Safety & Standards

Dedicated Safety and Standards with Barnett’s Propane

Safety is the most vital focus of our propane services here at Barnett’s Propane. With over 60 years of industry excellence under our belt, we have an unwavering commitment to keeping our customers safe by implementing effective and reliable safety practices and service standards.

PROPANE SAFETY RESOURCES

Propane (also called LPG liquefied petroleum gas or LP gas) is a liquid fuel stored under pressure. In most systems, propane is vaporized to a gas before it leaves the tank. Propane is flammable when mixed with air (oxygen) and can be ignited by many sources, including open flames, smoking materials, electrical sparks, and static electricity. Severe freeze burnor frostbite can result if propane liquid comes in contact with your skin.

  1. NO FLAMES OR SPARKS!

Immediately put out all smoking materials and other open flames. Do not operate lights, appliances, telephones, or cell phones. Flames or sparks from these sources can trigger an explosion or a fire.

 

2. LEAVE THE AREA IMMEDIATELY! 

Get everyone out of the building or area where you suspect gas is leaking. 

 

3. SHUT OFF THE GAS AT THE TANK.

Turn off the main gas supply valve on your propane tank, if it safe to do so. To close the valve, turn it to the right (clockwise). 

 

4. REPORT THE LEAK.

Once you are safely away from the gas leak, call your propane retailer right away. If you cannot reach your propane retailer, call 911 or your local fire department. 

 

5. DO NOT RETURN TO THE BUILDING AREA.

Until your propane retailer, emergency responder or qualified professional determines that it is safe to do so. 

 

6. GET YOUR PROPANE SYSTEM CHECKED.

Before you attempt to use any of your propane appliances, your propane retailer or a qualified professional must check your entire propane system to ensure that it is leak-free.

Propane has a foul odor that has been compared to garbage, sewage, a skunk’s spray or a dead animal. Some people may have difficulty smelling propane. 

Causes may include: 

  • Age (older people may have a less sensitive sense of smell) 
  • The effects of medication 
  • Medical conditions such as colds, allergies, or sinus congestion 
  • Alcohol, tobacco or drugs 
  • Tobacco smoke, cooking odors, musty or damp smells, and other strong odors 

The propane smell may not wake up someone who is sleeping. It may also be in an area of the building where it may not be detected, such as a basement, an attic or a garage. 

ODOR LOSS is an unintended reduction in the concentration of the odor of propane, making it more difficult to smell. 

Situations that can cause odor loss include the presence of air, water or rust in a propane tank or cylinder, or the passage of leaking propane through the soil. 

Since there is a possibility of odor loss or problems with your sense of smell, you should respond immediately to even a faint odor of gas.

Under some circumstances, you might not smell a gas leak. Propane gas detectors are designed to sound an alarm if they sense propane, even if the odorant cannot be detected. It is recommended that you consider installing one or more gas detectors listed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) in your home. Detectors can provide extra measure of safety. 

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding use. If a detector is sounding an alarm, treat it as an emergency and act immediately, even if you do not smell propane. Never ignore the smell of propane, even if a detector is not sounding an alarm. 

WHAT IS CARBON MONOXIDE (CO)

You cannot taste or smell carbon monoxide, but it is a very dangerous gas, produced when any fuel burns. High levels of carbon monoxide can come from appliances that are not operating correctly, or from a venting system or chimney that becomes blocked

IF YOU SUSPECT CARBON MONXIDE IS PRESENT, ACT IMMEDIATELY! 

  1. If you or a family member shows physical symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, get everyone out of the building and call 911 or your local fire department. 
  1. If it is safe to do so, open windows to allow entry of fresh air, and turn off any appliances you suspect may be releasing carbon monoxide. 
  1. If no one has physical symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, but you suspect that carbon monoxide is present, call your propane retailer or a qualified professional to check carbon monoxide levels and your propane equipment. 
 

TO HELP REDUCE THE RISK OF CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING: 

  • Have a qualified professional check your propane appliances and related venting systems annually, preferably before the heating season begins
  • It is recommended that you consider installing carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding use
  • Never use a gas oven or rangetop burners to provide heating
  • Never use portable heaters indoors unless designed and approved for indoor use. Regularly check your appliance exhaust vents for blockage

Carbon Monoxide Can Be Deadly! 

High levels of carbon monoxide can make you dizzy or sick (see below). In extreme cases, it can cause brain damage or death

SYMPTOMS OF CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING INCLUDE

  • FATIGUE 
  • HEADACHE 
  • DIZZINESS 
  • SHORTNESS OF BREATH 
  • NAUSEA 

If a pilot light repeatedly goes out or is difficult to light, there may be a safety problem. DO NOT try to fix the problem yourself

You are taking the risk of starting a fire or an explosion if you attempt to light a pilot light yourself. It is STRONGLY recommended that only a qualified professional light any pilot light that has gone out

Gas can leak through an open gas line. If you disconnect an appliance from a gas line or are otherwise aware of an open gas line, be sure to contact your propane retailer or a qualified professional to close, cap, or plug the open gas line

Do not run out of gas. Serious safety hazards, including fire or explosion, can result

If your propane tank runs out of gas, any pilot lights on your appliances will go out. This can be extremely dangerous. 

A Leak Check is Required. 

Many states require the propane system to be checked for leaks before turning on the gas. Contact your propane retailer or a qualified professional to perform a leak check and turn on the gas. 

Never turn the gas on at your propane tank. Contact your propane retaller or a qualified professional to check for leaks, turn on the gas, and relight pilot lights on the appliances.

1. Leave it to the Experts. 

Only a qualified professional has the training to install, inspect, service, maintain, and repair your appliances. Have your appliances and propane system inspected just before the start of each heating season

 

2. Help Your Appliances “Breathe.” 

Check the vents of your appliances to be sure that flue gases can flow easily to the outdoors; clear away any insect or bird nests or other debris. Also, clear the area around your appliances so plenty of air can reach the burner for proper combustion. 

 

3. Do Not Try to Install, Modify, or Repair. 

Valves, regulators, connectors, controls, or other appliance and cylinder/tank parts. Doing so creates the risk of a gas leak that can result in property damage, serious injury, or death. 

 

4. Have Older Appliance Connectors Inspected. 

Certain older appliance connectors may crack or break, causing a gas leak. If you have an older appliance, have a qualified professional inspect the connector. Do not do this yourself, as movement of the appliance might damage the connector and cause a leak. 

 

5. Flammable Vapors are a Safety Hazard. 

A pilot light on your propane appliance can ignite vapors from gasoline, paint thinners, and other flammable liquids. Be sure to store and use flammable liquids outdoors or in an area of the building containing no propane appliances. 

 

6. Do Not Risk it! 

If you cannot operate any part of your propane system, or if you think an appliance or other device is not working properly, call your propane retailer or a qualified professional for assistance.

TRAINED PROPANE PROFESSIONALS

Safety is at the heart of Barnett’s commitment. High-quality training is an essential tool in the propane industry.


Upon hire, and through continuing education courses during their employment, our staff receive training (PERC, DOT, OSHA, and Hazmat) from propane industry experts and others as part of the Barnett’s commitment to promoting the safe and efficient use of propane gas.

 

Propane Safety During Wildfire Season

We believe that sharing our propane knowledge is an instrumental aspect of our partnership with our loyal customers. That’s why we are here to provide a range of tips to help you better navigate propane safety during wildfire season.

Throughout the wildfire season, it’s important to pay close attention to your landscape to help alleviate risks to your home. In order to do this, we recommend that you:

  • Clear the area surrounding your propane tank to expose the bare ground, free of grass and weeds. 
  • Apply weed or grass killed around your propane tank immediately after cutting vegetation. 
  • Spread base material or gravel around your propane tank to combat vegetation growth.
  • Ensure your propane tank is reflective and free of rust to avoid pressure buildup. If your tank is in need of a repaint, please contact our professionals. 
  • Ensure that your propane tank meets local codes and regulations. 

Propane Safety During Evacuations

If you have been ordered to evacuate or are in the path of a fire, there are important actions to take prior to leaving the area. These propane specific steps should only be undertaken if time allows, as it’s imperative to always follow fire evacuation orders as given by authorities and safety personnel.

  • Close the propane tank service valve by turning the knob under the tank lid clockwise.
  • Close all appliance valves and gas valves inside the house(s) or structure(s).
  • Do not move propane cylinders into a garage, indoors or anywhere near a house or structure.
  • Move small propane cylinders away from any house or structure to an area where fire impact will be minimal. 
  • Contact Barnett’s Propane to inform us of your evacuation status after leaving the area.
Road Trip during wildfires on the horizon in Arizona. Climate change, wildfires, dramatic views.
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Continuous Training to Provide The Highest Level of Service

At Barnett’s Propane, our team has over 200 years of combined experience and a reputation for high quality services conducted with the utmost professionalism. To achieve this level of service, Barnett’s Propane is in partnership with the Propane Education and Research Council. Our employees continuously undergo rigorous training protocols.

Navigating Hazardous Materials with the Utmost Security

All Barnett’s Propane delivery and service vehicles are registered as hazardous material shipping vehicles with the Department of Transportation. The operators of these vehicles receive additional training annually to promote safe and efficient service. 

Rely On Southern Arizona’s Trusted Propane Provider for Your Propane Services and Safety

For more information regarding propane safety and standards, or to schedule a propane service by Southern Arizona’s trusted professionals, contact the friendly team at Barnett’s Propane today.

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