Safety
Propane safety
Knowing how to recognize a potential leak is an important part of using it safely. Propane is stored as a liquid under pressure and turns into a gas as it leaves the tank. Because propane is naturally odorless, an odorant is added to help you recognize a leak. You may notice a smell similar to rotten eggs, a skunk's spray, or a dead animal.
If you smell gas
Leave first. Six steps, in this order
Leave the area now
Get everyone out of the building or area where you suspect gas is leaking. Leave first; do not stop to look for the leak.
No flames or sparks on the way out
As you leave, do not light anything or smoke, and do not touch light switches, appliances, thermostats, telephones or cell phones in the area. Flames or sparks can trigger an explosion or fire.
Shut off the gas, only if it is safe
If it is safe to do so and the smell is not coming from the tank itself, turn off the main gas supply valve on your propane tank by turning it to the right (clockwise). If you think the leak is at the tank, leave the valve alone and get away.
Report the leak from outside
From a safe distance away from the building, call 911, then call American River Gas at (530) 888-7438. After hours, our answering service reaches a member of our staff.
Do not go back in
Stay out of the building or area until American River Gas, an emergency responder or a qualified service technician says it is safe.
Never turn the gas back on yourself
Even if the smell is gone, do not turn the supply valve back on or relight pilots. A qualified technician must check the entire system for leaks first. Never test for a leak with a flame.
If you ever smell propane
If you ever smell propane, please take it seriously. Get everyone out of the building right away. Once you're safely outside and away from the area, call 911 and then contact American River Gas. Do not re-enter the building until emergency responders say it's safe.
Knowing what to look for and how to respond can make all the difference. If you have questions about propane safety, we're always happy to help!
What is propane?
At American River Gas, your safety is important to us! Understanding a few basics about propane can help you use it safely and confidently in your home.
Propane, also known as LP (liquefied petroleum) gas, is stored as a liquid under pressure. In most systems, it turns into a gas before leaving the tank to fuel your appliances.
Propane is flammable when mixed with air and can be ignited by many sources, so it's important to handle it with care and follow proper safety precautions.
Liquid propane is extremely cold and can cause serious freeze burns or frostbite if it comes into contact with your skin. Never touch or handle liquid propane directly.
If you have questions about propane safety or your system, we're always happy to help. We want you and your family to feel comfortable, confident, and safe using propane!
When a pressure test or leak check is required
Your safety and peace of mind are important to us! Pressure checks and leak tests help ensure your propane system is safe and that there are no leaks in the fuel lines supplying your appliances.
These tests are required in certain situations by safety codes and our insurance, helping us make sure your system is ready for safe, reliable service.
To complete all the necessary steps, our technician will need access to the inside of your home, including the areas where your propane appliances are located.
Thank you for helping us keep your propane system safe! We appreciate your cooperation and are always happy to answer any questions you may have.
- New system installation
- New customer set-up
- Interruptions from repair work, modifications, additions or a shut-off
- Out-of-gas situations
- A suspected leak
- Installation of new appliances
What a system check covers
- Inspection of the piping
- Inspection of the shut-off valve for each appliance (a shut-off valve is required within six feet of every gas appliance)
- Inspection of sediment traps (ranges, clothes dryers and decorative vented appliances, and outdoor grills, are not required to have them)
- Inspection and testing of regulators
- Inspection of the tank or cylinder
Red tags
Your safety is always our top priority! If our technician finds that your propane distribution system is unsafe or does not meet applicable safety codes, the system will be red-tagged and cannot be returned to service until the issue has been properly repaired or corrected.
We understand that being without propane can be inconvenient, and we're here to help you through the process. Any necessary repairs must be completed by a qualified technician, who can then verify that the system is safe and ready to be placed back into service.
Thank you for understanding that these precautions are in place to help protect you, your family, and your home. If you have questions about a red tag or the steps needed to restore service, please give us a call.
For safe, easy deliveries
Following these tips keeps deliveries and tank maintenance on schedule:
- Do not place objects on propane tanks.
- Keep animals away from tanks, and never tie pets to a tank.
- Keep driveways and paths clear of objects and snow.
- Trim trees and foliage so our technicians can safely maneuver the delivery truck.
- Keep dry grass, brush and firewood cleared away from the tank.
Carbon monoxide
Your family's safety and comfort mean so much to us! To help keep your home safe, make sure all fuel-burning appliances are properly installed, vented and regularly maintained.
We also recommend installing carbon monoxide (CO) alarms throughout your home and testing them regularly to ensure they're working properly. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas, so working alarms are an important part of protecting your household.
The standards we follow
The government regulates how propane is stored, distributed and tested. These are the main references behind the practices on this page:
- NFPA 58, Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code (opens in a new tab)
- Cal/OSHA Title 8, Article 5: LP-Gas Systems (opens in a new tab)
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910.110, Storage and handling of liquefied petroleum gases (opens in a new tab)
- Propane Education & Research Council: propane safety in your home (opens in a new tab)
- National Propane Gas Association (opens in a new tab)
- U.S. EPA: carbon monoxide and indoor air (opens in a new tab)
Questions
Straight answers
What does propane smell like?
An odorant called ethyl mercaptan is added so leaks can be detected. It smells like rotten eggs, a skunk's spray or a dead animal.
Can I turn the gas back on myself after a leak?
No. Even if you no longer smell propane, do not turn the supply valve back on until an American River Gas technician or emergency personnel has tested for escaped propane. Our technician checks for leaks and relights the pilots once the leak is fixed.
Why do I need a pressure check if I run out of gas?
Safety codes and our insurance require a pressure check and leak test after any interruption in service. When a system runs out, joints and valve seals can relax and leak; the test finds any leak before the system is relit.
More: Ran out of propane? Why a leak check is required · What an annual system inspection covers · Wildfire and your tank
Sources: Propane Education & Research Council: Safety guide for propane users (opens in a new tab) · NFPA 58, Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code (opens in a new tab) · Cal/OSHA Title 8, Article 5: LP-Gas Systems (opens in a new tab) · NFPA: carbon monoxide safety (opens in a new tab)
Newcastle yard · since 1966
Questions about propane?
Call the office and talk to a real person. Or leave your details and we call you back.
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM (closed noon-1:00 PM)
After hours, weekends and holidays, our answering service reaches a staff member.
