Propane Safety
Propane has an outstanding safety record, and a few simple habits keep it that way. Here is how to protect your home and the people in it, especially if you ever smell gas.
Propane safety comes down to good equipment, trained hands, and knowing what to do in the rare moment something goes wrong. Strong regulations and industry standards give propane an outstanding safety record, and Williams Energy keeps your side of that equation simple. It is part of how we look after every propane customer on the South Shore.
Smell gas? Leave the area first. Then call 911 and Williams Energy at (781) 843-0415 from a safe distance.
If You Smell Gas, Act Right Away
Follow these steps the moment you notice the smell of gas, in your home or anywhere near gas equipment. They protect lives and property, so do not skip any of them.
- Put out any sources of ignition, like candles or cigarettes.
- Get out of the house, or the area where you smell gas, right away.
- Do not use any light switches, thermostats, telephones, or appliances on your way out.
- Close the gas shutoff valve on the propane tank or cylinder, if you can reach it safely.
- Call 911 and Williams Energy once you are far enough from the area where you smelled gas.
- Give emergency personnel and qualified propane technicians time to check for escaped gas and make any repairs.
- Even if you no longer smell gas, stay away from the area and do not turn the propane supply valve back on.
- A trained propane technician has to repair the leak, inspect all gas appliances, and relight every pilot.
- Wait until you have permission from emergency personnel or the service technician before going back inside.
Everyday Propane Safety
Propane carries an added odorant that smells like rotten eggs, and that smell is your first warning. Trust your nose: if you smell it, treat it as a leak. A few people have trouble detecting the odor, so a propane gas detector makes a smart backup. Beyond that, a handful of habits keep your system safe all year.
Have a trained technician install and service every propane appliance.
Never store or use a portable propane cylinder indoors or in an enclosed space.
Keep the area around your tank, regulator, and appliances clear.
Schedule regular inspections of your propane tank and equipment.
Propane Safety Videos
The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) put together these short videos on propane tank safety, heater safety, and more. Give them a watch when you have a few minutes.
Questions About Propane Safety?
When safety is on the line, you want a local company that picks up the phone and knows your setup. Williams Energy has serviced propane across the South Shore for more than a hundred years, and our trained technicians handle installation, inspection, and repairs the right way.
Here is why neighbors trust Williams, or contact us anytime with a propane safety question. We are glad to help.
More From Williams Propane
The same local team handles every part of your propane.
Trusted by South Shore Neighbors
“Great company. Have been using them for over a year now and wouldn't think of switching. Get Bioheat oil delivery and have made a couple of service calls. Great prompt service. Also love that they deliver propane tanks for the grill!”Lisa K., South Shore customer
Propane Safety Questions, Answered
What does propane smell like?
Propane has an added odorant that smells like rotten eggs or sulfur, which is your warning sign of a possible leak. If you smell it, treat it as a leak and follow the steps above. Because a small number of people have trouble detecting the odor, a propane gas detector is a worthwhile backup.
Is propane safe to use at home?
Yes. Thanks to strong regulations and industry standards, propane has an outstanding safety record. It stays that way when the equipment is installed and serviced by trained technicians and you follow basic safety habits, like keeping the area around your tank and appliances clear.
Who can repair a propane leak or relight my pilots?
Only a trained, qualified propane technician should repair a leak, inspect your gas appliances, and relight pilots. After a leak, do not turn the propane supply valve back on yourself, and wait for permission from emergency personnel or the technician before going back inside.
How often should propane equipment be inspected?
Have a trained technician inspect your propane tank and appliances regularly, and any time you suspect a problem. Williams Energy handles installation, monitoring, and inspection across the South Shore, so the same local team that delivers your fuel also keeps the equipment safe.