Though propane is generally regarded as very safe to use and work with, DiSanto Propane keeps home propane safety at the highest priority when it comes to fueling your home or business. Don’t cut any corners when it comes to hooking up your propane tank to your gas grill, inspecting your propane water heater for any malfunctions, or making sure that your propane tank connection is turned off, to list a few examples.

If You Smell Gas

• Immediately put out all flames, sparks or smoking materials. Do not operate any lights, appliances, telephones, cell phones, or any other devices that could possibly create a spark that would trigger an explosion or fire.
• Leave the area immediately – get everyone out of the building or area where you believe there is propane leaking as quickly as possible.
• Shut off the gas! If it is safe to do so, turn off the main gas supply valve on your propane tank. To close the valve, turn it clockwise.
• Report the leak ASAP. From a safe distance at a neighbor’s home or nearby building far away from the gas leak, call DiSanto Propane or your propane provider right away. If you can’t reach your provider, call 911 or your local fire department.
• Do not return to the building or area where you believe the leak occurred until a propane or natural gas official determines that it is safe to do so.
• Finally, get your system checked. Before you attempt to use any of your propane-powered appliances, your propane retailer or qualified service technician should check your entire system to ensure that it is leak-free and safe to use. Propane safety first!

Identifying The Smell

Propane smells rather strong and unpleasant, and that is very much intentional. Because propane is naturally an odorless, colorless gas, manufacturers like DiSanto Propane add a odor that smells similar to rotten eggs, a dead animal, or a skunk’s spray. Though the smell isn’t ideal, the point is to alert you that there might be a leak, which can create a safety hazard.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon Monoxide, or CO, is no joke and can be deadly, especially in unventilated, enclosed spaces. Carbon Monoxide gas is produced when any fuel burns, and in extreme cases, extended exposure to high levels of CO can result in brain damage or even death. Symptoms of CO poisoning include:

-Headache

-Dizziness

-Fatigue

-Shortness of breath

-Nausea

Similar to a propane leak, if you, a friend or a family member experiences any extent of CO poisoning symptoms or for any reason believes that there’s a Carbon Monoxide leak, you must act immediately to avoid any health damage. Get everyone out of the building and into fresh air, and call 911 or your local fire department immediately. If it is safe to do so, open windows to allow fresh air to dissipate the Carbon Monoxide and turn off any appliances that you believe may be releasing the CO.

Even if no one has any physical symptoms of CO poisoning but you suspect that CO is present, it’s best to play it safe. In this case, call DiSanto Propane or your local propane retailer to send out a qualified service technician to check your CO levels and propane-related equipment.

Consider Gas Detectors

Propane gas detectors are designed to sound a loud alarm if they sense the presence of propane. You don’t have to worry about the odor concentration of your propane, however, because propane gas detectors only check for the propane concentration itself.

If you use propane on a regular basis, it is advisable to install one or even multiple propane gas detectors. If you or others in your home have any difficulty smelling the foul odor of propane, then installing multiple propane gas detectors is especially ideal. Because you can’t always rely on human intuition to keep you safe, propane safety machines can help by providing an additional measure of security for your home.

Play It Safe

Even the slightest, faint whiff of propane odor should be treated with utmost seriousness. Odor fade can happen over time with propane, even DiSanto Propane. Taking the proper precautions, including installing propane detectors, Carbon Monoxide monitors, and having a plan if a leak does occur will ensure your safety.

Though propane is an otherwise safe, efficient and clean source of fuel for your home, propane should be approached with safety in mind.