Propane Safety in Texas

Propane is a safe, clean-burning, nontoxic energy source that is affordable and efficient for heating and power, making it a top choice for Texas homeowners and business owners. With any fuel that is heated, propane users must take certain precautions to ensure their safety and the safety of others when using propane fuel. Remember, if you need anything or have further questions, you can always contact us.
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Prevent a Fuel Run-Out

• Don’t run out of propane gas and be sure to keep your tank gauge above 20%.
• 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 if you run out of gas. 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.

Propane 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 the start of each heating season.
• 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.
• Help your appliances “breathe.” Check the vents of your appliances to be sure that flue gases can flow easily to the outdoors, and 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.
• 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 properly, call your propane retailer or a qualified service technician for assistance.
• Keep your small tanks outside. Do not store or place a propane cylinder indoors or in an enclosed area such as a basement, garage, shed, or tent

Propane Is Naturally Odorless

Propane fuel is naturally colorless and odorless. For this reason and the safety of propane users, a scent has been added to help you detect any leaks that could occur. The scent added to propane smells like rotten eggs, a skunk’s spray, or a dead animal. If you have the slightest odor in or around your home or business, you should respond immediately by calling Baygas Propane or your local fire department. It’s important to remember that some people may have difficulty smelling propane due to a medical condition, the effects of medication, alcohol, tobacco, or the use of drugs

On rare occasions, propane can lose its odor. Several things can cause this including:

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

You should have your tank inspected regularly by a Baygas Propane technician who can help ensure your tank is safe and operating properly. Baygas Propane has provided you with a pamphlet that contains a sniff test to help you familiarize yourself with the odor of propane. Have everyone in your family take the sniff test, and always take action if you smell any kind of foul odor. If you need another pamphlet with a sniff test, just give us a call.

If You Smell Propane 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 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 immediately. From a neighbor’s home or other nearby building away from the gas leak, call Baygas right away. If you can’t reach Baygas, call 911 or your local fire department.
5. Do not return to the building or area until Baygas, an emergency responder, or qualified service technician determines that it is safe to do so.
6. Get your system checked. Before you attempt to use any of your propane appliances, a Baygas technician must check your entire system to ensure that it is leak free.

Install a Propane Gas & Carbon Monoxide Detector

While the scent added to propane should make it quite easy to detect a leak, there are circumstances in which propane can lose its odor, or the user cannot smell the odor because of medications, alcohol, tobacco, or other drug use.

A sniff test should be reliable, but you should also install a propane gas and carbon monoxide detector on every floor of your home. These detectors sound an alarm if they sense propane or carbon monoxide (CO)  in the air. They can provide an additional measure of security.

• 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.

If You Suspect CO Is Present, Act Immediately!

• If you or a family member show physical symptoms 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 any appliances you suspect may be releasing CO.
• If no one has symptoms, but you suspect that CO is present, call Baygas Propane to check CO levels and your propane equipment.