This module provides basic information about maintenance of your propane appliances. Following these instructions will help ensure the safety of you and your family.
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Propane smells like rotten eggs, a skunk’s spray, or a dead animal. Propane manufacturers add this smell to help alert customers to propane leaks.
Make sure everyone in your family can recognize the smell of propane.
Some people may have difficulty smelling propane. For example, some older people have a less sensitive sense of smell. Certain medical conditions, or the effects of medication, alcohol, tobacco, or drugs can make it more difficult to smell propane.
Consider purchasing a propane gas detector as an additional measure of security.
Odor loss is an unintentional reduction in the concentration of the odor of propane. This makes it more difficult to smell.
Although rare, this can be caused by the presence of rust on the inside walls of the tank or cylinder. This can happen when air and moisture get inside an empty tank or cylinder that has its valve open.
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.
Normal Combustion
Incomplete Combustion
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.
It is important that all appliance connectors are properly inspected, installed, and maintained by a qualified service technician.
Do not move an appliance yourself to check the connector; this might damage the connector and create a leak.
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).
Use your mouse to identify the four potential hazards in this picture. Click on the hazard to learn more.
Read each statement below. Decide if the statement is true or false.
True | False | |
---|---|---|
All appliances using propane must be properly maintained in order to operate safely, properly, and efficiently. | ||
When appliances are operating properly, propane burns with a yellow flame. | ||
If you have an appliance that is more than 20 years old, a qualified service technician should inspect it and all connectors to make sure they are safe and meet current safety code requirements. | ||
Natural gas appliances and propane appliances are exactly the same. | ||
If you disconnect an appliance from a gas line, a qualified service technician should close, cap, or plug the open gas line. |
Thank you for making time for propane safety. To learn more, download our brochure ‘Propane Safety for You and Your Family’ or visit: propane.com