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LP Safety 02/20/04 8:08:23 AM
PROPANE Safety Bulletin
Do You and Your Family Know What Propane Smells Like? In order to aid in the detection of an unintended, unanticipated and/or uncontrolled release of propane, an ordorant, typically ethyl Mercaptan, is added to propane. As a propane user, you should be aware of the following:
- No odorant is effective 100% of the time
- Cold, allergies, smoking, alcohol, or age can affect the ability to smell any odor
- Strong competing odors may mask the odor of escaping gas
- Continued exposure to odorized gas can cause an individual to "get used" to the odor and fail to detect its continuing presence. The strength of the odor is not a reliable indicator of the amount of gas present.
- Propane is heavier than air. Therefore, floor level leaks of propane may not be detected at nose level. If a leak is suspected, an effort should be make to smell the propane at floor level.
Educational safety pamphlets are sent out to our patrons yearly with a scratch-n-sniff portion so that you and your family know how to properly identify the odor of LP-Gas. These are also available from your local West Central FS Propane Specialist for review.
IF YOU SUSPECT A GAS LEAK,
you should turn off the gas immediately, evacuate the area, and call your LP serviceman/supplier.
- Turn off gas supply at tank.
- Do not turn light switches on or off.
- Do not use the telephone.
- Open all windows and doors.
- Stay out of building until serviceman arrives.
MANDATORY PROPANE CYLINDER REQUIREMENTS
If you have a gas grill tank……….you need to read this!!
Effective April 1, 2002, the NFPA will require that Propane Gas Cylinders in the 4 – 40 pound capacity range (ie: BBQ gas grill tanks, camping tanks, etc.) SHALL BE EQUIPPED with an OPD (Overfilling Prevention Device). Effective April 1, 2002 West Central FS will not fill a cylinder unless it is equipped with an OPD.
How can you tell if your cylinder has an OPD? There are at least two ways to identify OPD equipped cylinders. New cylinder wrappers and/or warning labels will include this information. Second, most cylinders with OPD’s have special “triangular” handwheels and some will have the letters OPD stamped on the valve handles or on the valve bodies. Your propane refiller can identify the type of valve on your cylinder if you are unsure.
At West Central FS, you may purchase new tanks from us that meet the new regulations. Stop by a location near you. |
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