Propane

What to Do If You Smell Gas

  • Spend a Few Moments for Your Family’s Safety

    Propane is a safe, economical, clean-burning, and versatile fuel when used properly. This activity will instruct you on the steps to take if you should smell propane and suspect a gas leak.

    Click the Next button to move to the next screen.

  • What Is Propane?

    • Propane (also called LPG — liquefied petroleum gas — or LP gas) is a safe, economical, clean-burning fuel when used properly.
    • 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.
    • To make propane easier to detect in the event of a leak or spill, manufacturers deliberately add a chemical compound to give it a strong, unpleasant smell like rotten eggs, a skunk’s spray, or a dead animal.
  • What does propane smell like?

    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.

  • Can you smell it?

    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.

  • Can you smell it?

    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.

  • What Should You Do If You Smell Propane?

    Click the 'Next' button to learn more.

  • 1. NO FLAMES OR SPARKS!

    Immediately put out all smoking materials and other open flames. Do not operate lights, appliances, telephones, or cell phones. Flames or sparks from these sources can trigger an explosion or a fire.

  • 2. LEAVE THE AREA IMMEDIATELY!

    Get everyone out of the building or area where you suspect gas is leaking.

  • 3. SHUT OFF THE GAS!

    Turn off the main gas supply valve on your propane tank, if it is safe to do so. To close the valve, turn it to the right (clockwise).

  • 4. REPORT THE LEAK!

    From a neighbor’s home or other building away from the gas leak, call your propane retailer right away. If you can’t reach your propane retailer, call 911 or your local fire department.

  • 5. DO NOT RETURN TO THE BUILDING OR AREA…

    …until your propane retailer, emergency responder, or a qualified service technician determines that it is safe to do so.

  • 6. GET YOUR SYSTEM CHECKED BEFORE REUSE

    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.

  • Test Your Propane Safety Knowledge

    Now that you've reviewed the propane safety guidelines, test your knowledge by answering the questions on the next screen.

  • If you smell gas, you should: True False
    Put out all smoking materials and open flames
    Shut off the gas, if it is safe to do so
    Sniff around for the source of the leak
    Get your system checked before reuse
    Turn lights off or on
    Turn appliances off or on
    Leave the area immediately
    Call the fire department from the nearest phone
    Report the leak from a building away from the leak
  • Make Time for Safety

    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

  • Thank you for completing the e-Learning Module: What to Do If You Smell Gas

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