Properties of Propane & Natural Gas
We at R.H. Foster Energy, take you and your tenant’s safety very seriously. Considering the tragic events that have taken place in Farmington, ME, we thought it would be a good idea to discuss some tips and safety information regarding propane and natural gas usage.
These tips are important to remember; but, as always, if a suspected leak is noticed, you should immediately inform your service provider and possibly the fire department depending on the severity of the situation as well as getting everyone out of the residence or property. If shutting off the propane tank is possible; do so. Natural gas must be shut off by a representative of Bangor Gas at the inlet of the meter with a wrench.
Properties of Propane and Natural Gas
Propane gas and natural gas are a safe and economical way to heat, cook, dry clothes, and heat water. That being said; they always need to be handled with respect.
Propane is heavier than air, so it will settle into low areas like basements.
Natural gas is lighter than air, so it will rise to places like the 2nd story or attics.
Neither of these gases have an odor of their own. Manufacturers add odorant at a rate that can be detected if a leak occurs. Both types of gases will have a rotten egg, sulfur, skunk like, or sewage-type odor if released into the air.
Propane will self-ignite at air temperatures of 878˚ F to 1020˚ F. Meaning, it does not need a spark or ignition source at these temperatures to ignite.
Propane’s combustion fuel-to-air ratio is between 2.15% to 9.6%. This means that if the concentration of propane is between these two values, it will have a high possibility of igniting. Fire Departments have tools to accurately measure this value within structures. For you and I who do not have these tools, it is safer to assume that the gas will ignite, and the area should be evacuated immediately.
Signs you may have a problem and how to handle it
The first indication that there may be a problem, is the smell of rotten egg or sewage-type smell. Depending on the strength of this smell, it may indicate the severity of the leak.
If a leak is suspected, notify all tenants or occupants of the building and evacuate them.
Extinguish all open flames, including cigarettes.
Do NOT use until a technician or fire department tells you it is O.K.
Cell phones
Electrical switches to turn off or on lights/devices/appliances. This includes light switches, circuit boards, etc.
Re-enter a building suspected of having a leak.
Use matches or lighters.
Propane
Call R.H. Foster or your propane provider if you believe a leak exists. If a serious leak is suspected, contact your fire department.
Your propane tank should be shut off. Your tank should have a silver round handle inside the cover that can be turned clockwise (to the right) to turn off the flow of gas into the building. If you have more than one propane tank, you must do this with all of them to make sure the flow of propane is completely shut off.
Please Note: If a gas leak is called in to us, and we cannot gain access to the building; by regulation we must leave the gas shut off and locked out until we can gain access. We make every effort to reach someone as to not inconvenience you or your tenants, however safety must prevail.
Natural Gas
Contact Bangor Gas if a natural gas leak is suspected. They will dispatch an employee to shut off the meter and assess the leak. If the leak is serious, contact your fire department.
If a leak is found in the piping or at the piece of equipment, they will have you call your service provider to fix it.
Inspections
By regulation, a trained service technician will need to do a full gas leak test on all piping and equipment that is run off the propane tank or natural gas meter bar. This being the case, they would need access to all piping and equipment to eliminate all sources of the possible leak.
Recovering from a Propane outage or shutoff
Both fuels have different types of equipment that utilize them. There are some pieces of equipment that use standing pilot lights such as cook stoves, some water heaters, some space heaters, and some decorative equipment that need to be re-lit after the gas lines are deemed free of leaks
Some types of equipment have electronic controls to re-light them, but still would need to be turned back on and cycled to make sure they are operational.
If you have any questions regarding any of your fuel-dependent equipment, refer to the equipment manufacturer or give your provider a call.
Please remember to treat all possible leaks as a priority. It is sometimes difficult to determine the severity of a leak, but good safety practice dictates proper protocol to keep you, your tenants, and property safe. If there are further questions with regards to proper procedure, please feel free to contact our service department. We have trained technicians on staff at all times should the need arise to address a leak situation.