Propane Safety Information

Tips to keep you and your loved ones safe in case of a gas leak

The propane industry has high safety standards, and the government carefully regulates the industry. As a result, propane has a good safety record. Propane itself is an extremely safe fuel. It’s non-toxic and will not contaminate soil or water. Additionally, Cape Cod Oil & Propane goes above and beyond to ensure our employees keep you and themselves safe. All our team members are CETP-certified, and undergoing extensive safety training.

However, we still want to ensure that you know about the safe handling and use of propane. Here are essential safety tips for you and your loved ones:

What to do if you smell gas

Perhaps the most crucial propane safety information you can have is what to do if you smell gas. Following these tips can keep you and your loved ones safe while emergency services and our team resolve the situation.

First, it is important to know what propane gas smells like. On its own, propane has no odor. But producers add a scent so people can easily detect a leak. The smell is similar to rotten eggs or decaying meat. Make sure everyone in your home knows how to identify the smell of propane and how to respond:

• Extinguish any potential sources of ignition, such as cigarettes, cigars, or candles.
• Remove every person and pet from your house IMMEDIATELY.
• Do not use phones, light switches, appliances, or thermostats as you are leaving the house. These can generate a spark, which could ignite the propane.
• If you can safely access your propane tank, close the propane supply valve, which is often located under a dome cover. If you don’t know how to find or close this valve, get in touch with us, and we’ll be happy to take you through the process.
• Call 911 and Cape Cod Oil & Propane once you’re a safe distance away from the leak. Use your mobile phone or a neighbor’s phone.
• Give emergency personnel and our service technicians time to check for escaped propane gas and perform any needed repairs.
• Even if you no longer smell gas, do not return to the location of the leak or try to turn on the propane supply valve.
• Have a professional propane service technician repair the leak, carefully examine all gas appliances and relight all pilots.
• Only return home or the area where there was a leak after emergency personnel or your service technician confirms that it is safe.

To better safeguard you and your family, installing propane leak detectors near your home’s propane appliances is a good idea. That way, you won’t have to rely solely on your sense of smell. Please also bear in mind that carbon monoxide detectors, while essential for your home, are not designed to detect propane leaks.

The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) has many videos covering vital issues of propane safety. You can watch these videos below.

Do you still have questions about propane safety? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us to discuss. We’re more than happy to help!