Phoenix Propane Safety

Propane is a safe product to use in your Phoenix area home or business, but certain precautions need to be adhered to. We have put together some of the helpful safety tips for propane users.

WHAT IS PROPANE?

Propane is a liquified petroleum gas that comes out of both oil wells and gas wells. Propane does not occur naturally, it is derived from the raw crude oil and natural gas refining processes. Propane is a safe and widely used fuel sometimes call LP gas or LPG. Propane is transported, stored, and delivered in a liquid state. The liquid changes to a gas before it leaves the tank. Propane gas is not toxic and produces a very small amount of emissions. Propane is not harmful to the soil or ground water and is not regulated by the EPA.

Propane has a narrow range of flammability of 2.15 to 9.60 percent in air, and requires a temperature of 920 to 1020 degrees Farenheit to ignite. Propane is heavier than air and will sink if released into the air. If you have a leak, it's best to try to smell for gas at the floor level and other low points.

Over 95% of the propane used in this country is made in North America. In it’s native form, propane is colorless and odorless. A chemical is added to propane to give it an unpleasant odor that smells like rotten egg, a skunk spray or possibly a dead animal, which aids in leak detection.

SMALL CYLINDER TRANSPORTATION AND STORAGE.

Storing small cylinders.

• NEVER store or place a small propane tank indoors or in an enclosed area such as a garage, basement, storage shed or tent.
• DO NOT store or place a propane tank in excessive heat (120F or above), near a stove fireplace, portable heater, or other source of heat. As the temperature in the propane tank rises so does the pressure which could activate the relief valve and vent propane into the atmosphere and ignite.
• DO NOT smoke or have any other source of ignition such as open flame or electrical tool in the area when working with propane.
• NEVER place your spare propane tank next to, or under your BBQ grill to avoid a heat build and possible vapor release.

Transporting small propane tanks

• ALWAYS transport and store a propane tank in an upright and secure position.
• ALWAYS check to make sure the tank valve is turned off even if the tank is empty.
• IF YOU TRANSPORT A TANK IN YOUR CAR ALWAYS keep the windows open and the car well ventilated.
• NEVER keep a filled tank in your car. After filling go to your destination and remove the tank from you car.
• TEST THE TANK FOR LEAKS BEFORE USE.
• NEVER use a damaged tank.
• NEVER dispose of your tank in the household trash. Check with us at Propane Services at 623-643-0190 for disposal.
• NEVER try to modify or repair valves or regulators
• MAKE SURE YOUR TANK IS EQUIPPED WITH AN OVER FILL DEVICE. OPD is a safety feature designed to prevent over filling.

RUNNING OUT OF GAS:

• DON’T RUN OUT OF GAS. Running out of gas could present a serious safety hazard.
• WHY IS RUNNING OUT OF GAS DANGEROUS? When your propane tank runs out of gas your pilot lights go out. When you tank is refilled these pilots need to be properly relit. If gas is allowed to flow to appliances when the pilots are out a dangerous accumulation of gas could occur.
• IF YOU DO RUN OUT OF GAS. Pilots need to be relit by a qualified technician and a leak test should be performed.
• TO PREVENT RUNNING OUT OF GAS. Regularly check the fuel gauge on your tank. When the level drops below 20% call Propane Services at 623-643-0190 to schedule a refill of your propane tank.