Propane (also called LPG—liquefied petroleum gas—or LP gas) is a widely used fuel. It is transported and stored as a very cold liquid, and can cause a “freeze burn” or frostbite if it contacts the skin. The liquid propane is turned into a gas inside a tank or a cylinder. In its natural form, propane is colorless and odorless. To make propane easier to detect in the event of a leak or spill, manufacturers deliberately add a chemical compound to give it a distinctive smell.

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.

Propane vapors are heavier than air. For this reason, they may accumulate in low-lying areas such as basements, crawl spaces, and ditches, or along floors. However, air currents can sometimes carry propane vapors elsewhere within a building.

Propane vapor is heavier than air. As such, in the event of an unintended release of propane vapor, the vapor will migrate to the lowest point. For example, your basement or crawl space.

• Do not tamper with your system’s supply lines or appliances.
• Do not tamper with any safety devices, regulators or storage tank fittings .
• Familiarize yourself with the location of your storage tank’s vapor service shutoff valve.
• Installation or repair of propane gas appliances or equipment must be performed by a qualified technician.
• Never test for a propane leak using an open flame. Only suitable leak detection solutions may be used.

Propane must ALWAYS be handled with CAUTION. In the unlikely event that a propane leak should occur, take the following steps:

1. Eliminate all possible outside sources of ignition.
2. Do NOT turn on any light switches.
3. Do NOT use a cell phone or any other electrically operated communications device.
4. Immediately  leave the building or area.
5. If safe to do so, shut off the storage tank’s service valve.
6. Call your propane company, the local Fire Department or 911 from another location (e.g. a neighboring building).
7. Do not return to the building until you have been told it is safe by an appropriate authority.

If you smell gas…

• Immediately put out all smoking materials and other open flames.

• If you are able to, safely turn off the cylinder valve. To close the valve, turn it to the right (clockwise).

• Immediately leave the area and call 911 or your local fire department.

• Before you restart the appliance, have a qualified service technician inspect your cylinder and appliance.

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.

Odor fade is an unintentional reduction in the concentration of the odor of propane, making it more difficult to smell. Although rare, this can be caused by the presence of air, water, or rust in the cylinder. New and reconditioned small cylinders that sit too long before being filled are prone to internal rust when moisture and air get inside.

Propane has a strong, unpleasant smell like rotten eggs, a skunk’s spray, or a dead animal. Propane manufacturers add the smell deliberately to help alert customers to propane leaks, which can create a safety hazard.

CAN YOU SMELL IT? Not everyone can.

It may be hard for some people to smell propane for the following reasons:

• They have a cold, allergies, sinus congestion, or another medical condition.
• Their sense of smell is reduced due to use of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs.
• Tobacco smoke, cooking odors, and other strong odors can mask the smell of propane.
• As people age, their sense of smell can become less sensitive.
• If the smell of propane is present in the air over a period of time, “odor fatigue” can occur. The nose “gets tired,” and a person no longer smells the propane odor.
• The propane smell may not be strong enough to wake up someone who is sleeping.
• The propane smell may be in a location (basement or attic) where it is not detected by people in other areas of the building.
• A phenomenon called “odor loss” can occur—an unintended reduction in the concentration of the odor of propane.

Below are some points to keep in mind when storing portable propane 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.

Keep the following safety points in mind when you need to transport a portable propane cylinder.

• 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.

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 below.
• 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.

Portable Propane Cylinder Valve

WARNING! Only properly trained technicians may engage in container refilling.

New containers must be properly purged by a qualified technician prior to their initial filling. This insures that your appliances will operate properly. The presence of oxygen in an improperly purged container can diminish the containers odorant level and cause excessive pressures. Once a container has been properly purged, the vapor service valve must remain closed, except when in use.

Containers are filled by weight or fixed liquid level gauge to prevent overfilling. It is imperative that your container be filled by a qualified technician.

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.

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.