Propane Safety Tips
Learn essential propane safety tips for storage & usage. Contact us for assistance.
Key Safety Points
Proper Storage
Always store tanks upright in a ventilated outdoor area away from heat sources.
Leak Detection
Know the smell — propane has an added odorant. If detected, evacuate and call 911.
Safe Lighting
Follow appliance manufacturer instructions when lighting pilots or burners.
Emergency Shutoff
Know where your main shutoff valve is and how to operate it safely.
Recognizing a Propane Leak
Propane has a distinctive odor — often described as rotten eggs or a skunk-like smell — added specifically to help you detect leaks. If you suspect a leak, leave the area immediately.
Do not attempt to locate the source of a leak yourself. Our emergency response team is available 24/7.
Safety by Customer Type
Safety Tips for Homeowners
Your propane tank should be inspected annually by a certified technician. Keep the area around your tank clear of debris, and ensure proper ventilation for all indoor appliances.
- Keep chimneys, flues, and vents free of debris, including leaves, animal nests, snow and ice, and other obstructions.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the placement and use of vent-free appliances, including fireplaces and logs.
- Make sure you have a UL-listed carbon monoxide detector on every level of your home.
- Make sure your chimney flue damper (if equipped) is always open when you use your fireplace.
- NEVER use a gas oven or stove burners for space heating.
- NEVER use outdoor portable heaters inside, unless they are designed and approved for indoor use.
- NEVER use a barbecue grill (propane or charcoal) indoors for cooking or heating.
- NEVER operate a propane-fueled piece of equipment (lawn mower, generator, or snow blower) in enclosed areas, including your garage.
Safety Tips for Businesses
Commercial propane systems require more frequent inspections due to higher usage volumes. Ensure all staff are trained in emergency shutdown procedures and that emergency numbers are posted visibly.
- Schedule quarterly system inspections
- Maintain a propane safety log on site
- Train all employees on emergency shutoff location
- Display emergency contact numbers at each appliance
Safety Tips for Small Cylinders
When filling portable cylinders, always ensure the valve is closed before and after filling. Never overfill — propane expands with heat, and cylinders must have a vapor space.
- Do not smoke within 25 feet of fill station
- Turn off your vehicle engine during fill
- Never fill a cylinder that is damaged or out of certification
- Keep cylinders upright during transport
More Information
You may also need to contact your local utilities as well before you dig.
Links to Safety Literature (PDF)
Call us for round-the-clock service.
FAQs
Common Questions
Propane is naturally odorless. An odorant called ethyl mercaptan — which smells like rotten eggs or a skunk — is added to help detect leaks. If you smell this odor, evacuate immediately and call 911 from outside your home.
We recommend a professional inspection at least once per year for residential systems, and more frequently for commercial operations. Inspections cover all connections, regulators, hoses, and appliances.
If your tank runs out, do not attempt to relight appliances yourself. Call us to schedule a delivery and re-lighting service. Running out of gas can allow air and moisture into the system, which requires a pressure test before relighting.
No. Propane tanks should always be stored outdoors in an upright position. Never store tanks indoors, in garages, or in any enclosed space — even when tanks appear to be empty.
Most tank gauges show the percentage of propane remaining, not gallons. A reading of 20% or below means it’s time to schedule a delivery. We recommend calling when you reach 25% to ensure timely service.
GET IN TOUCH
Have a Safety Question? Reach Out.
Our team is happy to answer any propane safety questions.
Ready to Schedule a Safety Inspection?
Our certified technicians are available across all service areas. Most inspections completed same week.