Propane Safety

What You Need to Know About Propane

Propane is a very safe fuel, but as with any energy source, there are steps you should take to further ensure your safety.

• If you detect a gas leak, immediately evacuate everyone from the house and call your local fire department and then call your propane provider from a neighbor’s telephone.
• Learn what propane smells like. We offer a free scratch-and-sniff pamphlet to help you and your family recognize the distinctive odor of propane.
• Know where gas lines are located, so you won’t damage them when digging or working in the yard.
• Change or clean furnace filters regularly as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Don’t store cleaning fluids, oil-soaked rags, gasoline, or other flammable liquids near a gas-burning appliance where vapors could be ignited by the pilot light.

Industry Efforts to Safeguard Propane Use

GAS Check® is an inspection program developed by the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) and the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), and funded by PERC that provides guidelines to technicians on how to perform two different types of residential safety inspections:

• A “Gas System Check” which must be completed on the gas delivery system, including the containers, regulators, and appurtenances; and
• A “Gas Appliance System Check” which includes all of the items of a “Gas Systems Check” as well as on all propane-burning appliances. GAS Check® also educates homeowners on the safe use of propane and the maintenance of propane appliances.