Residential Safety: Our Top Priority

Written on: July 11, 2022

Propane safety tips and standards

At Lakes Gas, safety is our top priority – full stop. Our customers, employees, and the community at large deserve our very best, and that’s why we will always take the time to do safety training, inspections, and of course, answer all of your safety questions.

Propane is extremely safe and has an excellent safety track record in the Upper Midwest. On the rare occasion that something does go wrong with propane, it’s almost always because proper safety measures were not prioritized. At Lakes Gas, it’s the opposite – there’s nothing more important to us than your safety.

Our propane safety commitments

Safety guidelines for propane are clear and easy to follow, but we’re always here for you if there’s ever a question. To help you become familiar with our safety recommendations and best practices, we are committed to providing:

• Thorough safety inspections: We provide you with a Gas System Safety Inspection (GSSI) at the time we initially set your tank. Your GSSI will take one to two hours. It includes a visual inspection of all your propane appliances, as well as a leak test and pressure test on your entire system.
• Safe operating demonstrations: Your technician will demonstrate how the valves and gauges on your tank work to ensure safe, efficient propane system operation.
• Clear safety instructions in case of emergency: Our experts will also provide safety information, including teaching you about the odor of propane and letting you know what actions to take in the event of a system leak or malfunction.

What to do if you smell propane?

Even with on-time inspections and ongoing maintenance, issues or concerns can occasionally arise. Below are a few helpful tips to ensure that you are always playing it safe when it comes to your home.

In its natural state, propane is odorless. But, propane manufacturers add a rotten-egg odorant so it’s easy to detect. If you smell propane, it’s important that you follow these five steps immediately:

• Exit the home or building immediately and make sure anyone inside leaves as well.
• Extinguish any open flames, cigarettes, or other possible sources of ignition.
• If you can safely do so, turn off the gas shutoff valve on your tank or cylinder.
• NEVER touch any electric switches or other devices like phones or thermostats while you are in the area.
• AFTER you are safely out of harm’s way, call us, or local first responders, ASAP from a neighbor’s phone, or your mobile cell.
• The smell might dissipate but do not return to try turn the safety valve back on until a technician or first responder gives the go-ahead.

Service interruption tips

Sometimes propane safety issues are not related to odor, but instead, reveal themselves when there is a service interruption.

• If service is interrupted in your home: Close your tank’s service valve and turn off the valves on your appliances. One of our expert technicians will need to complete a code-required leak test and start up all of your propane appliances.
• If you have propane in a second home: Be sure to install a low-temperature warning device and have a trusted point-person check on your property while it is unattended. Be sure to provide Lakes Gas with emergency contact numbers to check on your property, if necessary.

Other important reminders

Other safety steps you can take to protect yourself and your family include:

• Maintain a working carbon monoxide detector in your home;
• Never bring portable propane appliances or cylinders indoors;
• Only allow certified experts to work on your gas line or install propane appliances;
• Never allow your propane tank to run completely empty. You can avoid this by setting up automatic fuel delivery.

Lakes Gas experts are safety-trained and certified

When you become a customer at Lakes Gas, you’ll enjoy service – and safety – that’s unmatched in the region. Our staff is certified by the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA), in cooperation with the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), which provides educational videos regarding safe handling of propane appliances for cooking, home heating and more.

Do you have more questions about propane safety? Contact us today and someone from our dependable team will be happy to help!