Above-Ground Propane Container Ownership: Know Your Responsibilities
If you currently own your above ground container or are considering purchasing one, you should be aware of your responsibilities regarding the safe operation and maintenance of your container. By understanding your role in keeping your propane container operating safely and efficiently, you can keep your family secure and enjoy all the benefits that propane delivers.
General Maintenance Requirements
A well maintained container will last for many years. It is important that you know how your container and delivery system work, what your responsibilities are, and what to do in the event of a safety related emergency. Customers who own their containers are responsible for the upkeep and protection of the container. It is also your responsibility to comply with all local, state, and national code requirements. Propane Container installation, maintenance, and repair should be performed only by a qualified service technician. If you own your container, you are responsible for finding a qualified service technician to service your container. It is a good idea to identify and talk to qualified service technicians - before problem occurs - to make sure they are capable of servicing your container in a timely and safe manner.
Painting Your Containers
Propane containers must be painted to help prevent corrosion. In most cases, your container will already be painted when you purchase it. If you do paint your container, use only reflective colors. Do not paint the data plate or any valves, gauges, or warning labels. If the data plate is not legible, the container may not be able to be refilled.
Protecting your container
- In areas of prone to flooding, national regulations require that propane containers be anchored securely to avoid potentially dangerous situation. You must have your container properly anchored if you live in or near a flood plain, or in an area where coastal flooding may occur.
- Make sure your container and propane system are properly secured for all types of extreme weather that may occur in your area. It is your responsibility to have your container repaired and inspected by a qualified technician if damaged from extreme weather such as hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, earthquakes, and high winds.
Your Responsibilities
- Make sure you understand and follow all warnings and labels on your container and propane system. This will help to ensure your system operates safely and efficiently.
- Some manufacturers will extend their warranty only to the original purchaser of the container. If you purchase a container from a dealer or other party, the warranty will be voided. Make sure you understand the terms and conditions of the warranty before you decide to purchase a container.
- Some insurers may have special conditions or requirements specific to container ownership. It is a good idea to contact your homeowners insurance provider, inform them that you own your container, and confirm that you have insurance coverage in the event of a problem.
- You assume many responsibilities when you own a propane container. The proper installation, maintenance, and care of your propane container can provide you with many years of safe and comfortable service. Remember, only you can keep your propane container operating smoothly and, more important, keep your family safe. The best way to do this is to understand the responsibilities of propane container ownership.
Important Information on Propane Safety
You get conveniences and energy cost savings with propane. That's why millions of homes, farms and businesses choose it for heating, water heating, motor fuel and other uses. And as a valued customer, we want you to know how to properly use propane. It's a flammable fuel that may explode if not properly handled.
For your safety, propane has an odor added so you can detect leaks
You and each member of your family must know the smell of propane. Ask your serviceman to demonstrate its odor. If anyone in your household can smell propane, call us immediately. Propane is heavier than air and will collect at floor level. Carefully smell at floor level in low spots to check for propane.
What to do if you smell gas or suspect a leak
- Put our all smoking materials and any other open flames.
- Do not operate any appliances, switches or thermostats.
- Get everyone outside and away from gas equipment.
- Shut off the gas supply, using the shutoff valve on the tank or cylinder.
- Call your propane supplier or gas technician.
- Stay outside and leave the gas off until the leak has been found and fixed
Relighting your pilots
we strongly recommend that for safety reasons, you call a qualified technician to relight your pilots. However, if you relight the pilots yourself:
- Turn all appliance controls and manual shut-off valves to the off position.
- Slowly open the tank shut-off valve.
- Carefully smell for the presence of propane at floor level and low spots before attempting to relight the pilot.
- If gas is detected-STOP- see "What to do if you smell gas" above.
- Follow the manufacturer's instruction for pilot lighting.
Your propane system and appliances have built in safety features
- Don't allow unqualified personnel to service your propane system or appliances.
- Don' tamper with gas controls on appliances.
- Don't let your system run out of propane.
- Have wet or flooded appliances and controls serviced immediately.
- Understand that propane odor can fade or be covered up by other strong odors-completely ventilate the area first.
- Call a qualified technician to relight pilots or carefully follow the equipment manufacture instructions.
- Repeated pilot outages could indicate a hazardous condition-Don't attempt to relight the pilot-call your serviceman.
If you run out of gas
- Turn off all appliance control valves.
- Turn off the propane service valve on the propane tank.
- Call your propane supplier and advise him that you are "OUT OF GAS" Your supplier will arrange to meet your for a safety leak test inspection and propane delivery.
- Don't attempt to turn the gas back on yourself. Your propane supplier must first conduct a safety leak test before he can refill your tank. When you schedule your propane delivery, be sure you will be at home, so the propane supplier can conduct a safety leak test, check your appliances and the gas system and then re-light your appliances to assure that they are operating properly and are leak free.
WarningFlammable Gas. The installation, modification, or repair of an LPG system by a person who is not licensed or registered to install, modify, or repair and LPG system may cause injury, harm, or loss. Contact a person licensed or registered to install, modify, or repair an LPG system. A person licensed to install or repair an LPG system may not be liable for damages caused by the modification of an LPG system by an unlicensed person except as otherwise provided by law.
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