Safety Information
For your safety, propane has an odor added so you can detect leaks. You and each person using or handling propane of your household must know the smell of propane. Ask for a scratch ‘n sniff brochure or MSDS to demonstrate the odor. If anyone is unable to recognize the odor of propane, call us immediately.
How to Keep Your System Safe
Have a trained professional complete a safety inspection before starting service.
Avoid running out of fuel.
Contact your provider when adding/replacing an appliance
Only have a trained professional work on your system.
In addition, it is recommended that you purchase and install propane and gas detectors according to manufacturer’s instructions as a backup warning device. If anyone handling or using propane is unable to recognize the odor of propane, you should not use it until you have purchased and installed gas detector(s).
What to do if you Smell Gas
At a safe distance from the building with the gas leak, call 911 immediately. After contacting emergency services call our office at (810) 724-6425 or if after hours call our emergency line at (810) 417-1809.
Immediately put out all smoking materials and other open flames. Do not operate lights, appliances, telephones, or cell phones.
Turn off the main gas supply valve on your propane tank, if it is safe to do so. To close the valve, turn it to the right (clockwise).
Get everyone out of the building or area where you suspect gas is leaking.
Before you attempt to use any of your propane appliances, Parsch Oil and Propane must check your entire system to ensure that it is leak-free and safe to operate.
Do not return until local emergency services or Parsch Oil and Propane has confirmed that it’s safe.
Re-Lighting Your Pilots
Re-lighting your pilot light on your own can be dangerous. Please carefully follow all of the manufacturer's instructions and warnings concerning the appliance, and read the following list of precautions. You can contact our customer service team or appliance professional for further guidance.
Allow any extra or unnecessary people (especially children) to remain in the room or area of the building where you are lighting a pilot.
Smoke or have any source of ignition (such as flames or spark-producing materials) in the area before lighting the pilot.
Exert force or use tools on the pilot light or its controls. This could cause damage and lead to gas leakage. Use only your hands to operate knobs, switches, or buttons.
Let air out of gas lines by opening a valve or fitting inside a building or enclosed space. You may release gas and not be able to smell it.
Other Important Safety Tips
- NEVER use outdoor propane appliances indoors or in enclosed areas. This could result in carbon monoxide poisoning, extreme danger, or even death. Only use appliances that are designed and approved for indoor use.
- NEVER store or place a propane cylinder indoors or in an enclosed area such as a basement, garage, shed, or tent. It is illegal and highly unsafe to store propane tanks indoors.
- NEVER try to modify or repair valves, regulators, or other appliance parts.
- NEVER turn on a light switch, use any power source, or inspect your household appliances while standing in water. This can result in electrocution.
- NEVER store combustible materials near your propane tank or appliances.
- ONLY inspect your propane appliances for water or other damage if it is safe to do so. If the appliances have electric components and have been exposed to water, they can create a fire hazard.
Cylinder Safety
- Secure the cylinder in the upright position so it can't tip over while you're driving. Ensure the cylinder valve is protected.
- Keep cylinders away from flame or heat and building exits.
- Never store a cylinder indoors.
- Never leave a cylinder in a parked vehicle with the windows up. Heat builds up quickly and could cause a release of propane in the vehicle.
- All cylinders must be inspected and re-qualified 12 years after the date of manufacture and every 5 years after.
- Close the cylinder valve tightly when not in use, even when empty.
- When connecting a propane cylinder to an appliance, check for leaks using a water and soap solution. If there are bubbles, tighten the connection and recheck with the soap solution.