An economical and environmentally friendly fuel, propane is used to heat your home and business, cook your meals, dry your clothes and heat your water, pools and spas. In properly maintained and operated systems, propane is safe, but like any other fuel gas it must be handled with care.

As with any energy source, there are steps you should take to further ensure your safety when using propane. Propane is a colourless and odourless gas that is not itself toxic. Because propane has an odour additive (ethyl mercaptan - a scent similar to rotten eggs or boiling cabbage) you can easily detect it. Propane is heavier than air, so when checking for leaks, be aware that it gathers in low-lying areas.

Q: If I smell propane, what should I do?
A: Treat all propane gas odours seriously. Any odours may indicate a dangerous situation. If you think you smell propane in or around your home, immediately follow these procedures:

• Get everyone out of the building immediately.
• Do not turn light switches or flashlights on or off, or operate phones.
• Turn off the supply of propane at the cylinder or meter.
• Call the fire department or dial 911.
• Do not re-enter the area until it is safe.
• Call Superior Propane at 1-87SUPERIOR (1-877-873-7467) to schedule a service call to repair the leak once the area has been deemed safe; they will turn on the propane, check all the propane appliances and re-light the pilots on the appliances for you.

If you have concerns about your ability to smell propane, you may want to consider purchasing a propane gas alarm. Please remember, while an alarm may provide an extra measure of warning, it should never be relied upon as a substitute for regular inspection and maintenance of propane appliances.

Q: Can I shut off my propane supply in an emergency?
A: Yes. If it’s necessary to turn off your propane supply before Superior Propane or the fire department arrives, you should know the proper procedure.

If you have a meter, give the valve at the meter a quarter turn in either direction so that the lever is crosswise to the pipe to turn it off.

To shut off the propane supply at the tank or cylinder, turn the hand wheel clockwise (to the right) as far as possible to make sure the valve is completely closed.

If you are not sure how to shut off the gas supply from your meter, tank or cylinder, contact Superior Propane for instructions. A service technician or driver can show you how to turn the propane supply off at your next scheduled delivery or service inspection.

Q: Can I turn the meter on again?
A: No. Please leave this to an expert. Once the propane is shut off, a qualified Superior Propane service technician who can check out the appliances and venting should turn it back on for you.

Q: Can I turn the tank or cylinder on again?
A: No. Please do not turn the tank or cylinder back on. Call Superior Propane and leave it to our qualified technicians to check out your propane system to ensure it’s safe.

Q: What safety tips do I need to know if I’m served by a propane meter or tank?

A:

• Know the location of your propane meter and/or tank.
• Keep your tank and meter clear for emergency responses.
• Know how to shut off your propane supply.
• Keep a wrench in a convenient location, if you have a meter.
• Do not enclose your meter or tank.
• Do not tie pets or other objects to the meter or any outside propane pipes.

Q: Do I ever need to repaint my tank?
A: Yes. Rusty, unpainted or dark-coloured tanks do not reflect sunlight and may absorb heat causing an increase in pressure, leading to a possible discharge from the pressure release valve.

Q: Is there anything I should do before doing major landscaping projects?
A: Yes – call before you dig. If underground pipes bring propane to your house, be sure to call Superior Propane when making an addition to your home, doing major landscaping or installing fence posts.