Propane Safety Information and Tips

Irvington Gas helps you enjoy the benefits of propane without worry

propane safety

There are many reasons that propane is becoming a popular energy choice for folks here in North Central Kentucky.

It provides outstanding energy efficiency to help keep your costs down. You can enjoy amenities like gas cooking and pool or hot tub heating, as well as the security and peace of mind that come with a propane whole-house standby generator. Propane helps reduce your reliance on your local electrical grid.

Irvington Gas has been providing safe propane delivery and service to our customers for more than 90 years. Our dedication to safety is reflected in our employees, trained to uphold the highest standards for safety in all our propane services.

Propane has an outstanding record for safety, thanks to strong industry standards and government regulations. But as with any energy source, you need to know about how to use it safely. That is why we have assembled essential propane safety information and easy-to-follow guides with help from the Propane Education Research Council to keep your family and property safe.

Tips for propane safety

The Irvington Gas team is locally based and we care about our neighbors. Our delivery and equipment teams are trained in the safe handling of propane and propane equipment. We also are happy to answer any questions you have about using propane, so feel free to contact us. Here are some key things to know about safely using propane.

What does propane smell like?

propane

Propane is naturally odorless and colorless, which can make leaks difficult to detect. To solve this problem, manufacturers add a chemical called ethyl mercaptan during processing, giving propane a strong, unmistakable odor that is hard to ignore.

Most people describe the smell as similar to rotten eggs, a skunk’s spray or a dead animal, scents that are unpleasant enough to grab your attention right away.

This distinctive odor is intentional and serves as a vital warning sign. Even a faint whiff of it should be taken seriously, as it can help you identify a potential leak early, before it has the chance to become a dangerous situation.

While the odor is a great indicator of a propane leak, sometimes you may not be able to smell it because we also recommend that you add propane leak detectors near all your home’s propane appliances, and in your bedrooms. As propane is heavier than air, place the detectors no higher than the top of your mattress. There’s a common, but inaccurate, belief that carbon monoxide detectors can detect propane leaks. In reality, they aren’t designed for that purpose. Similarly, a propane leak detector cannot identify carbon monoxide. To keep your family fully protected, it’s essential to install both types of detectors in your home.

I smell propane gas. What do I do?

First, do not panic. Follow the steps below to protect your home and loved ones.

  • Put out all flames and avoid sparks: Do not smoke, light matches or use any electrical switches. Even a small spark from a light switch, appliance or cell phone can ignite the gas.
  • Leave immediately: Evacuate everyone, including pets, from the house or away from the leak right away.
  • Shut off the gas: If you can safely reach the main gas supply valve on your propane tank, turn it clockwise to close it. Remember the old rule: Lefty-loosey, righty-tighty.
  • Report the leak: Once you are a safe distance away, call your local emergency services and Irvington Gas.
  • Stay away: Do not go back to the house or site of the leak until emergency responders or our technicians confirm it is safe to return.

Want to learn more about the safe use of propane? Check out the videos below from PERC.

Consumer Safety Videos

Reach out to your neighbors at Irvington Gas today to find out more about propane safety and how we can help you enjoy the benefits of propane in your home.