Propane Safety

Your safety is our first priority. Propane is a safe, reliable fuel. Like many other fuels, however, it is flammable. That means it can be dangerous if not handled properly. Remember, in order to protect yourself, your family, and others, you must be aware of (and respect) the normal, everyday hazards around you. Propane is no exception.

You should contact Wells Propane Company when you:

Smell propane
Suspect you have a leak in your system
Need a propane appliance connected or disconnected
Move, or if there will be a change in tenant status
Purchase a new or replace an existing propane appliance
Have plans for an outdoor project that requires digging
Experience a life change such as a new baby or a child moving away

How Do You Tell if There Is a Leak?

By smell.
A disagreeable odor is added to the propane so that you will be able to detect the smell easily in case a leak develops or an unlit burner is left turned on.

By electronic gas alarm.
If used, the gas alarm supplements a person’s ability to detect a gas leak and sounds a warning when it detects the presence of unburned propane.

You should be aware that some persons have different thresholds of smell and cannot detect the odor of propane as readily as others. Also, sometimes people with a normal sense of smell temporarily lose their ability to detect odors because of illness, use of tobacco, alcohol or drugs. Also, cooking odors, tobacco smoke and aerosol and odor removing sprays can cover up other odors. In certain instances, the odorant in the propane may diminish or weaken, making it difficult for a person with a normal sense of smell to detect a gas leak. Propane Vapor is heavier than air. Leaking propane may tend to settle near the floor while dissipating into the air.

If You Smell Gas or the Alarm Sounds

Never assume that the odor of gas is a sign that your tank is running low. If you smell gas in the house or if the gas alarm signals the presence of gas, IMMEDIATELY follow these suggestions:

DO…

Extinguish all smoking materials and any other open flames or sources of ignition.
Get everyone outside and away from the building.
Shut off the gas supply at the tank.
Call your propane supplier from a neighbor’s phone. If you cannot reach your propane supplier, call the fire department.
Stay outside and leave the gas off until the leak has been found and fixed.

DO NOT…

Turn light switches, appliances or thermostats on or off, and do not use the telephone. A spark from one of these could ignite the gas.
Light or try to re-light any appliances. Leave this job to your propane supplier.
Re-enter the building, until the problem has been corrected.

If you have concerns about propane safety, please contact us and let us help.