Propane

In its natural state, propane is an odorless and colorless gas that is widely used to fuel appliances for heating, cooking and other uses. While propane is used as a gas for fueling appliances, it is transported and stored as a liquid under high pressure in specially designed containers referred to either as tanks or cylinders. When liquid propane changes into a gas vapor, it expands in volume by about 270 times, meaning that propane is very economical to store and transport as a liquid rather than as a gas vapor. However, this characteristic also means that even a small leak of liquid propane can result in a much larger quantity of propane vapor, which can be especially dangerous in a confined space.

Similar to any other flammable gas or flammable liquid, propane is very safe when stored and handled properly. However, if propane is not properly and safely stored and handled, it can cause property damage, injuries, or even death. For this reason, it is important for the safety of the members of your household that they have a thorough understanding of the properties and characteristics of propane, and the hazards and risks associated with its use. Contact your local propane dealer with questions that you have about propane.

• Propane is an odorless and colorless gas.
• A chemical odorant is added to propane to give it a distinct smell.
• Propane is stored as a liquid under pressure in tanks and cylinders.
• In most residential applications, propane is used as a vapor.
• If propane comes in contact with your skin, it can cause frost burns.
• Concentrations of propane may cause flash fires or explosions.
• Propane vapor is heavier than air, and it may collect initially at floor levels or in other low areas before it begins to dissipate; to check for the presence of propane, carefully smell all over a room, especially in low spots.
• Even a slight gas odor may signal a serious propane gas leak, and you should take immediate action if you smell gas or suspect a leak.

• In its natural state, propane is an odorless and colorless gas.
• A chemical odorant has been added to propane to give it a distinct smell.
• Propane is stored as a liquid under pressure in tanks and cylinders.
• In most residential applications, propane is used as a vapor.
• If propane comes in contact with your skin, it can result in frost burns.
• Concentrations of propane may cause flash fires or explosions.
• Propane vapor is heavier than air, and it may collect initially at floor levels or in other low areas before it begins to dissipate; therefore, to check for the presence of propane, carefully smell all over a room, especially in low spots.
• Even a slight gas odor may signal a serious propane gas leak, and you should take immediate action if you smell gas or suspect a leak.
• Consult your propane dealer for detailed information about using propane safely

• Propane gas detectors are available as an extra measure.
• Gas detectors are only an aid and are not intended to reduce or eliminate proper safety procedures. When a gas odor is detected, even if the gas detector alarm has not been activated, call for help.
• It is extremely important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing a detector.
• When selecting a gas detector, you should only choose a detector that is listed with Underwriters Laboratories (UL).

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.

• Not maintaining all of your appliances can result in potentially fatal carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Improperly vented appliances can cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning may include one or more of the following: eye irritation, headaches, dizziness or sleepiness. You may also notice excessive moisture buildup on the inside of windows.
• If you identify any of these symptoms, immediately open doors and windows to ventilate the home and call a qualified service technician for help.
• Consider installing one or more carbon monoxide detectors inside your home or recreational vehicle. They sound an alarm when carbon monoxide is present.
• Never use camping equipment or portable heaters that are not designed for recreational vehicles.

• Use only DOT-approved cylinders that are in good condition.
• When using a new cylinder for the first time, insist that your propane dealer purge the cylinder to remove air and moisture in the tank.
• Propane will expand and contract, depending on the temperature.
• Cylinders should only be filled to 80 percent of capacity.
• Before lighting a propane gas appliance, check all connections for tightness using a leak detection solution.
• Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions before operating a gas appliance.
• Never use propane from a cylinder without a regulator.
• Do not use matches or a lighter to check for leaks.
• Turn off the valves on the cylinder when an appliance is not in use.
• Never store a cylinder indoors or in an enclosed vehicle.
• When transporting a cylinder, make sure it is secured and in the upright position, so that the valves are in the vapor space.
• Never smoke or have open flames near propane cylinders.
• When filling cylinders attached to your vehicle, be sure all sources of ignition are shut off, including pilot lights and vehicle engines.

Because propane-fueled appliances can be dangerous if improperly used, it’s important to a few basic rules and to read and understand manufacturers’ operating instructions. Keep manuals close at hand for easy reference.