9/1/12
Propane Industry Emphasizes Consumer Safety
Over the past several weeks, three fatal incidents have occurred in homes that utilize propane in
New England and New York State. Our sincerest sympathies go to the victims’ families that have
suffered due to these incidents. We are concerned about these recent incidents, and many propane
suppliers have increased outreach to consumers to emphasize the understanding and importance of
handling propane safely.
Propane is a very popular fuel used by more than 3 million homes across the Northeast for home
heating, cooking, water heating, clothes dryers, fireplaces, pool heaters, and backyard grilling. It is a
versatile and safe fuel when handled properly. However, it’s important to leave the technical work to
licensed propane service technicians.
Consumers should not attempt to service or repair any propane leaks, or otherwise service propane
equipment in their homes or vacation properties. This is a very serious matter as recent “do-ityourself” repairs may have resulted in an unnecessary loss of lives.
The propane industry is dedicated to the safety of consumers. We need your help to ensure the safe
and proper handling of propane so that it can serve its valuable role of enhancing lives and
increasing comfort and convenience.
Propane has a distinct “rotten egg” smell so that consumers can be made aware of leaking gas
before an incident occurs. If you smell gas, don’t take any chances – extinguish all smoking
materials and other open flames, leave the area immediately, shut off the propane tank serving the
home, and call both your propane supplier and 911 from a neighbor’s home or other building away
from the gas leak. Remain away from the building until help arrives. Propane is heavier than air and
can settle in low-lying areas.
We cannot emphasize enough that consumers should NEVER tamper with their propane tanks or
lines to the appliances in their home. Do not try to repair or modify valves, regulators, connectors,
controls, or other appliance and cylinder/tank parts. Propane cylinders incorporate special
components which keep them safe for use with grills and other propane appliances. An improperly
connected tank or appliance can cause a gas leak. Licensed propane service technicians have the
training to install, inspect, service, maintain, and repair your propane system and appliances.
The causes of these tragic incidents remain under investigation and are not yet fully known. But it is
critically important for all propane consumers to take this message to heart.
The propane industry has an entire website dedicated to safety, at www.propanesafety.com. If
consumers have any questions, we encourage them to visit this website or the Propane Gas
Association of New England website at www.pgane.org, or call their propane supplier directly.
Joseph U. Rose
President, Propane Gas Association of New England