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| Suburban Propane Safety Tips |
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IF YOU SMELL, HEAR, OR SEE GAS |
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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. From a neighbor's home or other nearby building away from the gas leak, call your propane retailer right away. If you can't reach your propane retailer, call 911 or your local fire department. |
| 5. DO NOT RETURN TO THE BUILDING OR AREA until your propane retailer determines it is safe to do so. |
| 6. GET YOUR SYSTEM CHECKED. Before you attempt to use any of your propane appliances, your propane retailer or a qualified service technician must check your entire system to ensure it is leak-free. |
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CAN YOU SMELL IT |
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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 have a less sensitive sense of smell); medical condition; or the effects of medication, alcohol, tobacco, or drugs. Consider purchasing a propane gas detector as an additional measure of security. |
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ODOR FADE is an unintended reduction in the concentration of the odor of propane, making it more difficult to smell. Although rare, several situations can cause odor fade:
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The presence of air, water, or rust in a propane tank or cylinder
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The passage of leaking propane through soil
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The exposure to building materials, masonry or fabrics
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Since there is a possibility of odor fade or problems with your sense of smell, you should respond immediately to even a faint odor of gas. |
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To familiarize you and your family or employees with the smell of odorant, call Suburban at 1-888-223-0029 to request a Scratch and Sniff sample of what propane smells like or order any Propane Education & Research Council pamphlet. |
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PROPANE GAS DETECTORS |
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Propane gas detectors sound an alarm if they sense propane in the air. They can provide an additional measure of security in homes with little-used areas or with occupants who have difficulty smelling propane. |
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GUIDELINES regarding propane gas detectors:
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Buy only units that are listed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
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Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding installation arid maintenance.
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Never ignore the smell of propane, even if no detector is sounding an alarm.
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