Propane & Oil Safety

At Powers Oil and Propane, we are dedicated to ensuring the safety of our customers by providing essential information on detecting propane leaks, caring for oil tanks, and following the latest safety protocols. Understanding these precautions is crucial for maintaining a secure environment. Continue reading to learn key propane safety measures and steps you can take to protect your property.

Propane and Oil Tank Safety Information from Our Industry Experts

Propane and heating oil have a long-standing history of safety. Propane is highly regulated, which helps support its safety record. The NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) has set standards for propane use and storage. Propane is naturally odorless, colorless, and non-toxic, although a scent is added to detect if a leak has occurred. Heating oil is safe and efficient, but a tank failure can be costly. Knowing how to care for and inspect your oil tank can save you from expensive cleanup and hazards.

Heating Oil Tank Safety and Inspection

1. Make sure there are no signs of leaks. Check the tank for signs of excessive rust (bubbling, pitting, corrosion, etc.), especially at the tank’s seams.

• There shouldn’t be any oil under or around the tank.
• Is there soiling around the fill pipe, at the bottom or top of the tank, around the filter, or around seams of the tank?
• Are you using more oil than normal, taking weather conditions or household changes into consideration?
• Are you smelling oil more than normal?
• The sides of the tanks are welded together and can be a common place for failure as the tank ages. Make sure there are no signs of rust or signs of oil leaking or seeping out.

2. Check for leaks around the shut-off valve and oil filter.

3. Check the base and legs of the oil tank.

• Make sure the legs are rust-free. A full 275-gallon tank weighs up to 2000 lbs.
• Make sure the tank is sitting on a sturdy base.

4. Check for leaks or risk of leaks in the oil lines.

• Check for cracks, cuts, or other signs of wear in the oil lines.

5 & 6. Check the top of the tank, fuel gauge, and tank whistle/vent alarm.

• Are there cracks or leaks in any of these items?

7 & 8. Outside of the house, check the fill and vent pipes.

• Is the vent clogged or restricted because of nests, snow, insects, ice, etc.?
• Is the end of the vent pipe protected from nests, insects, rain, snow, ice, etc.?
• Are there signs of leaking from the vent or fill pipe?
• Is there a cap on the fill pipe?

**VERY IMPORTANT: In order for your tank to work properly and avoid spills, the inside portion of your tank system must be closed, sealed, and air-tight. Make sure you always leave any plugs, fuel gauges, or whistles on the inside portion of your tank, screwed in and sealed.

If You Smell Propane Gas or Suspect a Gas Leak

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 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 is 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 Powers Oil and Propane right away. If you cannot reach us, call 911 or your local fire department.
5. DO NOT RETURN TO THE BUILDING OR 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, Powers Oil and Propane must check your entire propane system to ensure that it is leak-free.

If you suspect a propane leak, please call our 24/7 emergency service line at (330) 821-8387.

Carbon Monoxide and Your Safety

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 MONOXIDE 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.
2. 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.
3. If no one has physical symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, but you suspect that carbon monoxide is present, call Powers Oil and Propane to check carbon monoxide levels and your propane equipment.

If you cannot operate any part of your propane system, or if you think an appliance or other device is not working properly, call Powers Oil and Propane at (330) 821-8387.

Appliance Maintenance

• LEAVE IT TO THE EXPERTS
• HELP YOUR APPLIANCES “BREATHE”
• DO NOT TRY TO INSTALL, MODIFY, OR REPAIR
• HAVE OLDER APPLIANCE CONNECTORS INSPECTED
• FLAMMABLE VAPORS ARE A SAFETY HAZARD
• DO NOT RISK IT!

If you suspect a propane leak, please call our 24/7 emergency service line at (330) 821-8387.