PROPANE SAFETY

What Propane Smells 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.

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.

What To Do If You Smell 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 a 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 area or building until your propane retailer, 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, your propane retailer or a qualified service technician must check your entire system to ensure that it is leak-free.