Propane Safety

What is propane?

Propane (also called LPG – liquefied petroleum gas – or LP gas) is a liquid fuel stored under pressure. In most systems, propane is vaporized to a gas before it leaves the tank. Propane is flammable when mixed with air (oxygen) and can be ignited by many sources, including open flames, smoking materials, electrical sparks and static electricity. Severe freeze burn or frostbite can result if propane liquid comes in contact with your skin.

Can you smell it?

Propane smells like rotten eggs, a skunk’s spray or a dead animal. Some people may have difficulty smelling propane due to their age (older people may have a less sensitive sense of smell); a  medical condition; or the effects of medication, alcohol, tobacco or drugs.

ODOR LOSS. On rare occasions, propane can lose its odor. Several things can cause this including:

  • The presence of air, water, or rust in a propane tank or cylinder.
  • The passage of leaking propane through the soil

Since there is a possibility of odor loss, or problems with your sense of smell, you should respond immediately to even a faint odor of gas.

If you smell gas

  1. NO Flames or sparks! Immediately put out all smoking materials and other open flames. Do no operate lights, appliances, telephones, or cell phones. Flames or sparks from these sources can trigger an explosion or fire.
  2. Leave the area IMMEDIATELY! Get everyone out of the building or area where you suspect gas is leaking.
  3. Shut off the gas. Turn off the main gas supply valve on your propane take if it is safe to do so. To close the valve, turn it to the right (clockwise).
  4. Report the leak. From a neighbour’s home or other nearby building away from the gas leak, call Heintz Propane right away. If you can’t reach us, call 911 or your local fire department.
  5. DO NOT RETURN to the building or area until Heintz Propane, emergency responder or qualified service technician determines that it is safe to do so.
  6. GET YOUR SYSTEM CHECKED. Before you attempt to use any of your propane appliances, Heintz Propane or a qualified service technician must check your entire system to ensure that it is leak-free.