Propane safety often comes down to common sense. Look after your appliances, make sure they are well ventilated, and use them only for the purpose for which they were designed. For instance, propane camp stoves are designed to cook your food, not to heat your tent or recreation vehicle. Proper appliance maintenance is key:

• Refer to the manuals provided with your appliances, as they will contain the operating and maintenance instructions.
• The Canada Safety Council recommends an annual safety inspection of the entire propane system in your home, cottage, camper or recreation vehicle, including the appliances.
• Be sure to have a Superior Propane technician service your appliances, vents and combustion air openings regularly to ensure safe and reliable operation.

In addition, parents should ensure their children know the rules of safe propane appliance operation. Children should be taught:

• DO NOT turn on propane appliances without parental supervision.
• DO keep papers and toys away from furnaces, space heaters and gas fireplaces.
• DO NOT play on or around propane storage tanks.
• DO stay away from shut-off valves.

Understanding Carbon Monoxide

Propane appliances, like any other gas appliances, can produce carbon monoxide if not properly maintained or if there is insufficient ventilation. Carbon monoxide is a colourless and odourless gas. If you are exposed to carbon monoxide, you may experience any or all of these symptoms:

• Headaches, tightness across the forehead and temples
• Weariness, weakness, dizziness and vomiting
• Loss of muscular control
• Watering and smarting of the eyes

If any of these symptoms should develop, get into fresh air immediately, see your doctor for treatment and have your propane appliances checked and repaired as needed.

Always be sure your home, cottage, camper or recreation vehicle is properly ventilated, and install approved carbon monoxide detectors (products with CSA 6.19-01 on the packaging). In your home, it’s recommended you install one detector on each level.

For more information on the safe use of propane or to schedule a service call to ensure your propane system and appliances are in top operating condition, call the knowledgeable and neighbourly team at Superior Propane toll-free at 1-87SUPERIOR (1-877-873-7467).

If you would like information related to Superior Propane's safety practices and programs, email us at guardian@superiorpropane.com.