Propane Safety Tips:

Propane gas is one of the safest and most reliable fuels available on the market today and can be handled quite safely by following the safety tips listed below.

Operate and maintain your propane gas equipment in accordance with the manufacturers' instructions.

What is a GAS Check?

Gas Appliance System Check is a special service program offered to propane users in association with the National Propane Gas Association . Its purpose is to let you enjoy the convenience of propane in safety with peace of mind.

A GAS Check technician makes a complete inspection of your propane system and appliances. It takes as little as 30-60 minutes and will assure you that all your appliances and entire propane system is operating properly. Our service technicians are “Propane Certified” to make sure the job is done right.

Why You Need a GAS Check

You may use propane because your home or RV came equipped with it, not just because you like its convenience and efficiency. Nevertheless, you should know that with those benefits comes a responsibility to make sure that it has been properly serviced and maintained.

Get that extra measure of safety and peace of mind with a GAS Check.

Maintenance and Safety Tips for Your Propane Dryer

• Follow manufacturer's installation and operating instructions
• Be sure that your dryer's vent is unobstructed.
• Clean lint screen after each use.
• Clean exhaust duct periodically.
• Check outside vent periodically and make sure it opens and closes freely.
• Never run your dryer when not at home.

Maintenance and Safety Tips for Your Propane Furnace

• Follow manufacturer's installation and operating instructions.
• Have your furnace and venting inspected annually by your authorized heating dealer.
• Change your furnace filters regularly
• Before firing up and using your propane gas furnace for the first time each season, be sure to have your venting system checked. Insects may have built nests which obstruct flow.
• At the first indication of incomplete combustion (yellow flame instead of blue, or soot present), contact a service technician immediately.

Maintenance and Safety Tips for Your Propane Range

• Follow manufacturer's installation and operating instructions.
• Burner flame should be a blue color, indicating complete combustion. If not, have your unit serviced by a qualified technician.
• Do not cover oven bottom with foil - it can restrict air circulation
• Always keep pot handles turned inward.
• Be sure children understand never to turn knobs on the front of your propane gas range.

Maintenance and Safety Tips for Your Propane Grill

• Follow manufacturer's installation, maintenance and operating instructions.
• Clean the grate and grill regularly.
• Keep grill lid open when lighting.
• Change lava rocks or brickets periodically as recommended by the manufacturer.

Maintenance and Safety Tips for Your Propane Space Heater

• Follow the manufacturer's installation and operating instructions.
• Ignite match or lighter and hold over burner before turning on gas.
• As with furnaces and water heaters, at the first indication of incomplete combustion (yellow flame instead of blue, or soot present), call a service technician immediately, for improper combustion may cause carbon monoxide buildup, a toxic, colorless, odorless gas, which is dangerous.

Maintenance and Safety Tips for Your Propane Water Heater

• Buy a unit equipped with a temperature and pressure relief valve. Maintain setting at no more than 120 degrees Fahrenheit to reduce the chance of hot water scalding.
• Keep flammable substances away from the water heater and do not store things close to it. This practice may block the airflow which the heater needs to operate correctly.
• At the first indication of incomplete combustion (yellow flame instead of blue, or soot present), call a service technician immediately. Improper combustion can cause carbon monoxide buildup which is dangerous.

Maintenance and Safety Tips for Your Propane Lanterns

• Follow all manufacturer's installation and operating instructions.
• Clean glass as needed with a soft cloth and soapy water.
• Replace worn or broken mantles as needed.

If You Smell Gas

If you smell gas evacuate the house immediately. Don't use light switches, phones, matches or, anything electrical. Use a cellular phone or go to a neighbor's home and call us immediately.

Get everyone out of the building. Call us.

Shut off the main gas supply valve at your tank or cylinder. Learn where this supply shutoff valve is by asking one of our delivery drivers. See Know Your Tank section.

Safety Is Common Sense, Avoid Accidents

• Have your propane appliances installed by your propane supplier.
• Make sure your present appliances are properly vented (when required). Poisonous carbon monoxide can be produced from improperly installed appliances. We will be happy to inspect your venting system.
• Have a BC rated extinguisher handy. Be sure it is charged and know how to use it.
• Do not tamper with your appliances.
• If you smell gas don't light it. If you can't light it don't fight it!
• Keep your head away from the valves on your propane tank or cylinder. A sudden discharge could result in injury.
• Water may damage control valves on appliances. If the control gets wet, have it replaced.

Don't get caught out of gas!

Did you know many States have adopted the National Fire protection Association's requirements regarding out-of-gas situations? These regulations require anyone delivering propane to an out-of-gas customer or new customer to perform a complete system check. This leak and safety check includes an inspection of all lines, appliances, regulators and control valves. A thorough safety check can take as long as an hour to complete and the propane customer is required to be present.

Propane is an extremely safe energy source when used properly. These strict out-of-gas regulations were enacted by many States and NFPA to protect your family and property. Convenience, comfort, cost and safety...these are four good reasons to avoid out-of-gas situations.

Carbon Monoxide: A Hidden Hazard

It's well known that carbon monoxide from car exhaust can be deadly if not vented to the outside. People can also be overcome from the carbon monoxide that may be produced from burning common heating fuels like wood, coal, fuel oil, kerosene, natural gas, and propane. Carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, so it's difficult to detect. If you suspect you have carbon monoxide get out of the building and get fresh air, then call us to inspect your heating system vents. Here are some common indicators of CO contamination:

• An undefined chronic odor inside the building.
• Dying house plants.
• Condensation on cool, indoor surfaces.
• Discoloration or soot buildup at warm air outlets of the heating system.