Safety Tips
An odor has been
added to your propane gas so you can smell it
if it escapes- ifthere is a leak in the system, for example, or if an
appliance malfunctions.
Keep these facts in mind...
-Some people have a better sense of smell than others.
-Some elderly people are unable to detect the odorant in gas.
-On rare occasions, some people are unable to detect certain odors.
-Colds, allergies, and sinus congestion can all affect your sense of
smell.
-Tobacco smoke or strong cooking odors can cove up the odors too- and
remember that the use of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs may also affect your
sense of smell.
-Never tamper with, apply force to, or use tools on the gas control
system.
If the control knob will not operate by hand, the control unit must be
replaced.
Repairs must be made only by a trained gas service technician.
-All new containers and used containers not plugged or kept closed may
be
infiltrated by water, air, or other contaminants. These contaminants
must be
removed, or purged, before the container is filled and put into service.
The
purging process should be done by your propane gas supplier.
-Propane gas leaking from gas lines may lose its odor as it passes
through
the ground, depending on the type of soil and the distance the gas
travels.
Whenever you suspect a leak--even if you don't smell the odor of
gas--you
should contact your propane gas supplier.
-Water can damage the internal mechanism in the gas control and create a
hazardous condition. If your gas control has gotten wet--as a result of
flooding,
for example--it must be replaced immediately by a trained gas service
technician.
Under certain circumstances, propane gas may lose the distinctive odor
that
was added. This is sometimes called " odor fade ," and it can occur both
in
new steel containers when first placed into service and in used steel
containers
left open to the atmosphere for a long time.
For example, air, water, or rust in a propane tank may weaken the gas
odor
through a chemical process called oxidation. This can occur in any size
container
but is most likely to occur in small containers., or cylinders,
especially if the valves
were left open to the atmosphere after the container was emptied.
Therefore, you should keep the service valve closed when the cylinder is
empty or
not connected for use. In addition, you should install a cylinder valve
plug. this will
prevent air and moisture from entering the cylinder.
Remember.....
-The odor that has been added to your propane gas is a safety feature.
-Be sure that everyone in your home is familiar with the odor of propane
gas.
-If your propane system has been in regular use (refilled several
times), it's
highly unlikely that your gas will lose its distinctive odor.
-If you suspect that your gas has lost its odor-or your sense of smell
has been
weakened or otherwise impaired-call us immediately.