When propane
gas escapes from a cylinder, hoses, connections or appliances, it
flows to the lowest point it can and accumulates on the floor, because
it is heavier than air.
It is given a foul odour with the addition of mercaptan, so it can
be detected when there is a leak.
If you smell propane:
- remove all sources of ignition, such as
cigarettes.
- do not turn lights off or on as it could
cause arcing and ignition.
- shut off all appliances and cylinder
valves.
- evacuate the area or vehicle of all
people.
- provide as much ventilation as
possible to allow propane gas to
escape an enclosed space.
- if the leak continues after valves have
been shut off, seek qualified help. See
"Gas" in the yellow pages.
Before serious leaks occur, they can be
detected by putting soapy water over hoses and
connections. If bubbles occur, there is a leak
that should be corrected. All systems should be
checked for leaks when being put into service
for the first time, or after an extended idle
period. They should be checked periodically
while in service also, either using the bubble
method, a pressure gauge or a special in-Iine
leak detector that you can have installed in your
system.
