Propane is a safe, clean, and versatile fuel that can be used for a heat source and appliances in your daily life in addition to other things. People often have questions about the safety of propane usage. We’re here to answer some common propane safety questions.
Common Propane Safety Questions
How do I know if I have a propane leak?
Propane has an odor added so you can detect leaks. You and each member of your family must know the smell of propane. Ask your serviceman to demonstrate its odor. If anyone in your household cannot smell propane or if you smell a leak, call us immediately. Propane is heavier than air and will collect at floor level. Carefully smell at floor level and in low spots to check for propane.
Will my propane tank explode?
A perfect answer to this question can be found on propane.com. “Action movie special effects might leave your customer with the impression that a propane tank can explode just from an impact like a falling tree branch or being hit by a vehicle. But the truth is that propane tanks are very robustly constructed, made of heavy steel, designed to withstand collisions of all kinds, and meet all federal safety standards. Causing a propane tank to explode would be extremely difficult under any circumstances. If an action star needs to cause an explosion in real life, they’d be better off trying something else.”
What happens if I let my tank run out of propane?
If you run out of propane, call us immediately. We will need to know why your tank ran out of propane and that the system is safe before it is put back into operation. If the tank went empty because our scheduled delivery system failed, we will do delivery and perform the safety check and furnace/appliance relights without a service charge. If the tank went empty due to reasons not related to our delivery system, there may be service charges for the delivery, and safety check/relight process.
The amount of propane in my tank fluctuates. Is something wrong?
This is often noticed during cold weather months because propane volume is directly related to its temperature. Volume rises as the temperature increases and volume falls as temperature decreases. Learn more about the details behind propane volume fluctuation here.
Check out this propane safety page for more information and tips to understand propane usage. Still have propane safety questions? We’re here for you!
Contact Rahn’s Oil & Propane
