Propane Safety Information – System Safety & Hazard Prevention
August 26th, 2009
St. James, NC custom home builder Mark Johnson Custom Homes understands safety on the home and jobsite are of the utmost importance. That’s why previously we’ve shared propane safety information regarding what to do if you smell gas and prevention measures if odor loss can be a factor in your home, courtesy of the Propane Education & Research Council. But what about propane system safety and hazard prevention? Below are some helpful appliance maintenance tips.
- Leave it to the experts. Only a qualified service technician has the training to install, inspect, service, maintain, and repair your appliances. Have your appliances and propane system inspected just before the start of each heating season.
- Help your appliances “breathe.” Check the vents of your appliances to be sure that flue gases can flow easily to the outdoors; clear away any insect or bird nests or other debris. Also, clear the area around your appliances so plenty of air can reach the burner for proper combustion.
- Do not try to modify or repair valves, regulators, connectors, controls, or other appliance and cylinder/tank parts. Doing so created the risk of a gas leak that can result in property damage, serious injury, or death.
- Have older appliance connectors inspected. Certain older appliance connectors may crack or break, causing a gas leak. If you have an appliance that is more than 20 years old, have a qualified service technician inspect the connector. Do not do this yourself, as movement of the appliance might damage the connector and cause a leak.
- Flammable vapors are a safety hazard. The pilot light on your propane appliance can ignite vapors from gasoline, paint thinners, and other flammable liquids. Be sure to store and use flammable liquids outdoors or in an area of the building containing no propane appliances.
- Don’t risk it! If you cannot operate any part of your propane system, or if you think an appliance or other device is not working properly, call your propane retailer or a qualified service technician for assistance.
