Propane is a safe, environmentally-friendly, and economical source of energy. Propane can be used thoughout your home to heat rooms and water, cook indoors and out, dry clothes and heat pools and spas. Like other household and industrial products, propane can be dangerous if handled incorrectly.
This propane safety information covers some basic practices to ensure your family’s safe enjoyment of propane equipment. Star Tex Propane has professionally trained employees you may call if you have questions about the safe handling and use of propane.
A GOOD PLAN IS TO HAVE A B/C RATED FIRE EXTINGUISHER READILY AVAILABLE. BE SURE IT IS CHARGED AND THAT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY KNOW HOW TO USE IT.
GENERAL PROPANE CHARACTERISTICS
Propane is transported and stored as a liquid.
Propane (sometimes called LPG or LP-gas) is a colorless and odorless gas.
Since propane is odorless, it is intentionally odorized so leaks can be detected. The odor is similar to rotten eggs. Call Star Tex Propane for a FREE “scratch-and-sniff” pamphlet that can help familiarize you, your family, and your co-workers with the smell of propane.
Propane vapors are heavier than air and may accumulate in low-lying areas such as basements and ditches or along floors.
Propane is flammable when mixed with air (oxygen) and can be ignited by many different sources.
THE DANGERS OF UNCAPPED LINES
Leaks that occur from open lines are extremely dangerous due to the potential for a large volume of gas to be released over a short period of time.
All lines not attached to appliances must be closed and terminated with threaded caps or plugs. If you have any questions, please call STAR TEX Propane.
The regulator is an important part of your propane system! It lowers the pressure in your tank to the correct pressure for your appliances. As per the National Safety Council codes, single stage regulators should be changed to dual-stage regulators. It is also recommended they be replaced every 15 years. Call Star Tex Propane for more information and talk to us about replacing your regulator if it falls within these guidelines. Keep regulators clear of debris, leaves and other matter so that they can operate properly.
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR SAFETY RELIEF VALVE POPS OFF
Propane expands when heated. That increases the pressure in the tank. Above a certain pressure, the relief valve opens to release a small amount of vapor. That release keeps the pressure from building up too much inside the the tank. Once excess pressure has been released, the relief valve closes automatically.
It’s important to keep your tank painted with a white, aluminum or other reflective color. A rusty, unpainted or dark-colored tank may cause pressure build-up resulting in a safety relief valve discharge.
Call STAR TEX Propane whenever your relief valve pops off, so we can determine the cause.