SAFETY FAQ's

What is a G.A.S. Check?

What do I need to know about Carbon Monoxide?

What do I need to know about my gas system?

How can I tell if I have a gas leak?

Why should I have an annual appliance inspection?

Why should I not run out of gas?

What is G.A.S. Check?

Gas Appliance System Check is a nationwide program being offered by our company. Its aim is to let you enjoy the convenience of propane with safety and peace of mind.

A G.A.S. Check service person makes a complete inspection of your propane system and appliances. It takes only 30-60 minutes and will assure you that all your appliances and your entire system are operating properly.

We will...

• Pressure test your entire system and check for leaks.
• Inspect the tank, piping, regulator, gauges, connectors, valves, vents, thermostats, pilots, burners, and appliance controls.
• Inform you of any equipment that may be worn or damaged and should be replaced.
• Recommend any improvements that will be of long-term benefit to your system.
• Advise you of the safe and efficient way of operating your propane system and leave instructional materials on handling emergencies.

Everyone knows that carbon monoxide (CO) from car exhaust can be deadly if not properly vented. But, people can also become sick and die from breathing carbon monoxide produced from common heating fuels, like propane. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas, making it difficult to be detected. CO may be formed when fuels are not completely burned. When inhaled, even in small quantities, CO is absorbed in the bloodstream and interferes with the blood's ability to transport oxygen. If your furnace or appliance isn't functioning properly, excessive amounts of CO may form. If an appliance isn't vented properly, CO can spill over into a living space. If you suspect you are breathing carbon monoxide, get fresh air immediately. Many conditions can lead to CO formation: plugged vents, rusted vent pipes, or a leaking or cracked heat exchanger on a furnace or space heater. Plugged fresh air vents can reduce the natural flow of fresh air and starve applicances of oxygen. Also, improper air adjustment, wrong orifice size or misalignment within burner system can also cause CO formation.

Propane is a safe, reliable fuel. However, it is flammable and can be dangerous if not handled properly. Propane is stored under pressure, and in the event your system develops a leak (caused by physical damage or deterioration), it can become dangerous. Although fire or explosions from gas leaks are rare, we want you to know of this possibility. Know your system's four basic parts: 1) The tank (or cylinder) is equipped with a main shutoff valve, which works the same way as a water faucet. This shutoff is located under the hood of the tank or on top of the cylinder. 2) One or more regulators, designed to reduce pressure between the container and your appliance. 3) Gas piping to carry the propane to your appliance(s). 4) Gas appliance(s). Know the location of the shutoff valve, become familiar with how to shut it off, and encourage other members of your family to do the same.

Because propane is an odorless gas, an unpleasant odorant similar to rotten eggs is added so you can easily detect a propane leak. Another way to detect a leak is with an electronic gas alarm. When an alarm detects a leak, it sounds a warning for the presence of unburned propane. Because people have different thresholds of smell, one cannot always detect the odor. The additive in the propane can fade and weaken, making it difficult for even someone with a normal sense of smell to detect. If you do smell propane or an alarm sounds, don't assume the odor of gas is just a sign your tank is low. Take the following precautions if you smell gas:

• Extinguish all smoking materials and any flame or source of ignition.
• Get everyone outside, away from the building. Don't re-enter.
• Shut off the gas supply at the tank and check the percentage of gas.
• Don't turn on light switches, appliances or thermostats, or use any telephone. A spark from one of these could ignite the gas.
• Don't light or re-light any appliance. Leave this to trained professionals.

A yearly, routine inspection of appliances should include looking for unsafe or potentially hazardous situations. The following examples warrant an inspection of your appliances:

• Substandard venting systems on appliances requiring vents
• Accumulation of soot around interior or exterior appliance components
• Leakage of water around or through water heater valves, fittings, or jackets
• Missing or damaged control components, such as dials, knobs, screws, etc. or controls that have been under water (due to flooding)
• Unstable appliance bases or platforms
• Problems in gas lines connectors such as kinks, corrosion or deterioration

Propane is a very safe and efficient fuel. However, for safety reasons you NEVER want to run out of gas! "Will Call" customers need to know when their tanks are getting low to avoid certain risks and inconveniences. It's a good idea to call us when your gauge reads between 20 and 30 percent. If you are on "Automatic Delivery" and have added a gas appliance or increased your usage we would appreciate a call. This will help us better determine your needs and track the accuracy of our delivery forecasting system. Please give us a call if you need help reading your gauge, if you have any questions, or if you would like to be on our Automatic Delivery program!