Propane Safety

We all know that propane safety is important. It provides the fuel that powers all the conveniences we've come to expect when RVing. From the furnace, fridge, water heater, to the stove and oven providing comfort while away from home.

Safety awareness is imperative whether you use propane often, a bit or not at all. Safety starts from beginning to end. Knowing and following safety tips is the key to keeping you and your loved ones safe. An important first step of safety is to get your propane system tested by a certified professional, unless you're certified yourself it's recommended this one be done by the pros.

Our Get-Away Service Department's Gas Certified Technicians can perform the fairly inexpensive test for your peace of mind. They will do a manometer gas leak test to ensure all your gas lines are safe and in great working order.

Besides getting your Propane system inspected it's important to be aware of how propane works. For a lot of us this is common sense, but for those of us who are not in the know here's a little more information.

Propane is heavier than air, due to this it can get trapped in low areas. Think of places that are low like the floor or bottom of compartments. Since it's a heavier gas it has the tendency not to dissipate as quickly as air. This is why it's always important to keep the area well ventilated when using propane. Propane is also easier to detect should you ever smell propane, you'll soon know. It has the smell similar to rotten eggs or boiled cabbage.

When using propane inside your RV for things like heating and cooking it's good to keep in mind the other potential harms like Carbon Monoxide. Unlike the rotten eggs smell that propane gives off, Carbon Monoxide is a colourless, odourless, and toxic.

Thankfully, Carbon Monoxide has other indicators to detect poisoning in the form of flu-like symptoms. If flu-like symptoms appear the person may experience such symptoms as headaches, nausea, dizziness, confusion, or loss of consciousness.

If you or anyone in your RV experiences these symptoms seek medical attention immediately. If you smell propane it's best to get everyone outside immediately and then turn off your propane if it's safe to do so.

Along with being aware of both propane and carbon monoxide safety we recommend that you have both propane and carbon monoxide alarms installed. Many units already come with these installed so it's wise to make sure they're working and replaced if needed or at very least replace the batteries.

Here's a list of safety tips:

• Get a propane safety check (regularly) by a certified technician. 
• Check that all the batteries and alarms are working (CO, Propane Gas, and Smoke). 
• If you smell propane get everyone outside immediately.
• Keep propane stored securely in an upright position, and transport in a well ventilated area not inside your RV.
• Keep far away from any flames and never smoke while near or handling propane.
• Before refilling any flammable container (propane), turn off all burners.
• Never overfill your propane tank (80%) Don't use propane in an enclosed space keep all areas well ventilated. When cooking open a vent, window, and turn on the hood fan. Never use propane camping equipment or BBQs inside your RV for cooking or to heat your RV.
• If anyone shows signs of CO poisoning exit the RV and seek medical attention immediately.