Safety Tip of the Month: November

KEEP YOUR HOME SAFE:
GIVE YOUR PROPANE GAS APPLIANCES A TUNE-UP

GAS CHECK® Offers A Defense against Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Although Homeowners homeowners often take their propane gas appliances for granted,. Regular maintenance is the first step in preventing breakdowns and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. The National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) suggests that homeowners schedule a regular tune-up for all appliances.

Many propane suppliers offer a home safety audit program, called Gas Appliance System Check (GAS Check®). During a GAS Check®, a trained service technician explains how to use propane gas appliances safely and efficiently. For example, the technician familiarizes homeowners with the distinctive 'rotten egg' odor of propane gas and provides written instructions on what to do if they smell gas.

Besides educating consumers, the GAS Check® program is dedicated to the inspection and maintenance of propane equipment and serves as the first line of defense against CO poisoning. Like all fuels, propane gas requires oxygen to burn completely. Appliance malfunctions, vent system blockage and improper installation will reduce the oxygen supply. When this happens, the fuel will not burn properly, releasing CO into the room, and long term exposure can lead to CO poisoning. A trained GAS Check® technician will help prevent CO poisoning by inspecting the tank, piping, regulator, gauges, connectors, valves, vents, thermostats, pilots, burners and appliance controls to ensure that they are in excellent working condition.

Typical symptoms of CO poisoning are chronic headaches, nausea and eye irritation. Other signs of CO contamination may include condensation on cool indoor surfaces and discoloration or soot buildup at heating system's warm air outlets. of the heating system.

If you suspect that there is a CO problem in your home, open the windows and doors to air out the house, exit the building immediately and call your local propane supplier. If possible, turn off the suspected propane appliance and keep it off until inspected. You may also want to seek medical attention.

New homeowners should schedule a GAS Check® before moving in, to ensure that their propane system and all appliances have been properly installed. Fortunately, many builders and propane suppliers include the GAS Check® service as a part of a start-up package.

For additional information on GAS Check®, contact NPGA at info@npga.org.