Propane is one the most economical methods of residential heating. When handled properly, propane is a completely safe fuel, but it is important for propane customers and dealers to work diligently to maintain a safe-operating propane system.

Those of us in the industry continuously strive to ensure employees and customers are knowledgeable about all aspects of propane heating systems. With cold winter months just around the corner, some important guidelines should be considered.

Propane consumers maintain certain responsibilities that are crucial to ensuring safe heating systems.

Most propane companies cannot thoroughly inspect piping located in hard-to-reach areas, such as under the ground or under the house. And many propane systems in use today were installed in the 1950s and 1960s when piping was placed in areas that now are difficult-if not impossible-to inspect and maintain. Qualified technicians recommend replacing old piping to ensure overall safety. 

Have your entire gas system-including all piping and appliances in your home-inspected, repaired and maintained only by a qualified technician. Be sure to read all propane safety literature provided to you, and follow the recommendations in it. Share the information with each person living in your home.

Immediately report all gas odors in your home and alarms from gas or carbon monoxide detectors to your propane provider or local fire department, and follow the instructions given to you.

Provide your propane supplier with written notice of all repairs, modifications, alterations or installations of gas appliances, piping, fittings or valves in your home.

This notice is required by Missouri law and does not imply a duty to inspect, maintain or repair your propane system on behalf of your propane provider.

Never turn on the valve to your propane tank. According to the National Fuel Gas Code (NFPA 54), a leak check must be conducted on the entire piping system whenever a tank valve is turned on. Leak checks should be conducted only by qualified service technicians.

Your propane supplier should safely deliver odorized propane to your tank. If a storage tank and pressure regulators are leased or sold to you, the supplier should install such equipment and check for gas leaks. If necessary, they also should install an underground gas line from the tank to your house. The gas line will then become your property and responsibility.

Your propane supplier should visually inspect the propane tank and pressure regulators outside your house each time propane is delivered. It also should inform you of any problems concerning your gas equipment.

When gas to your system is turned on, your propane supplier should offer to check gas lines for leaks both inside and outside your home. This leak check is required by code each time gas is turned on. Furthermore, your supplier should offer to ignite pilot lights on your appliances any time gas is turned on. Accidents and injuries often occur when pilot lights are ignited by someone not qualified to do so.

Finally, propane suppliers should dispatch a member of their service team to check your system for leaks when a gas odor is reported.

While propane suppliers will provide you with a wealth of information on propane safety, there are limitations on the types of services your propane provider can offer.

Although some propane companies have qualified technicians available to inspect, maintain and repair gas appliances, most propane delivery personnel are not trained to do so. All propane consumers have a responsibility to ensure that a certified professional regularly inspects and maintains gas appliances within the home.

If your propane supplier encounters what is believed to be a safety hazard, the provider should inform you of the situation and shut off any appliances involved. However, do not assume that a complete safety inspection has been performed on your gas system or appliances.

Likewise, when pilot lights are ignited and leak checks are performed, it does not indicate that your propane supplier has tested, inspected or checked the appliances for safety problems.

Propane has an enviable safety record due to stringent codes and regulations developed by the propane industry and the National Fire Protection Agency. Every aspect of installation, storage and tank filling has been considered with your safety in mind. But as with any energy source, certain precautions should be taken to ensure worry-free operation.

Dick Tuinstra is propane safety manager for MFA Oil.