What Does Propane Smell Like?
Propane smells like rotten eggs, a skunk’s spray, or a dead animal. 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 LOSS:
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
Since there is a possibility of odor loss or problems with your sense of smell, you should respond immediately to even a faint odor of gas.
Running Out of Gas
DON’T RUN OUT OF GAS!!!!
SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARDS INCLUDING FIRE OR EXPLOSION, CAN RESULT.
- 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.
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.
For this reason we recommend that you keep an eye on the gauge on your tank, and order when it reaches 30%.
If you do run out of propane, we strongly recommend that you do not attempt to put the system back into service yourself.
For safety reasons we recommend that you leave the gas off at the tank and call Hayward Propane, or another qualified technician to re-light your pilots and make sure that everything is working properly.
Lighting Pilot Lights
IF A PILOT LIGHT REPEATEDLY GOES OUT or is very difficult to light, there may be a safety problem.
DO NOT try to fix the problem yourself. It is strongly recommended that only a QUALIFIED SERVICE TECHNICIAN light any pilot light that has gone out.
YOU ARE TAKING THE RISK of starting a fire or an explosion
if you light a pilot light yourself.
Carefully follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions and
warnings concerning the appliance before attempting to
light the pilot.
What is Propane?
Propane is hydrocarbon (C3H8) and is sometimes referred to as liquefied petroleum gas,
LP-gas or LPG.
Propane is produced from both natural gas processing and crude oil refining, in roughly equal amounts from each source.
Nearly 97 percent of propane consumed in the United States is produced in North America.
It is nontoxic, colorless and virtually odorless. As with natural gas, an identifying odor is added so the gas can be readily detected.
Is Propane Dangerous to the Environment?
No. Propane is an approved, clean fuel listed in the 1990 Clean Air Act of 1992 and is one of the cleanest burning of all fossil fuels.
Tests conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency show that propane-fueled vehicles produce 30 percent to 90 percent less carbon monoxide and about 50 percent fewer toxins and other smog-producing emissions than gasoline engines.
Propane also is nontoxic, so it's not harmful to soil or water.
Who Uses Propane?
Propane is used by millions of Americans each day.
People use propane in and around their homes for furnaces, water heaters, air conditioners, outdoor grills, fireplaces and appliances.
On farms, propane-fueled equipment and technologies control pests, dry crops and power irrigation pumps.
Industrial uses include propane-driven forklifts and fleet vehicles.
And millions of commercial establishments, including restaurants and hotels, depend on propane for heating, cooking and other uses.
Is Propane Really Convenient to Use?
Yes. Up to 56,000 miles of pipeline and more than 6,000 retail dealer locations make propane readily available throughout the United States. And because propane is stored in portable tanks, it can be used in areas beyond gas mains.
To fuel homes, large tanks can be buried underground because propane is a nontoxic, nonpoisonous fuel that doesn't contaminate aquifers or soil. Refueling a propane vehicle takes about the same time as refueling a gasoline vehicle. And propane is the only alternative fuel with fueling stations located in every states.
Propane is a safe and environmentally friendly fuel that is available now and widely used throughout the United States in homes, on farms, on the road and in industrial and commercial operations.
How To Shut Off Your Tank
If You Smell Gas
SAFETY INFORMATION
Propane Gas Detectors
Under some circumstances, you may not smell a propane leak. Propane gas detectors sound an alarm if they sense propane in the air. They can provide an additional measure of security.
You should consider the purchase of one or more detectors for your home.
GUIDELINES regarding propane gas detectors:
- 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.
CO2 and Your Safety
WHAT IS CARBON MONOXIDE (CO)?
You can’t taste or smell CO, but it is a very dangerous gas. High levels of CO can
come from appliances that are not operating correctly, or from a venting system
or chimney that becomes blocked.
CO CAN BE DEADLY!
High levels of CO can make you dizzy or sick. In extreme cases, CO can cause brain damage or death. Symptoms of CO poisoning include: head- ache, dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, and nausea.
IF YOU SUSPECT CO IS PRESENT, ACT IMMEDIATELY!
- If you or a family member shows 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 your propane retailer or a qualified service technician to check CO levels and your propane equipment.
CO DETECTORS CAN IMPROVE SAFETY.
For an extra measure of safety, consider installing a CO detector listed by UL on each level of your home.
TO HELP REDUCE THE RISK OF CO POISONING:
- Have a qualified service technician check your propane appliances and venting systems annually, preferably before the heating season.
- Install UL-listed CO detectors on every level of your home.
- Never use a gas oven or range-top burners to provide space heating.
- Never use portable heaters indoors unless they are designed and approved for indoor use.
- Never use a barbecue grill (propane or charcoal) indoors for cooking or heating.
- Regularly check your appliance exhaust vents for blockage.