Safety Tips

An odor has been added to your propane gas so you can smell it if it escapes- if there is a leak in the system, for example, or if an appliance malfunctions.

Keep these facts in mind...

-Some people have a better sense of smell than others.
-Some elderly people are unable to detect the odorant in gas.
-On rare occasions, some people are unable to detect certain odors.
-Colds, allergies, and sinus congestion can all affect your sense of smell.
-Tobacco smoke or strong cooking odors can cove up the odors too- and remember that the use of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs may also affect your sense of smell.
-Never tamper with, apply force to, or use tools on the gas control system. If the control knob will not operate by hand, the control unit must be replaced. Repairs must be made only by a trained gas service technician.
-All new containers and used containers not plugged or kept closed may be infiltrated by water, air, or other contaminants. These contaminants must be removed, or purged, before the container is filled and put into service. The purging process should be done by your propane gas supplier.
-Propane gas leaking from gas lines may lose its odor as it passes through the ground, depending on the type of soil and the distance the gas travels. Whenever you suspect a leak— even if you don't smell the odor of gas—you should contact your propane gas supplier.
-Water can damage the internal mechanism in the gas control and create a hazardous condition. If your gas control has gotten wet— as a result of flooding, for example— it must be replaced immediately by a trained gas service technician.

Under certain circumstances, propane gas may lose the distinctive odor that was added. This is sometimes called " odor fade ," and it can occur both in new steel containers when first placed into service and in used steel containers left open to the atmosphere for a long time.

For example, air, water, or rust in a propane tank may weaken the gas odor through a chemical process called oxidation. This can occur in any size container but is most likely to occur in small containers., or cylinders, especially if the valves were left open to the atmosphere after the container was emptied.

Therefore, you should keep the service valve closed when the cylinder is empty or not connected for use. In addition, you should install a cylinder valve plug. this will prevent air and moisture from entering the cylinder.

Remember..…

-The odor that has been added to your propane gas is a safety feature.
-Be sure that everyone in your home is familiar with the odor of propane gas.
-If your propane system has been in regular use (refilled several times), it's highly unlikely that your gas will lose its distinctive odor.
-If you suspect that your gas has lost its odor-or your sense of smell has been weakened or otherwise impaired-call us immediately.