WHAT IS PROPANE?

Propane (also called LPG-liquefied petroleum gas-or LP gas) is a liquid fuel stored under pressure. In most systems, propane is vaporized to a gas before it leaves the tank. Propane is flammable when mixed with air (oxygen) and can be ignited by many sources, including open flames, smoking materials, electrical sparks, and static electricity. Severe “freeze burn” or frostbite can result if propane liquid comes in contact with your skin.

WHAT DOES PROPANE SMELL LIKE?

Propane smells like rotten eggs, a skunk’s spray, or a dead animal. Some people may have difficulty smelling propane due to their age (older people may have a less sensitive sense of smell); a medical condition; or the effects of medication, alcohol, tobacco, or drugs. Consider purchasing a propane gas detector as an additional measure of security.

ODOR FADE
Odor fade is an unintentional reduction in the concentration of the odor of propane, making it more difficult to smell. Although rare, several situations can cause odor fade:

• The presence of air, water, or rust in a propane tank or cylinder.
• The passage of leaking propane through the soil

Since there is a possibility of odor fade or problems with your sense of smell, you should respond immediately to even a faint odor of gas.

IF YOU SMELL GAS

1. NO FLAMES OR SPARKS! Immediately put out all smoking materials and other open flames. Do not operate lights, appliances, telephones, or cell phones. Flames or sparks from these sources can trigger an explosion or a fire.
2. LEAVE THE AREA IMMEDIATELY! Get everyone out of the building or area where you suspect gas is leaking.
3. SHUT OFF THE GAS. Turn off the main gas supply valve on your propane tank if it is safe to do so. To close the valve, turn it to the right (clockwise).
4. REPORT THE LEAK. From a neighbor’s home or other nearby building away from the gas leak, call your propane retailer right away. If you can’t reach your propane retailer, call 911 or your local fire department.
5. DO NOT RETURN TO THE BUILDING OR AREA until your propane retailer determines that it is safe to do so.
6. GET YOUR SYSTEM CHECKED. Before you attempt to use any of your propane appliances, your propane retailer or a qualified service technician must check your entire system to ensure that it is leak-free.

PROPANE GAS DETECTORS

Propane gas detectors sound an alarm if they sense propane in the air. They can provide an additional measure of security in homes with little-used areas or with occupants who have difficulty smelling propane.

GUIDELINES regarding propane gas detectors:

• Buy only units that are listed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding installation and maintenance.
• Never ignore the smell of propane, even if no detector is sounding an alarm.

CARBON MONOXIDE AND YOUR SAFETY

WHAT IS CARBON MONOXIDE (CO)?
You can’t taste or smell CO, but it is a very dangerous gas, produced when any fuel burns. High levels of CO can come from appliances that are not operating correctly, or from a venting system or chimney that becomes blocked.

CO CAN BE DEADLY! High levels of CO can make you dizzy or sick (see below). In extreme cases, CO can cause brain damage or death.

Symptoms of CO poisoning include
	Headache	Shortness of breath
	Dizziness	Fatigue
	Nausea

 

IF YOU SUSPECT CO IS PRESENT, ACT IMMEDIATELY!

• If you or a family member shows physical signs of CO poisoning, get everyone out of the building and call 911 or your local fire department.
• If it is safe to do so, open windows to allow entry of fresh air, and turn off appliances you suspect may be releasing CO.
• If no one has symptoms, but you suspect that CO is present, call your propane retailer or qualified service technician to check CO levels and your propane equipment.

TO HELP REDUCE THE RISK OF CO POISONING:

• Have a qualified service technician check your propane appliances and related venting systems annually, preferably before the heating season begins.
• Install UL listed CO detectors on every level of your home.
• Never use a has oven or range-top burners to provide space heating.
• Never use portable heaters indoors unless they are designed and approved for indoor use.
• Never use a barbecue grill (propane or charcoal) indoors for cooking or heating.
• Regularly check your appliances exhaust vents for blockage.

SIGNS OF IMPROPER APPLIANCE OPERATION THAT CAN GENERATE HIGH CO LEVELS:

• Sooting, especially on appliances and vents
• Unfamiliar or burning odor
• Increased moisture inside of windows

LIGHTING PILOT LIGHTS

IF A PILOT LIGHT REPEATEDLY GOES OUT or is very difficult to light, there may be safety problem. DO NOT try to fix the problem yourself. It is strongly recommended that only a QUALIFIED SERVICE TECHNICIAN light any pilot light that has gone out.

YOU ARE TAKING THE RISK of starting a fire or an explosion if you light a pilot light yourself.  Carefully follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions and warnings concerning the appliance before attempting to light the pilot.

APPLIANCE MAINTENANCE

LEAVE IT TO THE EXPERTS. Only a qualified service technician has the training to install, inspect, service, maintain, and repair your appliances. Have your appliances and propane system inspected just before that start of each heating season.

HELP YOUR APPLIANCES “BREATHE.”
Check the vents of your appliances to be sure that flue gasses can flow easily to the outdoors; clear away any insect or bird nests or other debris. Also, clear the area around your appliances so plenty of air can reach the burner for proper combustion.

DO NOT TRY TO MODIFY OR REPAIR  valves, regulators, connectors, controls, or other appliance and cylinder/tank parts. Doing so creates the risk of a gas leak that can result in property damage, serious injury, or death.

HAVE OLDER APPLIANCE CONNECTORS INSPECTED. Certain older appliance connectors may crack or break, causing a gas leak. If you have an appliance that is more than 20 years old, have a qualified service technician inspect the connector. Do not do this yourself, as movement of the appliance might damage the connector and cause a leak.

FLAMMABLE VAPORS ARE A SAFETY HAZARD. The pilot light on your propane appliance can ignite vapors from gasoline, paint thinners, and other flammable liquids. Be sure to store and use flammable liquids outdoors or in an area of the building containing no propane appliances.

DON’T RISK IT! If you cannot operate any part of your propane system, or if you think an appliance or other device is not working right, call your propane retailer or a qualified service technician for assistance.

RUNNING OUT OF GAS

DON’T RUN OUT OF GAS. SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARDS, INCLUDING FIRE OR EXPLOSION, CAN RESULT.

• If an appliance valve or a gas line is left open, a leak could occur when the system is recharged with propane.
• If your propane tank runs out of gas, any pilot lights on your appliances will go out. This can be extremely dangerous.
• A LEAK CHECK IS REQUIRED. In many states, a propane retailer or a qualified service technician must perform a leak check of your propane system before turning on the gas.

IF YOU SMELL GAS FROM SMALL CYLINDERS

1. Immediately put out all smoking materials and other open flames.
2. If you are able to, safely turn off the cylinder valve. To close the valve, turn it to the right (clockwise).
3. Immediately leave the area and call 911 or your local fire department.
4. Before you restart the appliance, have a qualified service technician inspect your cylinder and appliance.

TRANSPORTING SMALL CYLINDERS

• ALWAYS transport and store a cylinder in a secure and upright position so it will not fall, shift, or roll.
• ALWAYS close the cylinder valve and, if required, seal with a plug, even if the cylinder is empty. Ask your propane retailer if a plug is required.
• NEVER keep a filled cylinder inside a hot vehicle or transport it inside a closed trunk.
• ALWAYS place the cylinder in a well-ventilated area of the vehicle.
• ALWAYS proceed directly to your destination and immediately remove the cylinder from your vehicle.
• The law places limits on the number of cylinders and the amount of propane that can be transported in closed-bodied vehicles such as passenger cars and vans. Ask your propane retailer for more information on state and local codes that apply to you.

STORING SMALL CYLINDERS

• NEVER store or place a propane cylinder indoors or in an enclosed area such as a basement, garage, shed, or tent.
• NEVER store or place a propane cylinder in an area of excessive heat (120 degrees or higher) or near a stove, fireplace, or other heat source. The heat builds up pressure inside the cylinder, which may cause the pressure relief valve to release propane. Flash fires or explosions can result from exposing cylinders to heat.
• NEVER store or place a spare cylinder under or near a barbecue grill.
• DO NOT smoke or have any ignition sources such as flames or spark-producing electrical tools in the area while handling or transporting cylinders.

REFILLING SMALL CYLINDERS

MAKE SURE YOUR CYLINDER IS EQUIPPED WITH AN OVERFILL PREVENTION DEVICE(OPD).
An OPD is a safety feature that helps prevent small propane cylinders from being overfilled. An overfilled cylinder doesn’t have enough space left if the liquid expands when exposed to warmer temperatures. This can cause an increase in cylinder pressure and create potentially hazardous conditions.
Most cylinders with OPDs have special triangular handwheels with the letters “OPD” on them. In many states, cylinders without OPDs cannot be refilled. If you are uncertain as to whether your cylinder has an OPD valve on it, ask your propane retailer.
OLD OR DAMAGED CYLINDERS
NEVER use a damaged cylinder or a cylinder that been in a fire. All cylinders must be inspected before they are refilled. The law requires periodic inspection of cylinders, and it is against the law to refill out-of-date cylinders. The last inspection date is stamped on the cylinder.
DISPOSAL OF CYLINDERS
NEVER dispose of your propane cylinder by throwing it in the trash. Check to see if there are municipal programs for collection in your area, or contact your propane retailer for guidance on disposal of the cylinder.

TAMPERING WITH/REPAIR OF SMALL CYLINDERS OR OUTDOOR APPLIANCES

DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES TRY TO MODIFY OR REPAIR VALVES, REGULATORS, OR OTHER CYLINDER OR APPLIANCE PARTS.
Propane cylinders incorporate special components such as valves, connectors, and other parts to keep them safe for use with grills and other propane appliances. Damage to any component can cause a gas leak.
DON’T RISK IT! Call your propane retailer or qualified service technician for assistance.

TESTING FOR PROPANE LEAKS ON SMALL CYLINDERS

It is important to inspect your cylinder and outdoor gas appliances for leaks. Do this before using them for the first time each season, as well as on a regular basis. This can be accomplished with a simple “bubble” test:

• Apply leak detector solution or thick soapy water to the connection(s) between the cylinder valve and the regulator outlet. These connections are marked with an “x” on the diagram to the right.
• Slowly open the cylinder valve and watch for bubbles.
• If bubbles appear, close the cylinder valve, tighten the connection, and repeat the process. If bubbles still appear, call your propane retailer immediately.

Use and Care Manuals

To find the Use and Care Manual for your specific product, please choose the appropriate category below:

Small Tank Safety Brochure
Propane Safety Brochure
Propane Safety Manual

Rinnai
Rinnai - Pilot Cleaning Procedure for homeowners
Rinnai - How to Clean an Oxygen Depletion Sensor to Maximize Heater Performance

Lennox Product Manuals
Fireplaces
Outdoor Fireplaces
Fireplace Inserts
Stoves
Gas Log Sets
Accessories
Superior^® Products

Bradford White Product Manuals
Empire Space Heaters Product Manuals
Fireplace Xtrordinair Gas Firplace Product Manuals

CALL BEFORE YOU DIG

Smart digging means knowing where gas lines are buried before you dig in order to protect yourself from injury and prevent damage to underground gas lines. One easy call to (270) 547-2455 or (270) 877-2661 starts the process of getting your lines marked for free. Irvington Gas then sends a service professional to your location to mark underground lines within two full business days. Once the lines are marked, you will know the approximate location of your gas lines and can dig safely.