Written on: October 11, 2021
When you use propane in your home, you need to be knowledgeable about propane safety.
One critical thing you need to know about is what propane smells like. Another is what to do if you smell it.
Propane is sometimes characterized as having a distinct odor, which is generally defined as a “rotten-egg” scent. Because propane has no distinctive fragrance of its own, the propane business adds an odorant to give it one so that it can be recognized easily in the rare event of a propane leak.
If you detect that rotten-egg odor, you must leave immediately. On the way out, extinguish any burning items such as candles or cigarettes and avoid using appliances, phones, or light switches.
When you leave the house, turn off the propane supply valve on the propane tank if you can safely access it. Get as far away from the house as possible and call your propane provider using your phone or a neighbor’s phone. Wait until you get the all-clear before returning to your home.
Sometimes, you might not be able to smell propane. You may have a cold or allergies, or you could have an illness that causes your sense of smell to be impaired, such as COVID-19. Older individuals are more susceptible to having a poor sense of smell. Medications, alcohol, and smoking cigarettes can all reduce your sense of smell.
On rare occasions, propane can lose its scent due to water or rust inside the tank.
All of this is why we urge our propane delivery customers to install propane detectors in their homes.
Propane detectors are quite reasonably priced. Hardware shops, home improvement stores, and online all have propane detectors for sale.
Place propane detectors where your propane equipment is located. The space where your gas water heater and/or heating system are located, as well as rooms where you utilize a gas space heater, are two examples of where propane detectors are needed. You must also install propane detectors outside all sleeping areas.
Propane detectors, unlike smoke or carbon monoxide detectors, should not be hung high on the wall or on the ceiling. Because propane is heavier than air, it is close to the floor. Propane detectors should not be placed higher than your bed pillows and as low as feasible.
Carbon monoxide detectors are necessary in every dwelling.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a dangerous and potentially deadly gas that is invisible and odorless. When carbon monoxide enters the bloodstream, it replaces the oxygen in your red blood cells. Your brain, heart, and lungs are all suffering from insufficient oxygen. CO poisoning can result in serious, potentially irreversible, damage or death, and it happens most frequently while people are sleeping or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
You must have CO alarms on each floor of your home, as well as by every sleeping area.
Most carbon monoxide detectors, however, are unable to detect propane in your house. That’s why propane detectors are essential for protecting you and your family.
Do you have questions about propane safety? Please get in touch with us and we’ll help in any way we can.