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propane safety & reliability

Introduction To Propane
What Is Propane?
How Does Propane Get To Your House?
What Is Flammable Vapor Ignition?
What Should I Do If I Smell Gas?
How To Recognize The Smell Of Propane
What Is Odor Fade?
Facts About Propane Gas Detectors
Facts About Carbon Monoxide (CO)
What Happens If I Run Out Of Gas?
What Should I Do If My Pilot Light Goes Out?
How Can I Maintain My Appliances?
How Often Should I Inspect My Appliances?
How Can I Keep My Home Safe When I Am Away For An Extended Period?
What Should I Do If I Have A Problem With My Propane Appliances Or Equipment?
Storm Saftey Tips
Tips For Safe Grilling



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Introduction to Propane

Propane is a very safe fuel. But as with any energy source, there are steps you should take to further ensure your safety:

  • If you detect a gas leak, immediately evacuate everyone from the house and call Guttman Oil Company at 614 890 6221 or 1 800 264 1907 or the fire department from a neighbor's telephone.
  • Learn what propane smells like. Propane retailers have scratch-and-sniff pamphlets to help family recognize its distinctive odor.
  • Know where gas lines are located, so you won't damage them when digging or working in yard.
  • Change or clean furnace filters regularly as recommended by the manufacturer.
  • Don't store cleaning fluids, oil-soaked rags, gasoline, or other flammable liquids near a gas-appliance where vapors could be ignited by the pilot light.

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What Is Propane?

Propane (also called LPG-liquefied petroleum gas-or LP gas) is a widely used fuel. It is transported and stored as a very cold liquid, and can cause a "freeze burn" or frostbite if it contacts the skin. The liquid propane is turned into a gas inside a tank or cylinder. In its natural form, propane is colorless and odorless. To make propane easier to detect in the event of a leak or spill, manufacturers deliberately add a chemical compound to give it a distinctive smell. Propane is flammable when mixed with air (oxygen) and can be ignited by many sources, including open flames, smoking materials, electrical sparks, and static electricity. Propane vapors are heavier than air. For this reason, they may accumulate in low-lying areas such as basements, crawl spaces, and ditches, or along floors. However, air currents can sometime s carry propane vapors elsewhere within a building.

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How Does Propane Get To Your House?

It is important to become familiar with the parts of your propane system so that you can take quick and appropriate action in case of a leak or other emergency.

Propane is delivered to your home as a very cold liquid and is pumped into a specially designated storage tank. The liquid changes to gas before it leaves the tank. Propane tanks are typically painted white or silver to reflect heat and prevent the pressure inside the tank from getting too high.

If you have an underground tank, only the cover will be visible above ground.

The cover on top of the tank protects several components from weather and physical damage, including:

  • The tank shut-off valve, which you can close to stop the flow of propane to your home in case of a leak or other emergency.
  • The regulator, which controls the pressure of the propane gas coming out of the tank.
  • The safety relief valve, which will pop open automatically if the pressure inside the tank gets too high.
  • The valve will close again when the pressure returns to normal.
  • The tank gauge, which shows the percentage of propane in the tank.
  • Propane flows from your tank to your home though pipes, most of which run underground.

You may also have a secondary pressure regulator on an outside wall of your home to further adjust gas pressure.

A shut-off valve in each pipe can be closed to stop gas flow to an individual appliance.

An appliance connector is the final segment in the gas piping system. This specially designed flexible tube-typically 2 or 3 feet long carries gas from a pipe to the back of an appliance.

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What Is Flammable Vapor Ignition?

FLAMMABLE VAPORS ARE A SERIOUS SAFTEY HAZARD!

  • Store flammable liquids in well-sealed containers outside.
  • Do not use gasoline, cleaning fluids, oil-soaked rags, or other flammable liquids inside a building where propane appliances are located.

PROPANE VAPORS CAN BE DANGEROUS. Propane vapor is also combustible and can ignite explosively. Keep propane storage containers closed. Never store propane cylinders in an enclosed area, or near a heat or ignition source.

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What Should I Do If I Smell Gas?

  1. NO FLAMES OR SPARKS! Immediately put out all smoking materials and other open flames. Do not operate lights, appliances, telephones, or cell phones. Flames or sparks from these sources can trigger an explosion or a fire.
  2. LEAVE THE AREA IMMEDIATELY! Get everyone out of the building or area where you suspect gas is leaking.
  3. SHUT OFF THE GAS. Turn off the main gas supply valve on you propane tank if it is safe to do so. To close the valve, turn it to the right (clockwise).
  4. REPORT THE LEAK. From a neighbor's home or other nearby building away from the gas leak, call Guttman Oil Company at 614-890-6406 or 1 800-264-1907. If you can't reach Guttman Oil, call 911 or your local fire department.
  5. DO NOT RETURN TO THE BUILDING OR AREA until your propane retailer determines that it is safe to do so.
  6. GET YOUR SYSTEM CHECKED. Before you attempt to use any of your propane appliances, a qualified service technician must check your entire system to ensure that it is leak-free.

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How To Recognize The Smell Of Propane

Propane has a strong, unpleasant smell like rotten eggs, a skunk's spray, or a dead animal. Propane manufacturers add the smell deliberately to help alert customers to propane leaks, which can create a safety hazard.

TAKE THE SNIFF TEST. Teach everyone in your home or building what propane smells like.

CAN YOU SMELL IT? It may be hard for some people to smell propane for the following reasons:

  1. They have a cold, allergies, sinus congestion, or another medical condition.
  2. Their sense of smell is reduced due to use of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs.
  3. Tobacco smoke, cooking odors, and other strong odors can mask the smell of propane.
  4. As people age, their sense of smell can become less sensitive.
  5. If the smell of propane is present in the air over a period of time, “odor fatigue” can occur. The nose "gets tired," and a person no longer smells the propane odor.
  6. The propane smell may not be strong enough to wake up someone who is sleeping.
  7. The propane smell may be in a location (basement or attic) where it is not detected by people in other areas of the building.
  8. A phenomenon called "odor fade" can occur-an unintended reduction in the concentration of the odor of propane.

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What Is Odor Fade?

Odor fade is an unintended reduction in the concentration of the odor of propane, making it more difficult to smell. Although rare, several situations can cause odor fade:

  • Air, water, or rust in a propane tank or cylinder can reduce propane odor concentration.
  • If the propane is leaking underground, its passage through soil may reduce the smell of propane.
  • The propane odor may stick to the inside surfaces of gas piping and distribution systems and possibly other materials.

Since there is a possibility of odor fade or problems with your sense of smell, you should respond immediately to even a faint odor of gas.

IF YOU ARE CONCERNED that you or others in your home may have difficulty smelling propane, consider buying one or more propane gas detectors.

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Facts About Propane Gas Detectors

CONSIDER INSTALLING GAS DETECTORS

  • Propane gas detectors are designed to sound an alarm if they sense the presence of propane. Their operation does not depend on the concentration of odorant in the air, just the propane concentration at the detector.
  • We recommend that you consider installing one or more propane gas detectors. This is important if you or others in you home have difficulty smelling propane, or if appliances are in little-used areas in your home where the smell of propane might not be detected. Detectors can provide an additional measure of security.

DETECTOR QUALITY IS IMPORTANT. Be sure the units you buy are listed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL). To be sure propane gas detectors operate properly, install and maintain them as the manufacturer recommends.

TRUST YOUR NOSE. Never ignore the smell of propane, even if no detector is sounding an alarm to signal the presence of propane. However, if a detector is sounding an alarm, treat is as an emergency and act immediately, even if you do not smell the gas.

CHECK YOUR PROPANE SYSTEM. Even if you install gas detectors, have a qualified service technician inspect your propane system and propane appliances periodically.

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Facts About Carbon Monoxide (CO)

WHAT IS CARBON MONOXIDE? Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, and toxic gas. Smoking a cigarette; idling a gasoline engine; and burning fuel oil, wood, kerosene, natural gas, and propane all produce CO. High levels of CO can be produced when fuels are burned incompletely.

WHERE DO HIGH LEVELS OF CO COME FROM? High levels of CO can be generated by appliances that are defective or improperly installed or maintained. CO can also enter a home if an appliance venting system or chimney becomes blocked (for example, by a bird's nest).

CO CAN BE DEADLY! High levels of CO can make you dizzy, give you headaches, or cause flu-like symptoms (see the list below). In extreme cases, high levels of or extended exposure to CO can result in brain damage or death. Young children; the elderly; people with heart disease; and those under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication are particularly susceptible to CO poisoning.

Symptoms of CO poisoning include:

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Nausea
  • Fatigue

CO DETECTORS CAN IMPROVE SAFTEY. CO detectors are designed to sound an alarm when they sense excessive levels of CO in the air. We recommend that you consider installing a CO detector listed by UL on each level of your home. Be sure to follow the manufacturers instructions regarding installation, location and maintenance. These devices can provide an extra measure of safety.

IF YOU SUSPECT CO IS PRESENT, ACT IMMEDIATELY!

  1. If you or a family member shows physical symptoms of CO poisoning, get everyone out of the building and call 911 or your local fire department.
  2. If it is safe to do so, open windows to allow entry of fresh air, and turn off any appliances you suspect may be releasing the CO.
  3. If no one has physical symptoms of CO poisoning, but you suspect that CO is present, contact a qualified service technician to check CO levels and your propane equipment.

TO HELP REDUCE THE RISK OF CO POISONING:

  • Have a qualified service technician check your propane appliances and venting systems annually, preferably before the heating season begins.
  • Install UL-listed CO detectors on every level of your home.
  • Never use a gas oven or range-top burners to provide space heating.
  • Never use a barbecue grill (propane or charcoal) indoors for cooking or heating.
  • Regularly check your appliance exhaust vents for blockage.

SIGNS OF IMPROPER APPLIANCE OPERATION THAT CAN GENERATE HIGH CO LEVELS:

  • Sooting, especially on appliances and vents
  • Unfamiliar or burning odor
  • Increase moisture inside of windows

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What Happens If I Run Out Of Gas?

DON'T RUN OUT OF GAS. Serious safety hazards, including fire or explosion, can result.

  • If an appliance valve or a gas line is left open when the propane supply runs out, a leak could occur when the system is recharged with propane.
  • Air and moisture could get into an empty or depleted storage tank, which can cause rust build-up inside the tank. Rust can decrease the concentration of the odor of propane, making it harder to smell.
  • If your propane tank runs out of gas, any pilot lights on your appliances will go out. This can be extremely dangerous if not handled properly.
  • A LEAK CHECK IS REQUIRED. In many states, a propane retailer or a qualified service Technician must perform a leak check of your propane system before turning on the gas.
  • SET UP REGULAR DELIVERY. Establish a regular delivery schedule with Guttman Oil Company. Also, periodically check the fuel gauge on your propane tank. If the fuel level drops below 20%, then give Guttman Oil a call.

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What Should I Do If My Pilot Light Goes Out?

IT IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED THAT A QUALIFIED SERVICE TECHNICIAN LIGHT ANY PILOT LIGHT THAT HAS GONE OUT.

WHAT IS A PILOT LIGHT? Many propane appliances may have a pilot light-a small, constantly burning flame inside the appliance. (Appliances without a pilot light often have electronic ignition instead.) If your appliance has a pilot light, it is an important safety feature. The pilot light ignites the main burner when needed.

WHEN A PILOT LIGHT GOES OUT. A pilot light that repeatedly goes out-or is very difficult to light-may be signaling that there is a problem with the appliance or with your propane system. If this occurs, do not try to fix the problem yourself. Contact a qualified service technician to evaluate the appliance. Accidents and serious injuries can occur when customers attempt to fix a pilot light problem on their own.

IF YOU LIGHT A PILOT LIGHT YOURSELF, you are taking the risk of STARTING A FIRE OR AN EXPLOSION. Many serious injuries occur when people attempt to light pilot lights. Proceed with great caution and follow these rules:

Carefully follow all of the manufacturer's instructions and warnings concerning the appliance.

If the appliance is in a basement or closed room, thoroughly ventilate the area before lighting the pilot.

  • DO NOT smoke or have any source of ignition (such as flames or spark-producing materials) in the area before lighting the pilot.
  • Be especially alert for the smell of propane. Sniff at floor level before lighting a pilot.
  • IF YOU SMELL GAS, DO NOT LIGHT THE PILOT LIGHT.
  • DO NOT allow any extra or unnecessary people (especially children) to remain in the room or building where you are lighting a pilot.
  • DO NOT try to light pilot lights in any area where other odors may make it difficult for you to detect the smell of a propane leak.
  • DO NOT light the pilot light if a musty or damp smell persists. These conditions can mask the smell of propane.
  • DO NOT apply force or use tools on the pilot light or its control. This could cause damage that leads to gas leakage. Use only your hands to operate knobs, switches, or buttons.
  • DO NOT attempt to let air out of gas lines by opening a valve or fitting inside a building or enclosed space. You may release gas and not be able to smell it.
  • DO NOT apply oil to a sticky knob or button on a gas control valve. Oil can cause the control valve mechanism to stick and malfunction.

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How Can I Maintain My Appliances?

  • MAINTENANCE IS IMPORTANT. All appliances using propane must be properly maintained in order to operate safely, properly, and efficiently.
  • LEAVE IT TO THE EXPERTS. Only a qualified service technician has the proper training to install, service, maintain, and repair your appliances.
  • ANNUAL INSPECTION IS IMPORTANT. Contact a qualified service technician to perform an appliance inspection.
  • BE SURE YOUR APPLIANCES CAN "BREATHE" PROPERLY. Regularly check the vents of your appliances to be sure that flue gases can flow easily to the outdoors. Insects, birds, and small animals sometimes build nests in vent pipes. Other obstructions such as snow or ice may also occur. If you see evidence of this, call a qualified service technician. Also, clear the area around your appliance to be sure plenty of air can reach the burner for proper combustion.
  • NEVER store combustible materials near appliances.
  • WATCH FOR YELLOW FLAMES OR SOOT BUILD-UP. When appliances are operating properly, propane burns with a blue flame. If you see yellow flames, or notice significant amounts of soot on any equipment, the gas may not be burning completely. This can create carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless, and poisonous gas. Contact a qualified service technician if any of the above conditions occur.

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How Often Should I Inspect My Appliances?

Routinely, and at least annually, call a service technician to examine your gas appliance(s) for any conditions that may render the appliance(s) inefficient or unsafe for use. All appliances should be regularly inspected and maintained to eliminate possible hazards from short circuits and other malfunctions that could create hazards. A routine inspection should consist of (but not be limited to) detecting any unsafe or potentially hazardous situations, such as the following:

  1. Substandard and/or lack of venting systems on appliances for which they are required.
  2. Sootiness and/or the accumulation of soot around interior and exterior appliance components such as pilot lights, appliance burners, range tops, and oven components.
  3. Water leakage or through water heater valves, fittings or jackets. CAUTION: This should alert you to the fact that the water heating device has some internal damage.
  4. Missing or damaged control components such as dials, knobs, screws, etc.
  5. Controls that have been tampered with as evidenced by altered design function, missing or substituted components, etc.
  6. Controls that have been under water or subjected to flooding. Such controls may not function properly and must be replaced.
  7. Unstable appliance bases and/or platforms. Warped, rotting or substandard bases and/or platforms may collapse creating a potentially hazardous condition.
  8. Problems in gas line connectors such as kinks, corrosion, deterioration, etc. Any abnormality should be immediately reported to your propane supplier since failure to correct these problems could create a hazardous situation.
  9. Unsatisfactory operation of gas valves and safety controls. A word about vented appliances: Some appliances are required to have vents in order to exhaust harmful combustion gases outside. Poisonous carbon monoxide can be produced from improperly installed or operating appliances. Frequent headaches and nausea may be indicators that this colorless, odorless gas is causing carbon monoxide poisoning. To minimize the chance of this happening, follow these practices:
    1. Vented appliances must be installed by a qualified appliance installer.
    2. Do not operate vented appliances until they have been vented properly.
    3. After appliance installation and before each heating season, the vents and flues should be checked for blockages and corrosion, either by a qualified installer or a qualified service technician.

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How Can I Keep My Home Safe When I Am Away For An Extended Period?

KEEP YOUR HOME SAFE WHEN YOU'RE AWAY. If you're leaving your home for an extended period, consider closing all propane supply valves. This includes the main gas supply valve on the propane tank as well as gas supply valves located near individual appliances.

WHEN YOU RETURN to your home after an extended absence, contact your propane retailer or a qualified service technician to conduct a leak check before the propane is turned on and to re-light the pilot lights.

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What Should I Do If I Have A Problem With My Propane Appliances Or Equipment?

  • DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES try to modify or repair valves, regulators, connectors, controls, or other appliance and cylinder/tank parts. Doing so creates the risk of a gas leak.
  • CALL AN EXPERT. If you are unable to operate any part of your propane system, of if you think an appliance or other device is not operating properly, call your propane retailer or a qualified service technician. They can inspect, adjust, repair, or replace any part of your propane system.
  • YOUR PROPANE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED FOR SAFTEY. Propane cylinders, tanks, and appliances incorporate special components (such as valves, connectors, controls, burners, and pilot lights) to keep them safe for use. Damaging these components can cause gas leaks.

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Storm Saftey Tips

WEATHER-RELATED EMERGENCIES PROTECT YOUR PROPANE SYSTEM IF THE WEATHER TURNS BAD. Before, during, or after severe weather, you may need to take specific action to ensure the continued safe operation of your propane system.

WATER CAN DAMAGE YOUR PROPANE SYSTEM. If flooding is predicted for your area, turn off the gas valve at the cylinder or tank BEFORE the water rises. Do not turn the gas back on until the gas system and all appliances have been checked by a qualified service technician. AFTER A FLOOD, contact a qualified service technician to check your propane system and appliances. A qualified service technician will likely have to do some or all of the following:

  • Replace the regulator and/or pressure relief valves if there are signs of water, dirt, debris, or corrosion.
  • Replace the automatic controls and appliance regulators on any gas appliances that have been under water.
  • Inspect and (if necessary) replace manual shut-off valves in gas piping, and perform tank testing of the system.
  • Clean appliance main and pilot burners and replace pilot orifices.

CLEAR THE SNOW. You should clear heavy snow and ice from regulators, regulator vents, piping, tubing, and valves. Failure to do so can cause damage that could result in a gas leak. Appliance vents, chimneys, and flues also must be kept clear of snow and ice so appliances can vent properly. This is especially critical on the roofs of mobile homes. Clear snow carefully. Use a broom rather than a shovel to avoid damaging any components. Also, clear the walkway and tank area so that propane-company personnel have ready access to your tank.

WHAT IF SOMETHING DOESN’T LOOK RIGHT AFTER A STORM? If your tank has shifted position; gas lines aren’t bent, broken, or damaged; or you see something else unusual about your system or appliance, turn off the main gas supply valve on your propane tank, if it is safe to do so. Then contact your propane retailer or a qualified service technician.

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Tips For Safe Grilling

Temperatures are on the rise and grilling in America is hotter than ever. Four out of five U.S. families now own a grill, and most barbecue at least once a week during the summer.

Based on consumer demand, propane is still the number one choice for grills. Propane grills are equipped with convenient on/off switches, providing for instant heat, greater temperature control, and quicker cool-down times. And with no burning embers, propane grills don't throw sparks or require a messy clean-up.

But before the barbecue begins, the Propane Education & Research Council offers the following grilling and food safety tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

SAFE GRILLING TIPS

CORRECT GRILL USE

  • When lighting a grill, keep the top open.
  • Before connecting the cylinder to a propane gas grill burner for the first time, use a leak-detection solution (a 50/50 mixture of water and liquid soap) to check connections for tightness.
  • Do not use matches or lighters to check for leaks.
  • Do not allow children to tamper with the cylinder or grill.
  • Do not smoke while handling a propane cylinder.
  • When a grill is not in use, cover disconnected hose-end fittings with plastic bags or protective caps to keep clean.
  • Always follow grill manufacturers instructions and keep written materials accessible.
  • Never pour an accelerant such as lighter fluid or gasoline on the grill.
  • When finished grilling, turn off the burner controls and close the cylinder valve.

PROPER CYLINDER HANDLING

  • When the cylinder is refilled, have the supplier check for dents, damage, rust or leaks.
  • After filling or exchanging, take the cylinder home immediately. Keep the vehicle ventilated and the cylinder valve closed and capped.
  • Always use or store cylinders outdoors in an upright (vertical) position.
  • Do not use, store, or transport cylinders near high temperatures (this includes storing spare cylinders near the grill).

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