Propane Safety Tips for Summer

With backyard grilling, RV trips, boating, and camping, propane use increases during warmer months. Follow these essential safety tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable summer!

Understanding Propane

Propane (also known as LPG—liquefied petroleum gas or LP gas) is stored as a liquid under pressure and vaporized into gas before leaving the tank. It’s highly flammable when mixed with air (oxygen) and can be ignited by open flames, smoking materials, electrical sparks, and even static electricity. Direct skin contact with liquid propane can cause severe frostbite or “freeze burns.”

Propane is naturally odorless, but a chemical additive called ethyl mercaptan gives it a distinctive smell—often described as rotten eggs or skunk spray. Some individuals may have difficulty detecting this odor due to factors like age-related loss of smell, sinus congestion, medications, deep sleep, alcohol use, or competing strong odors. In Oklahoma, the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Board regulates the use of propane. Carbon Monoxide Risks

Carbon monoxide (CO) forms when propane burns without enough oxygen. If using propane indoors, install both a carbon monoxide detector and a combustible gas detector (propane gas detector). Propane gas detectors sound an alarm if propane is present, even if you don’t detect an odor.

Odor loss—a reduction in propane’s distinctive smell—can happen when propane passes through soil or when air, water, or rust contaminates the tank. This makes it harder to detect leaks, increasing safety risks.

Key Propane Safety Tips

• Follow the 80/20 rule: Never fill propane vessels beyond 80% capacity, leaving 20% space for expansion.

• Check for proper combustion: Yellow or irregular flames and excessive moisture inside windows indicate incomplete burning—potentially releasing carbon monoxide.

• Look for soot buildup: Clean-burning propane should not produce soot around appliances. If soot is present, the propane isn’t burning correctly, leading to possible CO exposure.

• Inspect for leaks: Before use, apply soapy water to the tank and connections. If bubbles form, there’s a leak.

• Store properly: Keep propane cylinders away from direct sunlight or excessive heat (above 120°F) and never store spare cylinders near or under a barbecue grill.

• Transport safely: Secure propane cylinders upright to prevent shifting, falling, or rolling during transport.

• Shut off the source: When finished using a grill, turn off the propane canister and the grill itself to prevent unintentional leaks.

What to Do in Case of a Leak

If you suspect a gas leak:

1. Leave the area immediately—avoid lingering or investigating.

2. Call 911 and report the leak to emergency responders from a safe location.

3. Do not ignite the gas—avoid turning on/off light switches, using appliances, outlets, or landline phones.

Stay safe and enjoy your summer responsibly!