Propane Safety

Consumer Safety Tips for Propane

Propane has a remarkable safety record, due in large part to the stringent codes and regulations developed by the propane industry and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

And in Tennessee, propane companies comply with state regulations that require periodic testing and training in order to ensure safety.

Of course, it’s always a good idea to learn more about propane and proper safety procedures, whether you’re cooking food on your propane cooktop or dealing with propane appliances.

Below you’ll find information about what to do if you smell gas, probably the number one concern for consumers. You can also review other safety videos below that have been created by the Propane Education and Research Council.

What to do if you smell gas

If you think you smell propane in your home, camper or RV, or in the area around any gas equipment, or if a gas alarm signals the presence of propane, you should IMMEDIATELY follow these suggestions:

• Extinguish all smoking materials and any open flames or other sources of ignition. Everyone should vacate the building, vehicle or area.
• Move away without using any electric switches, appliances, thermostats or telephones.
• If it is safe to do so, close the gas shutoff valve on the propane tank or cylinder.
• Call your propane supplier or your local fire department from a mobile phone or a neighbor’s telephone.
• Even if you do not continue to smell propane, do not open or turn on the propane supply valve. Do not reenter the building, vehicle or area. Let a qualified propane service technician or emergency personnel check for escaped propane.
• Have a properly trained propane service technician repair the leak. The propane service technician or emergency responder needs to determine that the leak situation has been fully resolved. The propane service technician should check all of your gas appliances and relight any appliance pilots.
• Return to the building, camper, RV or area only when the service technician or emergency responder indicates that it is safe to do so.

Contact your propane dealer at any time if you have questions about using propane safely. If it’s an emergency, always call, DO NOT email.

Please click on the videos below to review important information about propane safety.