Safety  >  Safety at home and work  >  Propane safety

Propane safety

Propane is a safe, economical and environmentally friendly fuel. It can be used for heating rooms and water, cooking - both indoors and out, drying clothes, and heating pools and spas.
Like any other fuel gas, propane must be handled with care and can be dangerous if leaked or spilled. Propane has an added odour — a scent similar to rotten eggs or sulphur— so you can easily detect it. Propane is heavier than air, so when checking for leaks, be aware that it gathers in low-lying areas.

If you think you smell propane or hear the flow of escaping gas

  • Don't smoke, light matches, operate electrical switches, use either cell phones or telephones, or create any other source of ignition.
  • Leave the building immediately. Leave the door open and any windows that may already be open.
  • Get to a nearby phone and call the Terasen Gas 24-hour Emergency Line at:
    1-800-663-9911 or 911 or the fire department emergency number

Emergency propane meter shut-off

If you receive propane through a meter and you smell gas, turn off your meter before the propane utility or fire department arrives.
  • To turn off the meter, give the valve a quarter turn in either direction, so that the lever is crosswise to the pipe. 
  • Once your meter is shut off, leave it shut off. Only a qualified technician should turn it back on after checking the appliances and venting.

General safety reminders

  • Treat all propane gas odours seriously. Act fast. Get out and call Terasen Gas at
    1-800-663-9911, or contact 911 or your local emergency number if you suspect a leak.
  • Always store propane cylinders outside in a well ventilated and secure location — never in an enclosed building.
  • Keep your tank painted a white, aluminum or other reflective colour. A rusty, unpainted or dark-coloured tank does not reflect sunlight and may absorb heat. This may cause an increase in pressure, leading to a possible discharge from the pressure-relief valve.
  • Keep your head away from the valves on your tank or cylinder. A sudden release of propane liquid from the safety relief valve could result in serious injury.
  • Cap or plug all gas lines and valves not connected to appliances.
  • If you are not sure how to shut off the gas supply from your tank or cylinder, contact your propane supplier for instructions.

Select your region

Select your region

Help us better serve you with offers, promotions, rates and services relevant to your area.

View offers, promotions, rates and services relevant to your area every time you visit our web site. This setting will be saved in your computer if you have cookies enabled.

SET YOUR REGION

For your convenience

Select your region to view offers, rates and other information for your area throughout our site.

ACCOUNT LOG IN

Upgrade Message

This site's design is only visible in a graphical browser that supports web standards, but its content is accessible to any browser or Internet device.