Staying Safe with Propane

Best Practices at Home & Work

Propane has a lot going for it. Whether you use it at home or at work (or both), you probably already know how versatile it is. Propane can do a lot in and around your home or place of business. It can heat water, heat spaces, dry clothes, and much more.

Propane is also very energy efficient. It’s a cost-effective fuel, and that only adds to its popularity.

Finally, propane has a tremendous safety record. As with most things, you should handle propane with care. However, it has a great safety track record thanks to robust regulations. It helps that propane is non-toxic. So in the rare case of a leak, it won’t do any harm to the surrounding soil, water, or animals.

However, if you suspect a propane gas leak, you do need to act. Let’s take a look at what you need to know in order to stay safe with propane at home and at work.

Detecting a Propane Gas Leak

To assist with the detection of a propane leak, propane producers add a strong, rotten egg smell to propane. Otherwise, propane would be odorless. Make sure everyone in your family and workplace knows what that odor means. And make sure they all know what to do in the event of a propane gas leak (see below for instructions).

Your sense of smell isn’t a perfect alarm for a propane gas leak. If there’s corrosion inside your propane tank, it can absorb some of the odorant. Nose congestion from a cold or allergies could also hinder your ability to smell the rotten egg odor before it causes problems for you and your family or coworkers. To be safe, Irish Propane recommends installing propane gas detectors in your home and business. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for how many you need for your size home or business and where to put them.

Carbon monoxide detectors are also a safety must. In fact, they’re required in all newly constructed homes.

What to Do If You Have a Propane Gas Leak

As we mentioned earlier, a propane gas leak is rare. However, in the event there is a propane gas leak in your home or place of business, follow these steps:

1. Immediately extinguish any open flames.
2. Don’t operate any appliances or accessories that can create a spark. That includes lights, telephones, and cell phones.
3. Shut the valve on your propane gas tank to cut supply off at the source.
4. Leave your home or place of business immediately. If you’re at home, make sure all pets are brought out of the house as well. As you leave the building, be careful not to touch any electrical outlets or light switches.
5. Call 911 from a safe distance.
6. Once the authorities clear you to return to your home, have your appliances professionally inspected by a professional before you attempt to use them again.

A Company You Can Count On

Irish Propane is a fourth-generation, family owned, certified women’s business enterprise. We’re committed to providing our Central and Western New York customers with competitive prices, dependable service, and quality. We’re also proud of our innovative solutions, convenient payment plan, and exceptional safety standards.

If you’re in or around the Rochester or Buffalo areas of New York, you can count on Irish Propane. Contact us today to learn more about propane safety or request a propane delivery for your home or business.