Propane Safety

What is Propane?​

Propane, also known as liquid petroleum gas (LPG), is a gas that is normally compressed to be stored as a liquid. Propane is primarily a by product of processing domestic natural gas but it is also created through crude oil refinement. Although propane itself has no smell, an odor is added to propane to give it a distinct smell. This is done to ensure safety when dealing with propane. The supply of propane within the U.S. is growing rapidly due to the increased supply of natural gas. Now, over 48 million homes within the U.S. use propane. To read more about propane, go to the national Propane Gas Association(NPGA) LP Gas Magazine

Who Uses Propane?​

​Propane is used by millions of Americans every day and in several different ways. Propane is now used to heat homes, power gas stoves and gas grills, power dryers, gas fireplaces, generators, and many other appliances within homes. Along with home and personal use, propane also serves commercial and agricultural needs. Propane is used by businesses all across the world for industrial heating and powering forklifts and fleet vehicles. Propane is also used by framers for purposes such as pest control, powering irrigation pumps, space heating, and crop drying. Whether your use of propane is for the home, business, or farm, Scotland Oil Company can supply all of your needs.

If you smell propane gas...

  1. No Flames or Sparks: Instantly put out any smoking devices. Do not attempt to operate any appliances, lights, phones or cell phones. Sparks from these devices could trigger an explosion or fire.
  2. Leave the Premise Immediately: Have everyone leave the area or building that the gas leak is suspected to be in.
  3. Shut off the main supply of gas: Shut off the main supply of gas from your propane tank if it is safe to do so. To turn the supply off, turn the main valve clockwise to the right.
  4. Report the Leak: Contact your propane retailer using your neighbor’s or nearby buildings phone. If you cannot reach your propane provider, contact 911 or your local fire department.
  5. Stay Away: Remain a safe distance from the area of the leak until a qualified technician, emergency responder, or propane retailer has said it is safe to return.
  6. Have your system tested for leaks before turning the propane back on.

WARNING STATEMENT
Propane is an extremely flammable gas. Propane vapor reduces oxygen available for breathing and may cause suffocation in confined spaces. Propane liquid may cause freeze burn similar to frostbite. Propane can contain small quantities of chemicals known to cause cancer or birth defects.

FOR YOUR SAFETY, PROPANE HAS AN ODOR ADDED SO YOU CAN DETECT LEAKS…
You and each member of your family must know the smell of propane. Ask your serviceman or deliveryman to demonstrate its odor. If anyone in your household cannot smell propane, or it smells weak, call us immediately. Propane is heavier than air and will collect at floor level. Carefully smell at floor level and in low spots to check for propane.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL GAS OR SUSPECT A LEAK

  1. Put out all smoking materials and any other open flames.
  2. Do not operate any appliances, switches or thermostats.
  3. Get everyone outside and away from the gas equipment
  4. Shut off the gas supply, using the shut-off valve at the tank or cylinder.
  5. Call your propane supplier – use your neighbor’s phone if gas smell is in the house
  6. Stay outside and leave the gas off until the leak has been found and fixed.

TO TURN THE GAS OFF, TURN YOUR GAS SUPPLY VALVE CLOCKWISE UNTIL YOU CAN NO LONGER TURN THE VALVE.

RELIGHTING YOUR PILOTS.

We strongly recommend that for safety reasons, you call a qualified technician to relight your pilots.

However, if you relight your pilots yourself:

  1. Turn all appliance controls and manual shut-off valves to the OFF position.
  2. Slowly open the tank shut-off valve.
  3. Carefully smell for the presence of propane at floor level and low spots before attempting to relight the pilot.
  4. If gas is detected – STOP – See “WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL GAS” above.
  5. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for pilot lighting.

YOUR PROPANE SYSTEM AND APPLIANCES HAVE BUILT IN SAFETY FEATURES...to help keep them working

  1. Do not allow unqualified personnel to service your propane system or appliance.
  2. Do not tamper with gas controls on appliances.
  3. Do not let your system run out of propane.
  4. Have wet or flooded appliances and controls serviced immediately.
  5. Understand that propane odor can fade or be covered up by other strong odors.
  6. Do not light pilot light in areas where there are strong odors. Completely ventilate the area first.
  7. Call a qualified technician to relight pilots or carefully follow the equipment manufacturer’s instructions.
  8. Repeated pilot outages could indicate a hazardous condition…Do not attempt to relight the pilot, call your serviceman.