detect its presence, and because propane gas is heavier than air, floor-level leaks are especially difficult to detect.

With that in mind, if you have propane appliance, follow these steps to both recognize and prevent a propane leak in your home:

1. Be aware of what propane smells like. Many propane retailers offer pamphlets with “scratch and sniff” cards that allow you and your family members to recognize the smell. Also be sure to invest in a propane leak detector, which is similar to a carbon monoxide detector, for even more protection.

2. Always be sure of where gas service lines are located, especially in outdoor areas such as yards and patios.

3. If you smell a propane leak, evacuate everyone from the building immediately, and call your local propane deal. Never remain in the building or use the phone and light switches in an attempt to determine the source of the leak yourself.

4. If you suspect that your propane appliance controls may have gotten wet due to rain or flooding (as in the case of outdoor, propane-fueled patio heaters), immediately have a trained technician inspect your equipment.