Living Safely With Propane Gas

Propane is a safe, economical fuel but like other forms of energy it can be hazardous if not handled properly. Propane has an unusual odor, sort of like decayed cabbage, a dead mouse, garlic, or rotten eggs. Ask your delivery man to let you smell the gas. Learn to identify this odor now.

Leaking propane is heavier than air and without proper ventilation can collect in low places like basements, pits, on the floor, etc. If ignited, propane will burn or explode.

If you smell gas, there is the possibility of fire or explosion.

• IF YOU SMELL GAS
  DON'T TOUCH electrical switches, light matches, or use the phone.
  GET EVERYONE OUT of the building.
  SHUT OFF the gas valve at the outside tank, meter, or service entrance.
  CALL your gas supplier and/or the fire department from a neighbor's phone.
  
  
• IF PILOT LIGHT WON'T LIGHT
  (Read appliance operating instructions before attempting to light pilot). Your pilot light is designed not to light if there is a problem. If you have trouble lighting the pilot or keeping it lit, there's normally a safety feature preventing it from working. If it won't light, shut off the gas and call your gas supplier.
  
  
• TAMPERING IS DANGEROUS
  Do not force the gas control knob. Never use tools. Use only your hand to turn the control knob. Forcing the gas control knob may override the safety feature and allow gas to leak. This could result in a fire or explosion.
  
  If the gas control knob becomes difficult to operate by hand, the control should be serviced by a trained gas service person.
  
  
• GAS HAS BEEN ODORIZED
  Before lighting, sniff all around the appliance area for a gas odor. Be sure to sniff next to the floor because propane gas is heavier than air and may temporarily exist at floor level.
  
  
• ABSORPTION
  LP Gas leaking from buried gas lines can lose its odor passing through soil; however, this depends on two factors. One is the type of soil and the second is the distance the gas travels through the soil.
  
  If a leak is suspected, contact your gas supplier.
  
  
• WATER DAMAGE
  If your gas control has been subjected to flooding or wetting, it must be replaced immediately by a trained gas service person.

Call now to place your order or to make arrangements for any of the McPhail Fuel Company services.

McPhail Fuel Company
300 Alder Avenue
Cotati, California 94931
Phone 707.285.3525
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Material for this page was furnished by and copyrighted by the National Propane Gas Association.

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