Resources
Propane Safety
Understanding propane safety means knowing what the gas smells like, keeping your tank area clear of brush, and knowing who to call. Your safety is our top priority, which is why 4-T Propane performs a complimentary gas check and pressure test every time we visit your property.
The basics
Propane Safety Basics
Propane is a highly reliable and safe fuel when you follow a few basic precautions. To help keep your home and family secure, we have gathered the safety topics that come up most frequently at our office.
Why Propane Has an Odorant
In its natural state, propane has no color or smell. For your safety, manufacturers add a strong odorant to make the gas easily detectable. Most people associate the scent with rotten eggs, a skunk, or a dead animal, making it easy to recognize right away.
Keep the Area Around Your Tank Clear
Keep your tank accessible for a smooth delivery. Leave plenty of room for our truck and hose, keep brush, stacked wood and trailers clear of the tank, and notify us if your gate code or access conditions change.
Know Where Your Shutoff Is
Every propane tank is equipped with a main shutoff valve for your safety. Please ask our technician or driver to point it out and demonstrate how to turn it off during your next delivery. It is a good idea to learn this before an emergency happens and to ensure your entire household is familiar with it.
Have the System Checked
To protect your home and budget, we run a free gas check and pressure test every time we visit your property for other service. This routine inspection is the most cost-effective way to catch minor issues before they become major problems.
If you smell gas
What to Do
If you smell propane inside or near your home, act right away. Do not wait to see if the smell goes away.
Get Everyone Out
Leave the house right away and take everyone with you. Do not stop to look for the leak.
Avoid Any Spark
Do not flip light switches, use a phone indoors, start a car nearby or light any flame.
Shut Off the Tank
Once you are outside and clear of the smell, close the valve at the tank if you can do it safely.
Call From a Safe Distance
Call 911 or our emergency line at (512) 525-6119. Do not go back inside until a qualified technician says it is safe.
Questions
Propane Safety Questions
What Does a Propane Leak Smell Like?
Because propane is naturally odorless, manufacturers add a powerful odorant so leaks are easy to detect. The scent is commonly compared to rotten eggs, a skunk, or a dead animal. If you ever notice this smell near your appliances or tank, treat it with immediate seriousness.
What Should I Do If I Smell Gas?
If you smell gas, take these immediate steps:
1. Evacuate immediately: Get everyone out of the house right away.
2. Avoid all sparks: Do not flip light switches, use a phone indoors, or light any flames.
3. Shut off the gas: Once you are outside and clear of the smell, turn off the valve at the tank if you can do so safely.
4. Call for help: Call 911 or our emergency line at (512) 525-6119 from a safe distance, and do not re-enter the property until a qualified technician clears it.
Who Do I Call Outside Office Hours?
Our after hours line, (512) 525-6119. If you smell gas, get everyone out first and call from a safe distance.
How Often Should My Propane System Be Checked?
We perform a gas check and a pressure test whenever we are on site for other work, at no charge.
Questions About Your Propane System?
Give our office a call to talk things over with our team. Describe your situation to us and we will let you know if we need to schedule a site visit.