Propane Safety FAQ's

Propane is a hydrocarbon (C3H8) and is sometimes referred to as liquefied petroleum gas, LP-gas, or LPG. Propane is produced from both natural gas processing and crude oil refining, in roughly equal amounts from each source. Most propane used in the United States is produced domestically, however, some is imported from overseas. It is nontoxic, colorless, and virtually odorless. As with natural gas, an identifying odor is added so the gas can be readily detected.

If you smell gas, immediately turn off appliances, extinguish any open flames or smoking materials and get out of the house immediately. Call Puget Sound Propane at 253-330-6391. If it is an emergency situation, CALL 911.

No. Propane is an approved, clean fuel listed in the 1990 Clean Air Act and the Energy Policy Act of 1992. Propane is one of the cleanest burning of all fossil fuels. Tests conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency show that propane-fueled vehicles produce 30 percent to 90 percent less carbon monoxide and about 50 percent fewer toxins and other smog-producing emissions than gasoline engines. Propane also is nontoxic, so it’s not harmful to soil or water.

A leak test is used to indicate any leaks within the propane piping system due to interruption of service or an “out of gas” event. Leak testing tests the integrity of the system plumbing joints and the seal of the pipe joint compound, because one of the reasons that you may be out of gas is, surprise, you have a leak. This is the safety reasoning behind leak testing. Leak tests are performed because they are required by law.