Safety Tips

Propane Safety Tips for Your Home

General Tips

To readily recognize a leak, know what propane smells like. Propane suppliers have pamphlets available with a scratch-and-sniff spot so that your entire family can recognize the smell. Propane leak detectors, similar to carbon monoxide detectors, are available online or at your local plumbing supply or hardware stores. View the annual Duty To Know – Propane brochure.

IMPORTANT: If you smell a leak, immediately evacuate everyone from the building and call your local propane supplier or the fire department from your neighbor’s phone. DO NOT remain in the building, use the telephone or light switches or try to determine the source of the leak by yourself.

Important Notes to Keep in Mind:

Be aware of the location of gas service lines – this is important when work needs to be performed
Water can damage the internal safety mechanism in the gas controls of an appliance. If you suspect that your appliance gas controls may have gotten wet (because of flooding, for example), have a trained technician replace them immediately.

Propane Safety Tips for Emergency Weather Situations

By taking some simple propane-related safety precautions and discussing them with your family, you can reduce the potential for property loss, personal injury and even death.

There are several precautionary measures you can take to be prepared in case of emergencies:

Ensure tank is not in a location prone to flooding and high water such as dry creek beds.
A good rule of thumb is to keep a clear 10′ radius around tanks.
Cut grass / weeds around the tank exposing bare ground; use weed / grass killer after cutting vegetation and spread base material or gravel around to prevent growth.
Never store or place cylinders indoors or in an enclosed area such as a basement, garage or shed.
Secure the tank with anchoring cables on a solid foundation if needed.
Be sure to have a tank dome and properly secure it closed to prevent damage to the fittings.
Know how and where to shut off propane supply and appliances. For more information, contact CES.
Have your propane tank filled when rainy weather is on the way. The tank will not float if the water level is below the propane level.
In the event of flooding, turn off the gas tank’s valves before leaving the home if possible.

Great reminder below of how serious “burn bans” really are when posted!

Photos from the 2016 Poconos 8,000 acre “16 Mile Fire” where the home in the background is gone and the 1,000 gallon propane tank was spared out in the grass. We can’t say thank you enough to the dedicated fire fighters in Pike County and Ulster County for their work.

Below are examples of propane incidents occurring during extreme weather situations and natural disasters, showing how important it is to be educated and aware of propane-related safety precautions:

Preparation

Safety precautions taken before storm season by securing your above ground tank with anchoring cables onto a solid foundation.

Hurricane Sandy

An unsecured tank is blown away during high winds

Keep tanks secure to avoid them being thrown around in high wind. This is a damaged propane tank during Hurricane Sandy. Hurricane Irene In the event of flooding, turn off the tank’s valves before leaving the home. This is a propane tank floating down river during Hurricane Irene.

Propane Safety Tips for Grilling

Read and follow all the grill manufacturer’s instructions before turning on and lighting the grill. Keep the top open when lighting a propane grill, and don’t close it until you are sure grill is lit.
Start with a hot grill. When you place meat on the grill, it should sizzle. Searing meat locks in the juices and flavor and helps keep meat from sticking to the grill. Turn the grill on as high as possible, then place the meat on the grate, close the lid, and sear one side for 3 to 4 minutes. Then, reduce heat to medium for the remainder of the cooking time.
Most grilling is done with direct heat, or cooking items quickly at high temperatures. Place burgers, steaks, or your favorite tender beef cut directly over the grill burners. Use indirect heat when cooking less tender cuts of beef, such as brisket. The indirect low-and-slow method cooks meat at a lower temperature for a longer time. Simply turn off one set of burners and place beef on that side; radiant heat from the hot side will cook items slowly.
Turn off the burner control and close the cylinder valve. When a grill is not in use for extended periods of time, cover disconnected hose-end fittings with plastic bags or protective caps to keep them clean.
Properly transport and store gas cylinders. When refilling or replacing a propane cylinder, transport in a secure, upright (vertical) position in a well-ventilated area in your vehicle, and take it home immediately. Always use or store cylinders in a secure and upright position outdoors (not in a garage or shed).

The Do’s and Don’ts of Grilling Safety

Do	Don’t
Do follow the grill manufacturer’s instruction and keep written materials handy.	Don’t smoke while handling a propane cylinder.
Do keep the top of the grill open until you are sure it is lit.	Don’t use matches or lighters to check for propane leaks.
Do cover disconnected hose-end fittings with plastic bags or protective caps to keep a grill clean when it is not in use.	Don’t pour an accelerant such as lighter fluid or gasoline on the grill.
Do store propane cylinders outdoors in an upright (vertical) position.	Don’t allow children to tamper with the cylinder or grill.
Do: If you smell gas, safely turn off the cylinder valve, turning it to the right (clockwise). Immediately leave the area and dial 911 or call your local fire department. Before using the grill again, have a qualified service technician inspect your cylinder.	Don’t use, store or transport propane cylinders near high temperatures (this includes storing spare cylinders near the grill).
	Don’t try to be a grill repairman. If you are having grill or propane cylinder problems, see a qualified service tech

Propane Safety Tips for Small Cylinders

What should I do if I smell gas?
1. Immediately put out all smoking materials and other open flames.
2. If you are able to, safely turn off the cylinder valve. To close the valve, turn it to the right (clockwise).
3. Immediately leave the area and call 911 or your local fire department.
4. Before you restart the appliance, have a qualified service technician inspect your cylinder and appliance.
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. Consider purchasing a propane gas detector as an additional measure of security. Odor fade is an unintentional reduction in the concentration of the odor of propane, making it more difficult to smell. Although rare, this can be caused by the presence of air, water, or rust in the cylinder. New and reconditioned small cylinders that sit too long before being filled are prone to internal rust when moisture and air get inside.
How should I store small cylinders?
- NEVER store or place a propane cylinder indoors or in an enclosed area such as a basement, garage, shed, or tent.
- NEVER store or place a propane cylinder in an area of excessive heat (120 degrees or higher) or near a stove, fireplace, or other heat source. The heat builds up pressure inside the cylinder, which may cause the pressure relief valve to release propane. Flash fires or explosions can result from exposing cylinders to heat.
- NEVER store or place a spare cylinder under or near a barbecue grill.
- DO NOT smoke or have any ignition sources such as flames or spark-producing electrical tools in the area while handling or transporting cylinders.
How should I transport small cylinders?
- ALWAYS transport and store a cylinder in a secure and upright position so it will not fall, shift, or roll.
- ALWAYS close the cylinder valve and, if required, seal with a plug, even if the cylinder is empty. Ask your propane retailer if a plug is required.
- NEVER keep a filled cylinder inside a hot vehicle or transport it inside a closed trunk.
- ALWAYS place the cylinder in a well-ventilated area of the vehicle.
- ALWAYS proceed directly to your destination and immediately remove the cylinder from your vehicle.
- The law places limits on the number of cylinders and the amount of propane that can be transported in closed-bodied vehicles such as passenger cars and vans. Ask your propane retailer for more information on state and local codes that apply to you.
What should I do if I have a problem with my cylinders or outdoor appliances?

DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES TRY TO MODIFY OR REPAIR VALVES, REGULATORS, OR OTHER CYLINDER OR APPLIANCE PARTS. Propane cylinders incorporate special components such as valves, connectors, and other parts to keep them safe for use with grills and other propane appliances. Damage to any component can cause a gas leak.

DON’T RISK IT! Call your propane retailer or a qualified service technician for assistance.
How to test for propane leaks
It is important to inspect your cylinder and outdoor gas appliances for leaks. Do this before using them for the first time each season, as well as on a regular basis. This can be accomplished with a simple “bubble-test”.
1. Apply leak detector solution or thick soapy water to the connection(s) between the cylinder valve and the regulator outlet. These connections are marked with an “x” on the diagram below.
2. Slowly open the cylinder valve and watch for bubbles.
3. If bubbles appear, close the cylinder valve, tighten the connection, and repeat the process. If bubbles still appear, call your propane retailer immediately.
What is an overfill prevention device (opd)?

MAKE SURE YOUR CYLINDER IS EQUIPPED WITH AN OVERFILL PREVENTION DEVICE (OPD). An OPD is a safety feature that helps prevent small propane cylinders from being overfilled. An overfilled cylinder doesn’t have enough space left if the liquid expands when exposed to warmer temperatures. This can cause an increase in cylinder pressure and create potentially hazardous conditions. Most cylinders with OPDs have special triangular handwheels with the letters “OPD” on them. In many states, cylinders without OPDs cannot be refilled. If you are uncertain as to whether your cylinder has an OPD valve on it, ask your propane retailer.
What should I do with my old or damaged cylinders?
How should I dispose of cylinders?