How Safe Is Propane For My Home And Family?

It’s a question we get a lot when we’re talking to new customers about propane conversion, or when buyers are considering their first propane-powered home. It’s an understandable concern, since propane doesn’t enjoy the same exposure here in New England that a mainstay like heating oil does.

But as a company that has worked with propane gas for decades, we can assure you that propane is among the safest – if not the safest – home energy source around. How can we make that claim? Here are some of the reasons.

Reasons Propane Is A Safe Fuel

• The propane industry is regulated by strict federal DOT, OSHA, and EPA codes, as well as local fire and safety laws. In Massachusetts, all propane contractors are required to undergo CETP (Certified Employee Training Program) training to ensure their work complies with all these laws and codes.
• Propane has the lowest flammability range of all alternative fuels: it won’t ignite until the air reaches 940° F, and even then must be combined with oxygen in a particular way to ignite.
• Propane leaks are easy to detect due to the strong rotten egg smell of an odorant added to the gas by manufacturers; if propane leaks, it simply dissolves into the air, leaving no water or soil contamination.
• Propane tanks are 20 times more puncture resistant than other common fuel tanks – the result of a durable design developed by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
• All propane cylinders from 4 to 40 pounds must be equipped with an Overfilling Prevention Device (OPD) that stops the flow of propane when the tank reaches 80 percent capacity; leaving space in the tank this way enables the gas to expand if the outdoor temperature near the tank rises.
• All propane cylinders and tanks must have a built-in pressure relief valve to reduce excessive internal pressure in abnormal conditions.

Of course, all of the measures described above don’t take into account all the things our expert technicians do to make sure your propane tanks and propane appliances are installed, maintained, and operating safely.

The takeaway here: Propane is one of the safest sources of home energy around, and one of the most versatile and efficient ways to power your western Massachusetts home and business. So don’t worry – you’re in good hands with propane and FSi!

Have any more questions about propane? We’re here to help. Contact FSi today to learn more about propane safety, propane maintenance, and propane appliance installation in Greater Springfield, MA!