Propane is a safe, economical, clean-burning, and versatile fuel when used properly. This activity will instruct you on the steps to take if you should smell propane and suspect a gas leak.
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Propane smells like rotten eggs, a skunk’s spray, or a dead animal. Propane manufacturers add this smell to help alert customers to propane leaks.
Make sure everyone in your family can recognize the smell of propane.
Some people may have difficulty smelling propane. For example, some older people have a less sensitive sense of smell. Certain medical conditions, or the effects of medication, alcohol, tobacco, or drugs can make it more difficult to smell propane.
Consider purchasing a propane gas detector as an additional measure of security.
Odor loss is an unintentional reduction in the concentration of the odor of propane. This makes it more difficult to smell.
Although rare, this can be caused by the presence of rust on the inside walls of the tank or cylinder. This can happen when air and moisture get inside an empty tank or cylinder that has its valve open.
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Immediately put out all smoking materials and other open flames. Do not operate lights, appliances, telephones, or cell phones. Flames or sparks from these sources can trigger an explosion or a fire.
Get everyone out of the building or area where you suspect gas is leaking.
Turn off the main gas supply valve on your propane tank, if it is safe to do so. To close the valve, turn it to the right (clockwise).
From a neighbor’s home or other building away from the gas leak, call your propane retailer right away. If you can’t reach your propane retailer, call 911 or your local fire department.
…until your propane retailer, emergency responder, or a qualified service technician determines that it is safe to do so.
Before you attempt to use any of your propane appliances, your propane retailer or a qualified service technician must check your entire system to ensure that it is leak-free.
Now that you've reviewed the propane safety guidelines, test your knowledge by answering the questions on the next screen.
|If you smell gas, you should:||True||False|
|Put out all smoking materials and open flames|
|Shut off the gas, if it is safe to do so|
|Sniff around for the source of the leak|
|Get your system checked before reuse|
|Turn lights off or on|
|Turn appliances off or on|
|Leave the area immediately|
|Call the fire department from the nearest phone|
|Report the leak from a building away from the leak|