Procedures

Emergency Propane Safety Procedures

Safety Protocols for Propane Emergencies

If you suspect a gas leak, do not do anything that can cause a spark or flame. Any spark or flame in the area where propane is present may ignite the gas.
Immediately put out any smoking materials and other open flames.
Do not turn lights on or off.
Do not use any type of phone.
Do not operate any type of equipment or appliance.

If possible, close all gas tanks, cylinders or gas meter supply valves. Tank and cylinder valves turn off in the clockwise direction. Gas meter valves are in the off position when the handle is perpendicular to the piping.
Ventilate the area.
Get everyone out and leave the area at once.
Call your local fire department and propane service professional from a safe place, such as a neighbor’s home.
Do not reenter the area until it has been inspected by a professional and determined to be safe. Make sure the area has been aired out prior to your return.
Have a CETP-trained propane service professional repair any leak, turn on the gas, leak test the system, check all the gas appliances, and relight the pilot lights.

Never enter an area where you suspect a gas leak.
If you suspect a leak, do not do anything that can cause a spark or flame. Do not smoke or operate light switches.
Always be alert for any propane odor. Even a faint odor may indicate danger.
Repeated pilot outages may signal a problem with your system. Don’t attempt to relight the pilot or service your equipment. Call your propane dealer.
If you choose to light your own pilots, follow all of the appliance manufacturer’s instructions.
Before lighting a propane gas appliance, sniff the area at floor level. Don’t light the appliance if you smell gas.
If your appliance has been flooded, shut off the gas immediately at the tank. Do not use the appliance until the equipment has been checked and serviced by your propane dealer or qualified appliance repair service.
Improperly vented or defective appliances can cause life-threatening, carbon monoxide poisoning. Have your propane system and appliances regularly checked by your propane dealer or qualified appliance repair service.
Don’t use tools to operate controls. If controls are difficult to operate by hand, call your propane dealer.
Keep combustible products like gasoline, kerosene or cleaners away from propane appliances and tanks. Your appliance pilot lights could ignite fumes from these products.
Always read instructions carefully prior to operating any propane gas appliance.