Industry Leading Propane Safety

At Superior Propane, nothing is more important than safety. We’re committed to being industry safety leaders for our customers, employees and communities.
Superior Propane employee safely hooking a fueling line on the back of his truck.

If you detect an odor from your propane tank venting or suspect a leak, please get everyone out of the building, and contact Customer Service at 1-87SUPERIOR (1-877-873-7467) immediately.

PREPARE FOR WINTER DELIVERY

For safe, on-time delivery, use this checklist to ensure propane safety in the event of heavy snowfall or icy conditions:

  • Clear snow and ice from your driveway and keep a clear path to and around your tanks or cylinders for refills, emergencies and cylinder exchange.
  • If you have a long or winding driveway, mark the path with stakes to help the driver stay safely on the prepared surface.
  • Ensure your equipment is visible and that snow isn’t piled, plowed or blown on your tanks or cylinders, gas lines, regulators, appliance vents or cylinder cages.
  • Use soft tools such as brooms or brushes to ensure no damage to the equipment, components or cages. DO NOT use power equipment.
  • Regulators on both the tank and at the home or building should be clear of snow.
  • Be aware of any piping that may be stressed due to heavy snow load.
  • Use extra care near all copper lines.
  • If your propane system includes a vaporizer, make sure the equipment is accessible and that it is clear of snow.

For more information, click here for winter delivery tips.

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EXTREME WEATHER SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Before, during, or after severe weather, Superior can help you ensure the continued safe operation of your propane system.

Man wearing yellow boots standing in ankle-deep water.

Flood

The risk of flooding has become a common hazard for certain areas across Canada.
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Forest fire in coniferous forest with smoke filling the sky.

Fire

Make sure you know what to do to keep your propane equipment safe before and after a wildfire.
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Sprinkler watering the lawn

HEAT

Certain areas in Canada can experience extreme heat waves. Know what to do before, during, and after extreme heat.
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PROTECT YOUR PROPANE EQUIPMENT

Use this checklist to ensure propane safety in the event of a wildfire or flood.
Download Propane Safety Checklist

Propane Safety Matters

We value the lives, health and property of our customers, employees and communities. Our commitment is explained in our Health & Safety Policy and supported by a health and safety program focused on prevention and improving the safety culture. View our Propane Safety Frequently Asked Questions, or the safety sections below.
Propane Tank Safety and You
For your safety, please become familiar with the features on your propane tank or cylinder by watching this short video.
See Transcript

Superior Propane Safety FAQs
 

  • If I smell propane, what should I do?
    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:

    ✓ Get everyone out of the building.
    ✓ Extinguish all smoking materials and open flames.
    ✓ Do not touch electrical switches, light matches or create any other source of ignition, including using electrical switches, flashlights, phones or cell phones.
    ✓ Locate all propane equipment and turn off the propane supply. Here's how:

    Meter: Give the valve a quarter turn in either direction so that the lever is crosswise to the pipe.
    Tank or cylinder: Turn the hand wheel clockwise (to the right) as far as possible.
    Propane appliance: Close the shut-off valve.

    Call the fire department or dial 911 from a neighbour’s or use your cell phone once everyone, including you, has safely left the property.

    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. We 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 propane and carbon monoxide detectors. These are a cost effective way to enhance safety and ensure any escaped gases are detected. However, while detectors may provide an extra measure of warning, they should never be relied upon as a substitute for regular inspection and maintenance of propane appliances.
  • If propane is colourless and odourless, how do I tell if it’s in the air?
    To make it easier to detect a leak, propane has an odour additive (ethyl mercaptan), which smells like rotten eggs or boiling cabbage. Propane is heavier than air, so when checking for leaks, be aware that it gathers in low-lying areas.
  • Can I shut off my propane supply in an emergency?
    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.

    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.
    Tank or cylinder: Turn the hand wheel clockwise (to the right) as far as possible to make sure the valve is completely closed.
    Propane appliance: Close the shut-off valve.

    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.
  • Can I turn the meter on again?
    No. Please leave this to an expert. Once the propane is shut off, a qualified Superior Propane Service Representative will check out the appliances and venting and turn it back on for you.
  • Can I turn the tank or cylinder on again?
    No. Please do not turn the tank or cylinder back on. Leave it to our qualified Service Representatives to check out your propane system to ensure it’s safe.
  • What safety tips do I need to know if I’m served by a propane meter or tank?
    ✓ 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.
     
  • Do I ever need to repaint my tank?
    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.  Please contact Superior Propane prior to repainting your tank.
  • Is there anything I should do before doing major landscaping projects?
    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.
  • Is there anything I need to do in the wintertime to prepare for my delivery?
    Keep the path to your propane tank or cylinders clear of snow and ice to ensure Superior drivers can safely refill your equipment. Also:

    ✓ Ensure snow isn’t piled, plowed or blown on your tank or cylinders, gas lines, regulators or appliance vents.
    ✓ Use soft tools such as brooms or brushes to ensure no damage to the equipment and components.
    ✓ Visit our winter delivery tips page for more ways to prepare for your deliveries.

Propane Safety at Home

Woman removing corn and hotdogs from a propane barbeque and placing them on a plate.

Propane Barbecue Safety

A backyard barbecue is a quintessential Canadian experience. Before you get out there and grill up your favourite meals, keep your family and friends safe by following our Propane Barbeque Safety DOs and DON’Ts.
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Closeup of a man adjusting the top of a propane barbeque cylinder.

Propane Cylinder Safety

You may occasionally use small propane cylinders to operate barbecue grills and other outdoor appliances. If so, here are  helpful propane cylinder safety tips to ensure the safety of  your family and friends.
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Man adjusting the dial on a propane range in a kitchen.

Propane Appliance Safety

When you use your propane appliances the way they are intended and keep them maintained, everyone stays safe. Read these helpful tips.
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Propane Tank Inspection

In Ontario, Superior Propane’s 10 Year Inspection Program ensures total compliance of your propane equipment with Ontario regulatory requirements. Every 10 years, a licensed technician will inspect everything from your propane tank to your appliances.

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PROPANE SAFETY DATA SHEET

For your safety, know how to use, store, handle and transport propane.
Download Propane Safety Data Sheet

For technical specifications of butane, download the Butane Safety Data Sheet.