Propane is a very safe and environmentally-friendly fuel, but because it is also a high-BTU fuel and is stored under pressure, it must also be handled with care. Please follow all of the safety rules listed below. If for some reason your safety question is not addressed, please contact us at once! We will be more than happy to help you!

If you smell gas or suspect a leak:
1)	Put out any smoking materials and other open flames.
2)	Do NOT • operate electric switches or appliances • light matches • use your phone • create static electricity
3)	Get everyone out of the building immediately.
4)	Close all gas tanks or cylinder supply valves, and leave them closed until help arrives.
5)	Do not re-enter the building, even if you no longer smell gas.
6)	Use a neighbor’s phone and call Tevis, Modern Comfort Systems or another trained propane service technician, AND the fire department.
7)	Have the technician or fire department check for propane gas leaks and air out the building before you return.
8)	Have Tevis, Modern Comfort Systems or another trained propane service technician repair any leaks. They should also perform a then relight all pilots for you.

If the pilot won’t light:
1)	If you have trouble lighting the pilot or keeping it lit, there may be a safety feature preventing it from lighting.
2)	Always read the appliance operating instructions before attempting to light the pilot. An instruction plate or sticker is usually attached to each appliance. (Many of today’s major gas appliances have electronic ignition rather than a pilot, which means that the appliance will light automatically when demand is created. For example, turning on the oven.)
3)	If the pilot will not light, shut off the gas and call Tevis, Modern Comfort Systems or a trained propane service technician. In many instances we will be able to walk you through the pilot-lighting procedure over the phone and/or determine if a larger problem exists.

Other important safety information:
1)	Keep propane gas and containers away from heat, sparks, and flame.
2)	Propane has been odorized. Smell for gas close to the ground. Propane gas is heavier than air and sinks to the lowest spot (i.e., basement or crawl space).
3)	In some situations the odor may diminish, making it difficult to detect. If a leak is suspected, even if there is no odor, follow the instructions listed above.
4)	Never test for a propane leak using an open flame. Only suitable leak detection devices may be used, such as non-corrosive soap mixtures and electronic leak detectors.
5)	Tampering is dangerous. Do not force the gas control knob. Never use tools to turn the gas control knob. Use only your hand. Forcing the gas control knob may damage or override safety features and allow gas to leak. This could result in a fire or explosion.
6)	Do not tamper with any safety devices, regulators or storage tank fittings.
7)	Do not tamper with your system’s supply lines or appliances.
8)	Keep propane storage containers closed. Do not bleed lines in enclosed areas.
9)	Provide adequate ventilation. Escaping propane can cause suffocation when released in areas with poor ventilation.
10)	Avoid contact with eyes, skin, or clothing. Escaping propane may cause freeze burns.
11)	Installation or repair of propane gas appliances or equipment must be performed by a qualified technician.
12)	Have a performed after installation of new appliances, changes to your system, or every other year.

Visit the National Propane Gas Association

Back to Propane