For your safety, Demmer Oil provides the following Safety Procedures & Guidelines available for download.



What is Propane?

In its natural state, propane is an odorless and colorless gas that is widely used to fuel appliances for heating, cooking and other uses. Although propane is used as a gas for fueling appliances, it is transported and stored as a liquid under high pressure in specially designed tanks or cylinders. When liquid propane changes into a gas vapor, it expands in volume by about 270 times. This means that propane is more economical to store and transport as a liquid rather than a gas vapor. However, this characteristic also means that even a small leak of liquid propane can result in a much larger quantity of vapor, which can be especially dangerous in a confined space.

Similar to any other flammable gas or liquid, propane is very safe when stored and handled properly. However, if propane is mishandled, it can cause property damage, injuries or even death. For this reason, users must have a thorough understanding of the properties and characteristics of propane, and the hazards and risks associated with its use.


Know the Odor of Propane

The purpose of the odorant is to help people detect the presence of propane. It is important for all members of the household to be able to distinguish the smell of odorized propane. Ask your propane dealer for a demonstration of the distinct smell if you are not familiar with it. Certain conditions may prevent a person from smelling the odorant, such as:

  • Colds, allergies, congestion or other similar medical conditions
  • Use of tobacco, alcohol and/or drugs
  • Decline in a person’s sense of smell due to age or other physical conditions
  • Olfactory fatigue from being exposed to the odorant for a period of time
  • Strong odors overpowering the smell of the odorant
  • Leaking gas passing through soil, reducing the smell of the odorant
  • Sleep – the odorant in propane may not awaken a sleeping person

If You Smell a Leak

  • DO get everyone out of the home and move away a safe distance.
  • DO attempt to shut off the valves at the tank.
  • DO call both your propane supplier and the fire department for help from a telephone that is a safe distance from the house.
  • DO NOT attempt to find the leak.
  • DO NOT attempt to repair your appliance or light your pilot light.
  • DO NOT turn light switches on or off inside the home.
  • DO NOT use a telephone inside the house or in nearby areas.
  • DO NOT light matches anywhere inside or near the home.

Do You Know What Propane Smells Like?

CONTACT US for a free scratch-and-sniff brochure.


What Should You Know About Propane Gas Characteristics?

  • Propane is an odorless and colorless gas.
  • A chemical odorant is added to propane to give it a distinct smell.
  • Propane is stored as a liquid under pressure in tanks and cylinders.
  • In most residential applications, propane is used as a vapor.
  • If propane comes in contact with your skin, it can cause frost burns.
  • Concentrations of propane may cause flash fires or explosions.
  • Propane vapor is heavier than air, and it may collect initially at floor levels or in other low areas before it begins to dissipate; to check for the presence of propane, carefully smell all over a room, especially in low spots.
  • Even a slight gas odor may signal a serious propane gas leak, and you should take immediate action if you smell gas or suspect a leak.

How To Properly Store & Safely Transport Propane Cycliners?

  • Use only DOT-approved cylinders that are in good condition.
  • When using a new cylinder for the first time, insist that your propane dealer purge the cylinder to remove air and moisture in the tank.
  • Propane will expand and contract, depending on the temperature.
  • Cylinders should only be filled to 80 percent of capacity.
  • Before lighting a propane gas appliance, check all connections for tightness using a leak detection solution.
  • Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions before operating a gas appliance.
  • Never use propane from a cylinder without a regulator.
  • Do not use matches or a lighter to check for leaks.
  • Turn off the valves on the cylinder when an appliance is not in use.
  • Never store a cylinder indoors or in an enclosed vehicle.
  • When transporting a cylinder, make sure it is secured and in the upright position, so that the valves are in the vapor space.
  • Never smoke or have open flames near propane cylinders.
  • When filling cylinders attached to your vehicle, be sure all sources of ignition are shut off, including pilot lights and vehicle engines.