Safety
If you detect a gas leak, immediately evacuate everyone
from the house or business and call Shawley’s at 1-877-797-4887 or
your local fire department from a neighbor's phone
At Shawley’s, we are dedicated to providing the safest service possible
for the continued well-being of our customers, our employees,
and the general public. Please take a few minutes to read the following
safety information and share it with other members of your family. The
more you understand and practice propane safety rules, the better prepared
you'll be in case an emergency situation arises.
As with any energy source,
there is always the risk of danger and it is important for
you to be able to recognize when a problem occurs and what steps you should
take to safely and quickly resolve it.
So whether you are using propane
or oil in your home or business, Shawley’s
is here to help make sure you feel completely comfortable with
all of the safety information on this website.
Please take the
time to read this information
carefully and
contact
us at anytime
if you have any questions about your safety or any of the safety
information on this site..
- Learn what propane smells like. Shawley’s has scratch-and-sniff
pamphlets to help your family recognize its distinctive odor.
- Know where gas lines are located, so you won't damage them when digging
or working in the yard.
- Change or clean furnace filters regularly as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Don't store cleaning fluids, oil-soaked rags, gasoline, or other flammable
liquids near a gas-burning appliance where vapors could be ignited by
the pilot light.
What is Propane?
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.
How Does Propane Get to your House?
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.
Propane is delivered to your home as a very cold liquid and
is pumped into a specially designed storage tank. 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 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, which you can close to stop the flow of propane
to your home in case of a leak or other emergency.
- The regulator, which controls the pressure of the propane gas coming
out of the tank.
- The safety relief valve, 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, which shows the percentage of propane in the tank.
Propane flows from your tank to your home through pipes, most of which run
underground.
You may also have a secondary pressure regulator on an outside
wall of your home to further adjust gas pressure.
A shut-off valve in each pipe can be closed to stop gas flow
to an individual appliance.
An appliance connector 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.
What Is Flammable Vapor Ignition?
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.
What should I do if I smell gas?
- 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 Shawley’s at 1-877-797-4887
right away. If you can't reach us for any reason, call
911 or your local fire department.
- DO NOT RETURN TO THE BUILDING OR AREA until an Shawley’s
representative or your local fire official determines that
it is safe to do so.
- GET YOUR SYSTEM CHECKED. Before you attempt to use
any of your propane appliances, a qualified gas service
technician from Shawley’s must
check your entire system to ensure that it is leak-free.
How To Recognize the Smell of Propane
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 find scratch and sniff examples in the Propane Safety
brochures available for download on this page or by mail from Shawley’s.
Or you can ask us 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 fade" can occur-an unintended reduction
in the concentration of the odor of propane. This is explained in further
detail in the Propane Safety brochures available for download on this
page or by mail from Shawley’s.
What is Odor Fade?
ODOR FADE ALSO CAN DIMINISH PROPANE'S SMELL
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:
- 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 fade 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
Facts About Propane Gas Detectors
CONSIDER INSTALLING GAS DETECTORS.
- 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 IMPORTANTt. 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 gas service technician inspect your propane system
and propane appliances periodically.
Facts About Carbon Monoxide (CO)
WHAT IS CARBON MONOXIDE (CO)?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 MAY INCLUDE:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea
- Fatigue
CO DETECTORS CAN IMPROVE YOUR 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 Shawley’s at 1-877-797-4887 to check CO levels
and your propane equipment.
TO HELP THE RISK OF CO POISONING:
- Have Shawley’s or a qualified gas 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
What Happens When I Run Out of Gas?
DON'T RUN OUT OF GAS. Serious safety hazards, including fire
or expolsion 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. Shawley’s must perform a leak check
of your propane system before turning on the gas.
- SET UP REGULAR DELIVERY Establish automatic delivery with Shawley’s.
Also, periodically check the fuel gauge on your propane tank. If the
fuel level drops below 20%, call us right away.
What Should I Do if My Pilot Light Goes Out?
IT IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED THAT A QUALIFIED GAS 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 Shawley’s or a qualified gas 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.
How Can I Maintain My Appliances?
- 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 gas service technician has the proper
training to install, service, maintain, and repair your appliances. Make
sure you have Shawley’s or a qualified gas service technician install
and service your appliances.
- ANNUAL INSPECTION IS IMPORTANT. Contact
Shawley’s or a qualified
gas 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 Shawley’s or a qualified
gas 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 Shawley’s for service or a
qualified gas service technician if any of the above conditions occur.
What Is An Appliance Connector?
- PROPERLY INSTALL AND MAINTAIN CONNECTORS. The final section of the
system that brings gas to your appliances is the appliance connector
It is important that all appliance connectors are properly inspected,
installed, and maintained by a qualified gas service technician.
How Can I Maintain My Appliance Connectors?
- HAVE CONNECTORS CHECKED WHEN MOVING OR REPLACING APPLIANCES. Connectors
can wear out from too much moving, bending, or corrosion. Connectors
should be checked by Shawley’s or a qualified gas 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 gas 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 Shawley’s or a qualified gas 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.
What Should I Do if I Move or Get A New Appliance?
- 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 Shawley’s or
a qualified gas 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 Shawley’s or a qualified gas 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 Shawley’s 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.
How Can I Keep My Home Safe When I'm Away for An Extended Period?
KEEP YOUR HOME SAFE WHEN YOUR 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 Shawley’s
to conduct a leak check before the propane is turned on and to re-light the
pilot lights.
What Should I Do if I Have a Problem with My Propane Appliances?
- 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 Shawley’s immediately. We 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.
How Can I Use a Space Heater Safely?
- 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 Shawley’s or a qualified gas 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.
