Propane Safety

Propane Safety Tips for Southeastern MA

Here at Roby’s Propane Gas, Inc., customer safety is our number one priority. We take great care to transport all of our propane deliveries safely and share our propane safety knowledge with our customers. While propane has a reputation as a safe, clean, and efficient fuel, it is important to understand proper safety measures to protect your home and your family.

Propane is a naturally odorless, colorless, and nontoxic fuel with an added scent, reminiscent of rotten eggs or skunk, to help detect if a leak has occurred. The following information can help prevent a propane hazard in your home and offers directions for what to do in the event of a propane tank or equipment emergency.


Propane Burner in South Shore, MA Home

Preventative Safety Tips

Understand Your Tank
It is important to familiarize yourself with the general functions of your propane tank. Know how to turn off your supply and how to read your tank gauge. Regularly monitoring your propane tank levels will avoid the risk of running out of gas, which can cause serious safety hazards and costly damage.

Take Care of Your Appliances
Schedule regular maintenance for your propane heating system to improve efficiency and guarantee unobstructed operation. Drain your water heater periodically (until water runs clean, usually 2–3 gallons) to eliminate sediment build up. If you have a propane-powered stove range, keep an eye on your flame. If your flame is burning yellow, instead of blue, that can indicate an issue with your burner or air inlet. Call your local propane provider to service your equipment.

Educate Your Family
Make sure all members of your household are able to detect the signs of a propane leak or appliance issue. This includes proper measures for storage, like keeping flammable items clear from your propane heating equipment, and proper handling of gas cylinders, like your propane grill tank. Establish a set emergency evacuation plan with clear instructions in order to keep everyone safe.


General Safety Reminders

  • Never store propane cylinders or containers inside any enclosed building.
  • Treat propane odor seriously. Any scent may indicate a dangerous situation.
  • Move cautiously. Never place heat near or directly over the valves on your storage tank. A sudden release of product from the safety relief valve could cause serious injury.
  • Always keep combustible or flammable materials (like paper, wood, clothing, solvents, gasoline, etc.) away from any open flame appliances.
  • Install propane leak detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in your home.

Visit our Emergency Service page to learn what to do in the event that you do run out of propane fuel. For more propane safety information, contact us or visit the Propane Education & Research Council.

EMERGENCY SERVICE

What does propane smell like?

Propane may present a sulfuric odor of rotten eggs, skunk spray, or a dead animal. Some people may have difficulty smelling propane’s odor due to age, medical conditions, alcohol, tobacco, or drug use. Propane detectors can be purchased and installed for your safety.

What to Do If You Smell Gas

In the unlikely event that you smell gas and suspect there may be a leak, promptly follow these steps:

  1. Do not operate lights, appliances, telephones, or cellphones. This includes shutting anything off. Put out all smoking materials and any open flames. Flames or sparks can trigger an explosion or fire.
  2. Inform other building inhabitants and evacuate the area immediately.
  3. If your tank is safe to access, turn off the main supply valve on your propane tank. (Turn valve clockwise.)
  4. Call 911, Roby’s 24/7 service line at (800) 642-7121, or your local fire department immediately, away from the leak site.
  5. Do not return to the building until a qualified propane technician says it is safe to do so.

EMERGENCY SERVICE  CALL (508) 295-3737 NOW