MEC&F Expert Engineers : WEAVER PROPANE EMPLOYEE SEVERELY BURNED IN CLIFTON PARK, NY AFTER EXPLOSION

Thursday, May 7, 2015

WEAVER PROPANE EMPLOYEE SEVERELY BURNED IN CLIFTON PARK, NY AFTER EXPLOSION







MAY 7, 2015

CLIFTON PARK, N.Y. (NEWS10)

Officials say a man was injured after filling a propane tank on Thursday.

Police say they got a 911 call from a single family residence at 353 Ushers Rd. in the Town of Clifton Park, NY 12065 on Thursday. The caller indicated there was an explosion and a male injured and a building was now on fire.

When emergency units arrived they discovered the home owners had propane delivered for their pool heater. After the propane tank was filled, the Weaver propane delivery employee went inside the small pool shed to light the heater for the season. At some point during this process there was an explosion.

The Weaver employee, 45-year-old Ryan Hendersen of Mechanicville suffered burns to more than 50% of his body. He was flown by Life Net helicopter to the Westchester Burn Unit for treatment.

The exact cause explosion is still under investigation. 

“After the propane tank was filled, the Weaver propane delivery employee went inside the small pool shed to light the heater for the season,” a sheriff’s statement said. “At some point during this process, there was an explosion…the exact cause of the explosion is still under investigation.”

The pool shed was the only building damaged and there was no one else injured.  It is apparent that there was a leak in the system after the filling and this is what caused the explosion.

The Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by Clifton Park Fire, Jonesville Fire, Round Lake Fire, and Malta EMS.

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Propane Properties

Propane is a liquefied petroleum gas and aromatic hydrocarbon that may be utilized as a gaseous fuel. Propane's best known hydrocarbon neighbors are methane (natural gas) and butane (disposable cigarette lighters). Unlike methane vapor that is lighter than air, propane vapor is heavier than air. Unlike liquid butane that will not vaporize at temperatures less than 32 degrees Fahrenheit, liquid propane will vaporize at any temperature above -44 degrees fahrenheit. A gallon of liquid propane weighs 4.24 pounds and contains 91,650 BTU's. Propane, and all other hydrocarbon based fuels, must be kept away from open flame(s) and ignition sources. Propane must also be handled with care, transported properly, and stored safely. 

The majority of propane consumed in the Northeast is produced in the United States and Canada. Liquid propane reaches your home via a network of pipelines, rail cars and delivery trucks. Your Weaver propane system has been installed in accordance with NFPA Pamphlet #54 , NFPA Pamphlet #58, and any applicable state or local codes.

Propane is sold as a liquid (U.S. gallon), by the pound, or as a vapor by the cubic foot. Your residential appliances consume propane in its vapor form. Propane vapor reaches your appliances through your propane distribution system. When your Weaver propane system was installed it was determined to be 100% safe and leak free. Absolutely no alterations or modifications should be made to your propane system by anyone other than Weaver authorized personnel. 

WARNING!  The slightest modification or alteration to your propane system by unauthorized personnel may cause a potentially dangerous or life-threatening situation.

Any propane system may develop faults that will allow propane vapor to escape. Propane vapor most often evidences itself via its distinctive unpleasant odor. The presence of propane's distinctive odor indicates that propane vapor is likely to be present and a potentially dangerous situation may exist. Should this situation ever present itself, extinguish all open flames and immediately leave the area where the odor is present. Do not touch any electrical switches or appliances. Go directly to your propane system's storage vessel, open the tank hood and close the vapor service valve. Under no circumstance should the vapor service valve be left open or be re-opened. Proceed immediately to the nearest off premise telephone and contact us for further instructions.

In rare instances, certain individuals may be unable to detect propane's odor. In these situations, an electronic leak detector should be utilized.



Propane Safety Rules

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. These solutions are available from Weaver Gas.
 
Propane must ALWAYS be handled with CAUTION. In the unlikely event that a propane leak should occur, take the following steps:

a. Immediately shut off the storage tank's service valve.
b. Eliminate all possible outside sources of ignition.
c. Do NOT turn on any light switches.
d. Do NOT use a cell phone or any other electrically operated communications device.
e. Exit the building and IMMEDIATELY call 911 from another location (e.g. a neighboring building). 
f. AFTER calling 911, call Weaver Gas immediately.


Propane's Odor

When produced, propane is colorless and odorless. For safety and detection purposes, a chemical odorant (ethyl mercaptan) is added to propane. The presence of the odorant alerts you of a potential propane gas leak. 

Under certain circumstances, the odorant in propane gas may oxidize and lose it's distinctive odor. This odor fade can occur in new steel containers when first placed into service and in older steel containers that have been left open to the atmosphere. Not all people are able to detect the presence of the propane's odorant. Physical conditions such as competing odors, colds, flu, allergies, or smoking may diminish a person's ability to detect the odorant.

If you think that you cannot detect the presence of the odorant, or if you have an impaired sense of smell, please contact us. A service technician will verify the presence or absence of odorant present in your system. If you suffer from and impaired sense of smell, consider the installation of an electronic gas detector.



Appliance Safety

Only AGA approved appliances that are properly installed and adjusted may be connected to your gas system. A properly adjusted gas appliance produces carbon dioxide and water vapor as by-products of combustion. Improperly adjusted appliances are dangerous and can produce, among other things, carbon monoxide. 

Never attempt a "do it yourself" repair on any gas appliance. Only qualified technicians should attempt the installation or repair of gas appliances. If you are experiencing a problem with any of your gas appliances please contact us. One of our technicians will correct the problem.



Your Regulators and Distribution System

As the ambient temperature rises, propane vapor pressure rises. When the ambient temperature drops, propane vapor pressure drops. To alleviate this temperature induced fluctuation of vapor pressure, your first stage regulator and second stage regulator (or if utilized, integral two-stage regulator) maintain a constant service pressure to your appliances. 

The first-stage regulator is attached directly to your container's vapor service valve. The first stage supply line connects the first stage regulator to the second stage regulator, which in turn, is connected to the interior distribution system that your appliances are connected to.

Your regulators are installed in a specific manner. This is done to alleviate premature failure due to atmospheric or anthropomorphic conditions. When your regulators are operating, they emit a very slight sound similar to wind blowing. This is perfectly normal and no cause for concern. 

Never attempt to repair a regulator. Regulators are constructed in such a manner as to preclude their reassembly. Please contact us if you believe that you are experiencing regulator problems.

WARNING!  A blocked regulator vent can result in elevated gas supply pressures. Regulator failure could ensue, which may result in injury and/or property damage.



General Container Information

Propane is sold and stored in portable DOT containers or fixed placement ASME containers. When a container is filled to its proper liquid level it will be approximately 80 percent full. The remaining 20 percent of the container's volume contains propane vapor. This is the propane vapor consumed by your appliances. 

The vapor space in the container also provides room for the expansion of liquid propane. Liquid propane has a moderately high coefficient of expansion and accordingly, expands greatly when subjected to temperature increases.

WARNING!  If a container is filled beyond it maximum permitted liquid filling density, a situation may develop in which there will not be enough space available to accommodate the liquid propane's expansion. When an overfilled container is exposed to any temperature increase, the following hazardous conditions may occur: 

The hydrostatic relief valve may actuate (open), discharging liquid propane to the atmosphere.
Liquid propane could enter your system's distribution lines. This would result in higher than normal operating pressures to your appliances.
If the container becomes hydrostatic, and the hydrostatic relief valve fails to open, the container could rupture, resulting in serious injury or property damage. 



Container Handling and Safety

When transporting your propane gas container, or storing it for future use, a few simple precautions must be followed: 

Never use, store, or transport containers in the passenger compartment of your vehicle.
Never store a container inside a building, including your garage. Containers should be stored outdoors and off the ground on a non-combustible base. The container's vapor service outlet should be plugged.
Propane gas containers must be transported in an upright position. This allows the hydrostatic relief valve to remain in the container's vapor space at all times. Only a container designed for horizontal use may be transported horizontally.
When transporting a container, the container's vapor service outlet must be plugged or protected. The container's vapor service outlet is a female POL type connection.
Any container that is damaged, corroded, exposed to fire, or appears to be leaking must be removed from service immediately. If you have a defective, damaged, or leaking container, contact us and a trained technician will remove it from service. 



Container Refilling 

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.



Container Maintenance

The exterior of your container should be protected with light-colored, heat-reflective paint. This will reduce pressure increases as ambient temperatures rise. A proper exterior coating will protect against rust and corrosion. Aluminum containers do not require painting. 

When taking advantage of Weaver Gas rental tank service, all container maintenance is provided free of charge. 



Industry Efforts to Safeguard Propane Use:

GAS Check® is an inspection program developed by the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) and the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), and funded by PERC that provides guidelines to technicians on how to perform two different types of residential safety inspections: 

A “Gas System Check” which must be completed on the gas delivery system, including the containers, regulators, and appurtenances; and

A “Gas Appliance System Check” which includes all of the items of a “Gas Systems Check” as well as on all propane-burning appliances. GAS Check® also educates homeowners on the safe use of propane and the maintenance of propane appliances.


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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.

It is important to become familiar with the parts of your propane system so that you can take quick and appropriate action in case of a leak or other emergency. The illustration at left shows a typical home propane system.
Propane is delivered to your home as a very cold liquid and is pumped into a specially designed storage tank (A). The liquid changes to gas before it leaves the tank. Propane tanks are typically painted white or silver to reflect heat and prevent the pressure inside the tank from getting too high.
If you have an underground tank, only the cover (B) will be visible above ground.
The cover on top of the tank protects several components from weather and physical damage, including:
The tank shut-off valve (C), which you can close to stop the flow of propane to your home in case of a leak or other emergency.
The regulator (D), which controls the pressure of the propane gas coming out of the tank.
The safety relief valve (E), which will pop open automatically if the pressure inside the tank gets too high. The valve will close again when the pressure returns to normal.
The tank gauge (F), which shows the percentage of propane in the tank.
Propane flows from your tank to your home through pipes (G), most of which run underground.
You may also have a secondary pressure regulator (H) on an outside wall of your home to further adjust gas pressure.
A shut-off valve (I) in each pipe can be closed to stop gas flow to an individual appliance.
An appliance connector (J) is the final segment in the gas piping system. This specially designed flexible tube—typically 2 or 3 feet long—carries gas from a pipe to the back of an appliance (K).

FLAMMABLE VAPORS ARE A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD!
Vapors from flammable products—such as gasoline, kerosene, paint thinner, and solvents —can be ignited accidentally by the pilot light of a propane appliance.
Flammable vapors are often heavier than air and may travel along the ground and collect in low or confined areas (such as a basement or pit). Sometimes the vapors may follow air currents in the building to higher levels. Any source of ignition in these areas (such as a pilot light, spark, heater element, or electric motor) could cause an explosion or a fire. 

TO HELP REDUCE THE RISK OF FLAMMABLE VAPOR IGNITION:

Store flammable liquids in well-sealed containers outside.
Do not use gasoline, cleaning fluids, oil-soaked rags, or other flammable liquids inside a building where propane appliances are located. 

PROPANE VAPORS CAN BE DANGEROUS. Propane vapor is also combustible and can ignite explosively. Keep propane storage containers closed. Never store propane cylinders in an enclosed area, or near a heat or ignition source.

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. 

LEAVE THE AREA IMMEDIATELY! Get everyone out of the building or area where you suspect gas is leaking. 

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). 

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. 

DO NOT RETURN TO THE BUILDING OR AREA until your propane retailer, emergency responder, or qualified service technician determines that it is safe to do so. 

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.

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.

TAKE THE SNIFF TEST. Teach everyone in your home or building what propane smells like. You can use the blue circle on the page opposite of the inside front cover. Or, ask your propane retailer for a demonstration.

CAN YOU SMELL IT?

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 (as explained on page 8).

ODOR LOSS ALSO CAN DIMINISH PROPANE’S SMELL.
Odor Loss. On rare occasions, propane can lose its odor. Several things can cause this including:
Air, water, or rust in a propane tank or cylinder can reduce propane odor concentration.
If the propane is leaking underground, its passage through soil may reduce the smell of propane. 

The propane odor may stick to the inside surfaces of gas piping and distribution systems and possibly other materials. 

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.
IF YOU ARE CONCERNED that you or others in your home may have difficulty smelling propane, consider buying one or more propane gas detectors.

CONSIDER INSTALLING GAS DETECTORS.
Under some circumstances, you may not smell a propane leak. Propane gas detectors are designed to sound an alarm if they sense the presence of propane. Their operation does not depend on the concentration of odorant in the air, just the propane concentration at the detector.
We recommend that you consider installing one or more propane gas detectors. This is important if you or others in your home have difficulty smelling propane, or if appliances are in little-used areas in your home where the smell of propane might not be detected. Detectors can provide an additional measure of security.

DETECTOR QUALITY IS IMPORTANT. Be sure the units you buy are listed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL). To be sure propane gas detectors operate properly, install and maintain them as the manufacturer recommends.
TRUST YOUR NOSE. Never ignore the smell of propane, even if no detector is sounding an alarm to signal the presence of propane. However, if a detector is sounding an alarm, treat it as an emergency and act immediately, even if you do not smell the propane.
CHECK YOUR PROPANE SYSTEM. Even if you install gas detectors, have a qualified service technician inspect your propane system and propane appliances periodically.

WHAT IS CARBON MONOXIDE? Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, and toxic gas. Smoking a cigarette; idling a gasoline engine; and burning fuel oil, wood, kerosene, natural gas, and propane all produce CO. High levels of CO can be produced when fuels are burned incompletely. 

WHERE DO HIGH LEVELS OF CO COME FROM? High levels of CO can be generated by appliances that are defective or improperly installed or maintained. CO can also enter a home if an appliance venting system or chimney becomes blocked (for example, by a bird’s nest).

CO CAN BE DEADLY! High levels of CO can make you dizzy, give you headaches, or cause flu-like symptoms (see the list below). In extreme cases, high levels of or extended exposure to CO can result in brain damage or death. Young children; the elderly; people with heart disease; and those under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication are particularly susceptible to CO poisoning. 

Symptoms of CO poisoning include:
      • Headache     • Dizziness     • Shortness of breath     • Nausea     • Fatigue

CO DETECTORS CAN IMPROVE SAFETY. CO detectors are designed to sound an alarm when they sense excessive levels of CO in the air. We recommend that you consider installing a CO detector listed by UL on each level of your home. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding installation, location, and maintenance. These devices can provide an extra measure of safety.

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 the CO.
If no one has physical symptoms of CO poisoning, but you suspect that CO is present, call your propane retailer or a qualified service technician to check CO levels and your propane equipment.

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 begins.
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.

SIGNS OF IMPROPER APPLIANCE OPERATION THAT CAN GENERATE HIGH CO LEVELS:

Sooting, especially on appliances and vents
Unfamiliar or burning odor
Increased moisture inside of windows

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 when the propane supply runs out, a leak could occur when the system is recharged with propane.
Air and moisture could get into an empty or depleted storage tank, which can cause rust build-up inside the tank. Rust can decrease the concentration of the odor of propane, making it harder to smell.
If your propane tank runs out of gas, any pilot lights on your appliances will go out. This can be extremely dangerous if not handled properly.
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.
SET UP REGULAR DELIVERY. Establish a regular delivery schedule with your propane retailer. Also, periodically check the fuel gauge on your propane tank. If the fuel level drops below 20%, call your propane retailer.



IT IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED THAT A QUALIFIED SERVICE TECHNICIAN LIGHT ANY PILOT LIGHT THAT HAS GONE OUT.

WHAT IS A PILOT LIGHT? Many propane appliances may have a pilot light—a small, constantly burning flame inside the appliance. (Appliances without a pilot light often have electronic ignition instead.) If your appliance has a pilot light, it is an important safety feature. The pilot light ignites the main burner when needed.

WHEN A PILOT LIGHT GOES OUT. A pilot light that repeatedly goes out—or is very difficult to light—may be signaling that there is a problem with the appliance or with your propane system. If this occurs, do not try to fix the problem yourself. Contact a qualified service technician to evaluate the appliance. Accidents and serious injuries can occur when customers attempt to fix a pilot light problem on their own.

IF YOU LIGHT A PILOT LIGHT YOURSELF, you are taking the risk of STARTING A FIRE OR AN EXPLOSION. Many serious injuries occur when people attempt to light pilot lights. Proceed with great caution and follow these rules:
Carefully follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions and warnings concerning the appliance.
If the appliance is in a basement or closed room, thoroughly ventilate the area before lighting the pilot.
DO NOT smoke or have any source of ignition (such as flames or spark-producing materials) in the area before lighting the pilot.
Be especially alert for the smell of propane. Sniff at floor level before lighting a pilot.
IF YOU SMELL GAS, DO NOT LIGHT THE PILOT LIGHT.
DO NOT allow any extra or unnecessary people (especially children) to remain in the room or area of the building where you are lighting a pilot.
DO NOT try to light pilot lights in any area where other odors may make it difficult for you to detect the smell of a propane leak.
DO NOT light the pilot if a musty or damp smell persists. These conditions can mask the smell of propane.
DO NOT apply force or use tools on the pilot light or its control. This could cause damage that leads to gas leakage. Use only your hands to operate knobs, switches, or buttons.
DO NOT attempt to let air out of gas lines by opening a valve or fitting inside a building or enclosed space. You may release gas and not be able to smell it.
DO NOT apply oil to a sticky knob or button on a gas control valve. Oil can cause the control valve mechanism to stick and malfunction.

MAINTENANCE IS IMPORTANT. All appliances using propane must be properly maintained in order to operate safely, properly, and efficiently.

LEAVE IT TO THE EXPERTS. Only a qualified service technician has the proper training to install, service, maintain, and repair your appliances. Make sure you have a qualified service technician install and service your appliances.
ANNUAL INSPECTION IS IMPORTANT. Contact a qualified service technician to perform an appliance inspection.

BE SURE YOUR APPLIANCES CAN “BREATHE” PROPERLY. Regularly check the vents of your appliances to be sure that flue gases can flow easily to the outdoors. Insects, birds, and small animals sometimes build nests in vent pipes. Other obstructions such as snow or ice may also occur. If you see evidence of this, call a qualified service technician. Also, clear the area around your appliance to be sure plenty of air can reach the burner for proper combustion.

NEVER store combustible materials near appliances.

WATCH FOR YELLOW FLAMES OR SOOT BUILD-UP. When appliances are operating properly, propane burns with a blue flame. If you see yellow flames, or notice significant amounts of soot on any equipment, the gas may not be burning completely. This can create carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless, and poisonous gas. Contact a qualified service technician if any of the above conditions occur.

PROPERLY INSTALL AND MAINTAIN CONNECTORS. The final section of the system that brings gas to your appliances is the appliance connector (see illustration on page 24). It is important that all appliance connectors are properly inspected, installed, and maintained by a qualified service technician.


HAVE CONNECTORS CHECKED WHEN MOVING OR REPLACING APPLIANCES. Connectors can wear out from too much moving, bending, or corrosion. Connectors should be checked by a qualified service technician whenever the appliance is replaced or moved from its location.

USE ONLY APPROVED APPLIANCE CONNECTORS. Make sure that all connectors and gas piping/tubing that bring propane to your appliances are installed by a qualified service technician and approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
HAVE OLDER APPLIANCE CONNECTORS INSPECTED. Over time, some types of appliance connectors can crack or break, resulting in a serious gas leak and the possibility of fire or explosion. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has warned that certain types of older connectors are extremely dangerous. If you have an appliance that is more than 20 years old, have a qualified service technician inspect the connectors to be sure they are safe and meet current safety-code requirements.
DO NOT MOVE AN APPLIANCE YOURSELF to check the connector; this might damage the connector and create a leak.


TREAT CONNECTORS WITH CARE. When an appliance is moved, be careful not to damage the appliance connector (the flexible tubing that brings gas to the unit). Older connectors can crack if flexed or twisted, which can lead to a gas leak.

IS THE APPLIANCE DESIGNED TO USE PROPANE? Be sure that any new or used appliance being installed is designed for use with propane. Natural gas appliances SHOULD NOT be used with propane unless a qualified service technician has made required adjustments to the appliance.
HAVE THE APPLIANCE CHECKED OUT BEFORE YOU USE IT. Be sure that the appliance is properly installed and that all controls and valves operate correctly. Contact a qualified service technician for assistance.
CAP OR PLUG UNATTACHED GAS LINES. If you move a gas appliance and disconnect it from a gas line, be sure to contact your propane retailer or a qualified service technician to close, cap, or plug the open gas line. Any connectors or gas line not connected to an appliance can leak gas, or can be damaged if water accumulates inside it. The valve on any unattached gas line must be closed, and the open end must be sealed by installing a threaded cap or plug.


KEEP YOUR HOME SAFE WHEN YOU’RE AWAY.  If you’re leaving your home for an extended period, consider closing all propane supply valves. This includes the main gas supply valve on the propane tank as well as gas supply valves located near individual appliances.
WHEN YOU RETURN to your home after an extended absence, contact your propane retailer or a qualified service technician to conduct a leak check before the propane is turned on and to re-light the pilot lights.
 

DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES 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.  
CALL AN EXPERT. If you are unable to operate any part of your propane system, or if you think an appliance or other device is not operating properly, call your propane retailer or a qualified service technician. They can inspect, adjust, repair, or replace any part of your propane system.
YOUR PROPANE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED FOR SAFETY. Propane cylinders, tanks, and appliances incorporate special components (such as valves, connectors, controls, burners, and pilot lights) to keep them safe for use. Damaging these components can cause gas leaks.


USE THE RIGHT KIND OF HEATER. Some propane space heaters are designed only for use outdoors. Others are designed only for use indoors. Check your owner’s manual or contact a qualified service technician to be sure you are using the right kind of heater.

DO NOT USE AN OUTDOOR HEATER INDOORS. High levels of CO can be generated from heaters that are not designed for indoor use. High levels of CO can make you dizzy, give you headaches, or cause flu-like symptoms. In extreme cases, extended exposure to CO can result in brain damage or death.

READ YOUR SPACE HEATER MANUAL. The appliance manufacturer’s manual that came with your space heater tells how to set up and operate it safely. Read the entire manual and carefully follow all directions.


Industry Efforts to Safeguard Propane Use:

GAS Check® is an inspection program developed by the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) and the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), and funded by PERC that provides guidelines to technicians on how to perform two different types of residential safety inspections:

A “Gas System Check” which must be completed on the gas delivery system, including the containers, regulators, and appurtenances; and

A “Gas Appliance System Check” which includes all of the items of a “Gas Systems Check” as well as on all propane-burning appliances. GAS Check® also educates homeowners on the safe use of propane and the maintenance of propane appliances.