Safety Information

We at Haskins Gas Service want to make sure our customers know how safe of a fuel propane can be when used properly. It’s also important to us to make sure we are doing everything we can to educate homeowners about the use and storage of propane, so you enjoy all of the fuel’s benefits while keeping your home and family safe.

Important Safety Information about Propane

We’ve answered some of the most common and most important safety-related questions we receive about propane heating below.

What does propane smell like?

Propane smells like rotten eggs, skunk spray, or dead animal. Some people may have difficulty smelling it due to age, medical conditions, medications, alcohol, tobacco, or drugs. Please be aware that propane can lose its odor on rare occasions; this can happen due to the passage of leaking propane through soil, or the occurrence of air, water, or rust in a propane tank/cylinder.

What should I do if I smell gas in my home?

• Put out all smoking materials and any other open flames. Do not operate lights, appliances, telephones, or cell phones, as flames or sparks can trigger an explosion or fire.
• Evacuate the area that you suspect the gas is leaking from immediately.
• Turn off the main supply valve on the propane tank (clockwise).
• Call Haskins Gas Service immediately from the nearest home, or call 911 if we cannot be reached immediately.
• Do not return to the building until a qualified technician says it’s safe to do so.
• Ask a trained Haskins Gas Service staff member to check your propane system to ensure it is leak-free.

Are there detectors for propane gas, similar to carbon monoxide detectors?

Yes, there are. Propane gas detectors provide an extra measure of security, which is important in the event of odorless propane. Buy only units listed by Underwriters Laboratories® (UL), and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding installation and maintenance. Never ignore the smell of propane, even if your detector doesn’t sound.

Can I repair my own propane gas heating equipment?

Only qualified service technicians have the training to install, inspect, service, maintain, and repair propane appliances. Have them inspected before the beginning of the heating season. Do not attempt to modify or repair valves, regulators, connectors, controls, or other appliance/cylinder/tank parts. This increases the risk of a gas leak, resulting in property damage, injury, or death.

What should I do if I run out of gas?

Running out of gas can cause serious safety hazards, including fire or explosion! If an appliance valve or gas line is left open, a leak could occur when the system is recharged with propane. If your propane storage tank runs out of gas, any pilot lights on your appliances will go out. This can be extremely dangerous. To avoid this hazard, make sure your propane tank always has fuel in it; this can be achieved easily with our automatic propane fuel delivery option.