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