Safety

Propane Safety Tips for Your Home

General Tips

To readily recognize a leak, know what propane smells like. Propane retailers have pamphlets available with a scratch-and-sniff spot so that your entire family can recognize the smell. Propane leak detectors, similar to carbon monoxide detectors, are available. See your propane supplier to obtain one.

If you smell a leak, immediately evacuate everyone from the building and call your local propane supplier or the fire department from your neighbor's phone. DO NOT remain in the building, use the telephone or light switches or try to determine the source of the leak by yourself.

Be aware of where gas service lines are located, especially when working in your yard.

Water can damage the internal safety mechanism in the gas controls of an appliance. If you suspect that your appliance gas controls may have gotten wet (because of flooding, for example), have a trained technician replace them immediately.

Heating Appliances

All furnaces can collect lint and dirt and should be cleaned regularly. Contact your local propane supplier for information on proper cleaning, and follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Water Heaters

Drain your tank periodically (until water runs clean - usually 2 to 3 gallons) to get rid of sediment buildup on the bottom of the tank.

Ranges

Have your unit serviced if the burner flame is not blue. The blue flame indicates complete combustion. A yellow flame means air inlets are clogged or burners need adjustment. Contact your propane supplier's service department immediately. Do not cover the oven bottom with foil - it can restrict air circulation.

Never use gas ranges for home heating.

Source: NPGA / Propane Education & Research Council

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If You Smell Gas

	1. No Flames Or Sparks! Immediately put out all smoking materials and other open flames. Do not operate lights, appliances, telephones, or cell phones. Flames or sparks from these sources can trigger an explosion.
	2. Leave The Area Immediately! Get everyone out of the building or area where you suspect gas is leaking.
	3. Shut Off The Gas. Turn off the main gas supply valve on your propane tank, if it is safe to do so. To close the valve, turn it to the right (clockwise).
	4. Report The Leak. From a neighbor's home or other nearby building away from the gas leak, call ThompsonGas at 800-768-6612 right away. If you can't reach your propane retailer, call 911 or your local fire department.
	5. Do Not Return To The Building Or Area until ThompsonGas determines that it is safe to do so.
	6. Get Your System Checked. Before you attempt to use any of your propane appliances, ThompsonGas must check your entire system to ensure that it is leak-free.

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Get To Know Your Tank

Liquid Level Valve : Used during the filling process to determine when the tank is full.

Vapor Eliminator : Used during fuel transfer.

% Gauge : This gauge reads the percentage of remaining fuel.( Note please call us at 20% or lower)

Service Valve : This is the main On & Off valve. Please shut off in case of emergency.

Pigtail : Small copper tubing connecting the service valve to the Regulator.

Regulator : This device controls the flow of propane so your appliances work properly. (There are many different types of regulators please contact service dept. for assistance.

Filler Valve : Used to fill the tank. Please always keep the cap on.

Relief Valve : This device prevents the integrity of the tank from being compromised.

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Carbon Monoxide

Propane appliances are typically very safe to use. But a malfunctioning appliance can create carbon monoxide gas, which can be deadly. Carbon monoxide is produced when propane fails to burn completely. Carbon monoxide, or CO, is a colorless, odorless gas.

An awareness of what produces carbon monoxide can help protect you and your family. Be sure your propane appliances are inspected regularly by a licensed contractor to ensure that they are functioning properly, and repair any malfunctioning appliances immediately.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include dizziness, headaches, queasy stomach and drowsiness. Continued exposure can cause death. If you use propane in your home or business, review these safety tips:

The flame in the propane appliance generally should be blue, possibly with flecks of orange. If the flame is mostly yellow, that indicates that the propane is not completely burning and is giving off carbon monoxide.

Never store items in, on or around a propane appliance that might obstruct air flow.
Forced-air furnaces generally have a filter that cleans the air before heating and circulating it throughout the home. Check the filter regularly and clean or replace when necessary. Most replacement filters are inexpensive.

When installing a new or cleaned filter, be sure to properly re-install the front panel door of the furnace so it fits snugly. Never operate the furnace without the front panel door properly in place, as dangerous gases may escape.

Make sure your furnace and water heater is inspected annually by a professional heating contractor. This is the first line of defense in CO prevention. Also, be sure to clean or replace your furnace filter throughout the heating season, and check your chimney or dryer vent for blockages.

Check for signs of improper venting, such as soot around the appliance or moisture on the inside of windows when the appliance is operating.
Vacuum regularly around the furnace, especially around the burner compartment, to prevent a buildup of dust and lint.

Be safe

-- Install a battery-powered carbon monoxide detector.
Use only space heaters approved by local fire codes and installed according to the manufacturer's instructions. If you're using a vent-free heater, always crack a window or exterior door for ventilation. Never use a portable barbecue or hibachi as a home heater. They produce carbon monoxide, are not properly insulated and can easily overturn. Also, don't use a gas range, oven or clothes dryer for heating.

--Keep all vents and chimneys clear of debris and other blockages.
--Don't line oven or range burners with foil.
--Check fireplaces for closed or blocked flues.
--Get your chimney inspected, swept and cleaned as needed.
--Make sure your exterior dryer vent is free of lint.
--Do not leave a car running in a garage, even if the garage door is open.
--Never use a propane or kerosene heater indoors without proper ventilation.
--Periodically check range pilots for carbon build-up.

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Gas Check

Carbon monoxide(CO) is a colorless, odorless gas produced by appliances that are common sources, such as automobiles. When inhaled, CO blocks the ability of blood to transport oxygen and can cause serious illness to you and your family. During winter, when furnaces are operating and houses are sealed, a buildup of carbon monoxide is more likely to occur.

Exposure to small doses of CO over time can produce flu-like symptoms, including vomiting, trouble thinking & concentrating, vision problems, shortness of breath and heart palpitations.Exposure to large doses of CO leads to nausea, collapse and unconsciousness or death.

If you suspect CO poisoning is affecting your family, leave your home and call us at 1-800-768-6612 or your local fire department. ThompsonGas and your local Fire Departments know how to detect and deal with CO.

(Information taken from PropaneSafety.com)

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Gas Log Curing Instructions

Please follow these instructions when using your new gas fireplace. Make sure all items have been removed from bottom of the fireplace. This includes owners manual, wall thermostat(standard with some fireplace models), bags of embers or coals and any other foreign object(s) that should not be located there. Make sure all electrical wires by valve area are not touching fireplace floor which could cause melting of wire casing. Make sure remote control receiver (optional) is located to the extreme right front corner, which will be the coolest area below the fireplace. If there has been any item melted, remove residue and cure unit as described below. If the item melted, but no residue was left on unit, still proceed to cure unit as described below.

Remove all construction debris and dust from unit. This includes outside of top and side of unit, heat exchanger area, valve and blower area. vacuum entire area out and then wipe down all area described above with denatured alcohol. Use long pliers with soaked alcohol rag to clean all areas by blowers and heat exchanger area.

To cure any unit, the unit must be burned for 40-50 hours, running a minimum of 10 hours straight for four or five times. In some cases this could be shorter or possibly longer. Larger BTU units will cure in a shorter amount of time. Smaller BTU units will take longer to cure. Units with tall vertical venting will take longer to cure as the unit will circulate more air and run cooler than units vented horizontally. Turn unit on, flame must be set on high, blower must be turned on LOW. Make sure the unit will not cycle. Bypass any thermostat connected to the unit. Keep track of the smell from day to day. The odor should become less noticeable. Burn unit until smell is gone.

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Safety before lighting your Pilot Light

A. This appliance has a pilot which must be lighted by hand. When lighting the pilot, follow these instructions exactly.
B. BEFORE LIGHTING smell all around the appliance area for gas. Be sure to smell next to the floor because some gas is heavier than air and will settle on the floor.
What to do if you smell gas
Do not try to light any appliance.
Do not touch any electric switch; do not use any phone in your building.
Immediately call ThompsonGas at 1-800-768-6612 from a neighbor's phone.Our phone lines are open 24/7. Follow the Instructions ThompsonGas will provide you.
If you cannot reach ThompsonGas, call your local fire department.
C. Use only your hand to push in or turn the gas control knob. Never use tools. If the knob will not push in or turn by hand, don't try to repair it, call a qualified service technician at ThompsonGas. Force or attempted repair may result in a fire or explosion.
D. Do not use this appliance if any part has been under water. Immediately call a qualified service technician to inspect the appliance and to replace any part of the control system and any gas control which has been under water.

How To Light Your Pilot
1.Stop! Read the safety information.
2.Make sure equipment valve is fully open.
3.Turn control knob clockwise to the off position.

	4. Wait five (5) minutes to clear out any gas. Then smell for gas, including near the floor. If you smell gas, STOP! follow "B" in the safety information section, If you don't smell gas, go to the next step.
	5. Turn the control knob counter clock wise to the pilot position. Press in the control knob for five (5) seconds. Note: You may be running this heater for the first time after hooking up to gas supply. If so, the control knob may need to be pressed in for 30 seconds or more. This will allow air to bleed from the gas system.
	6. With the control knob pressed in, press and release ignitor button. This will light pilot. The pilot is attached to the front burner. If needed, keep pressing ignitor button until pilot lights. Note:If pilot light does not stay lit, contact a qualified ThompsonGas service person for repairs. Untill repairs are made, light pilot with match, See Manual Lighting Procedure.
	7.Keep the control knob pressed in for 30 seconds after lighting pilot. After 30 seconds release control knob.If control knob does not pop out when released, contact a qualified ThompsonGas service person for repairs.
	8. Turn control knob counter clockwise to desired heating level. The front burner should light. Set control knob to any heat level between HI and LO
	CAUTION: Do not try to adjust heating levels by using the equipment shutoff valve

	Shutting off heater 1. Turn the control knob clockwise to the OFF position
	Shutting Off Burners Only(Pilot Stays Lit) 1. Turn the control knob clockwise to the PILOT position.

MANUAL LIGHTING PROCEDURE
1. Follow Steps 1 through 5 under Lighting Instructions
2. Depress control knob and light pilot with Piezo Ignitor or match
3. Keep control knob pressed in for 30 seconds after lighting pilot. After 30 seconds release control knob. Now follow steps 8 and 9 under lighting instructions

Note: Pilot locations may very from model to model

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Vent Free Facts

Although gas has no natural odor, a strong smelling additive has been used to help in the detection of leaks. The combustion of this additive, as well as other by-products of combustion may cause an odor. If you have a acute sense of smell you may be able to detect this odor. A by-product of gas combustion is water vapor. Normal use of a vent-free gas product will put humidity into your home during the combustion process. Too much humidity, however, will cause excess moisture to build up on the windows and/or walls. This can be minimized by providing fresh air to the room where the vent-free appliance is located. Vent-free logs have exposed burners and injectors and may whistle or hiss when burning.

Unusual drafts in the home can cause sooting from vent-free products. Ceiling fans, chimney drafts and air movement from supply or return air ducts can cause the flame to burn uncharacteristically and thus could cause soot. Therefore it is recommended that you periodically check under your fireplace front opening and under any mantel for soot build up.

Installation of vent-free logs usually requires the use of a heat shield hood to protect combustible materials. Even with the use of a heat shield, some fireplaces do not have enough clearance and are not suitable for vent-free log installations. All materials that may be damaged by excessive heat such as candles, flower arrangement and paintings that are located on mantels or walls over the fireplace should be moved. Even though all the vent-free products we sell are AGA approved and therefore certified to conform to National emission standards, a Carbon Monoxide detector may be a
good idea.

Since all vent-free products use the air in the room for combustion most manufacturers recommend allowing for additional airflow. All vent-free products are equipped with a Oxygen Depletion Sensor which monitors the oxygen level in the room and shut the burners down if low levels are detected. The use of any chemicals in the air, such as cooking oils, spray air fresheners and smoking can cause a film to develop on windows, wall and ceilings from the combustion process.

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How to Read Your Propane Gauge

Your gas gauge is located under the dome at the top of the tank. Reading your gas gauge is not complicated. You'll see bold black numbers encircling the gauge and a single pointer needle. The pointer will indicate a number that represents a percentage.

Due to the physical properties of propane, your tank is considered full at 80% (allowing for the expansion of propane vapor). A propane tank is in IMMEDIATE NEED of refilling at 20%. For your safety and protection, it is best to fill your tank BEFORE the gauge goes below 20%.

This chart shows how many gallons of propane you have in your tank at a given percentage. A propane tank is considered full at 80%.
GAUGE READS NUMBER OF GALLONS REMAINING

If your tank size is not listed in the chart on this page, use the following formula:
Tank Size X Percentage = Gallons
Example:
A 150 gallon tank with a 50% gauge reading:
150 X .50 = 75 gallons

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