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More information on propane safety available at:
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Propane is a very safe fuel, but as with any energy source, there are steps you should take to further ensure your safety.
Propane safety tips:
- Because propane is odorless, an identifying "rotten egg" smell is added so the gas can be readily detected. The same thing is done with natural gas.
- If you detect a gas leak, immediately evacuate everyone from the building and call the fire department from a safe location.
- Never use or tamper with a damaged propane cylinder. Always contact a trained professional for service on your propane tank or cylinder.
- Learn what propane smells like. Propane retailers have scratch-and-sniff pamphlets to help your family recognize its distinctive odor.
- Know where gas lines are located, so you won't damage then 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.
Propane 101:
If you have not used propane before or even if you are a veteran propane user, you may have questions as to how to use propane safely. Below may be some of your questions:
- How are propane tanks and containers constructed?
- How is the price of propane figured?
- How does propane compare to electricity or other fuels in pricing?
- How do I read the gauge on my propane tank?
- Where should propane tanks be stored or located?
To find these answers and much more, visit the Propane 101 website.
For more information on propane safety, visit the PERC Consumer Safety website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is propane safe to use in my home?
A: Propane is a safe fuel to use in your home and business. propane has a narrow range of flammability and cannot be ingested like gasoline or alcohol fuels because it is released as a vapor from a pressurized container. In addition, award-winning preventative maintenance programs like GAS Checks (Gas Appliance System Check) ensure that homeowners understand how to properly maintain their propane appliances and enjoy a healthy, safe environment.
Q. Is propane dangerous to the environment?
A: No. Propane is an approved, clean fuel listed in the 1990 Clean Air Act and the Energy Policy Act of 1992. Propane is one of the cleanest burning of all fossil fuels. Tests conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency show that propane-fueled vehicles produce 30 percent to 90 percent less carbon monoxide and about 50 percent fewer toxins and other smog-producing emissions than gasoline engines. propane also is nontoxic, so it's not harmful to soil or water.
Q. How can I be sure I'm handling propane gas properly in my home?
A: The propane industry has developed a comprehensive maintenance program called Gas Checks, in which trains technicians inspect propane systems and appliances in homes to ensure they are running safely and efficiently. The program also educates homeowners about proper maintenance of propane appliances and how to handle propane safely. contact your local propane retailer for details on this program.
Q. Is propane really a convenient fuel?
A: Yes. In the United States there are approximately 70,000 miles of interstate pipelines and more than 25,000 retail dealers making propane readily available for most homeowners. propane is stored in portable tanks, so it can be used in areas beyond gas mains. To fuel homes, large tanks can be buried underground because propane is a nontoxic, nonpoisonous fuel that doesn't contaminate aquifers or soil. Refueling a propane vehicle takes about the same amount of time as refueling a gasoline vehicle. Nationwide, propane refueling infrastructure consists of more than 10,000 public and private sites.
Q. Who uses propane?
A: Propane is a trusted and reliable energy source that is used by millions of Americans each day. it fulfills energy needs by burning cleanly and efficiently, giving consumers more value for their energy dollar. People use propane in and around their homes for furnaces, water heaters, air conditioners, outdoor grills, fireplaces, and appliances; on farms for uses such as pest control, crop drying, and irrigation pumps; for industrial uses such as forklifts and fleet vehicles; and in millions of commercial establishments, including restaurants and hotels that depend on propane for heating, cooking, and other uses.
Q.Where do I go to find out more about Propane?
A: The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) was formed to promote the safe, efficient use of odorized propane gas as a preferred energy source. PERC is committed to educating the public about propane and propane safety. To contact PERC, call (202) 452-8975 or visit the Why Use Propane at Home portion of PERC website.
Sources:
National Propane Gas Association/Propane Education & Research (2003)
U.S. Department of Energy (2003)
Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers (2003)
Governor's Ethanol Coalition (2003)