Safety is our top priority.
All MFA Oil propane technicians go through comprehensive training to ensure your safety and theirs. Also, learn how to work around propane and respond if you think there may be a leak.
Propane Safety
Employee Propane Safety Training
You can count on MFA Oil to deliver your propane safely and perform any maintenance required of your propane system. Our experienced propane professionals undergo extensive training to assure the work they do meets all local, state and federal regulatory and industry standards. Our employee training process includes:
- Certified Employee Training Program (CETP). All MFA Oil drivers go through CETP, a nationwide certification program for employees in the propane industry.
- Mobile Propane Classroom Training. A traveling classroom allows MFA Oil to bring hands-on training opportunities to employees so they can practice proper installation procedures on propane tanks, regulators and piping systems.
- State Certification. All MFA Oil propane professionals are certified by the state in which they operate to deliver and handle your propane gas in accordance with the applicable regulatory standards.
Propane Safety Tips
Stay safe with the following tips from the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC).
If You Smell Gas in Your Home
- NO FLAMES OR SPARKS! Immediately put out all smoking materials and other open flames. Don’t operate lights, appliances, telephones or cell phones. Flames or sparks from these sources can trigger an explosion or fire.
- Leave the area immediately. Get everyone out of the building or area where you suspect gas is leaking.
- Shut off the gas at your tank, if it’s safe. If you believe it is safe to do so, turn off the main gas supply valve on your propane tank. Turn the valve right (clockwise) to close it.
- Report the leak. From a neighbor’s home or nearby building, away from the gas leak, call your propane provider right away. If you can’t reach your provider, call 911 or your local fire department.
- Do not return to the building or area until it’s cleared. Let your propane provider, emergency responder or qualified service technician determine when it’s safe to return.
- Get your system checked. Before you use any propane appliances, your propane provider or a qualified service technician must check your entire system to ensure it is leak-free.
Getting Your Propane System Inspected
Regular inspections ensure the safety and comfortability of your family as well as provide you with the confidence that all components are operating sufficiently. During your next inspection, make sure to inform MFA Oil of the following:
- Any changes to your system.
- Appliance installations or removals.
- Construction or maintenance work on or near your system.
- Any unusual smells or signs of a gas leak.
How to Read a Propane Tank Gauge
Propane is used for a variety of household operations, including but not limited to heating, drying clothes, powering fireplaces, cooking, back-up power and outdoor living. In order to keep these operations running, it is crucial to keep your propane tank full. Here’s how you can check your tank at home:
- Open the lid of the propane tank to reveal the gauge.
- Propane expands and contracts while in the tank. Thus, the tank is full when the gauge reads 80 (percent). The tank is half full at 40 (percent).
If you run out of propane, you must have a qualified propane professional inspect your system before it can resume operating. Ask your propane provider about what options are available to ensure that your tank is adequately filled year-round.
When Using Propane in Winter
If you smell gas, follow the steps on the “Smelling Gas in Your Home” tab.
- Make sure your tank has enough propane and stay in touch with your provider. A severe winter storm can hinder further propane deliveries. Staying in touch with your provider gives you both enough time to arrange a refill long before you run out of propane.
- Use energy wisely. Winter storms may make roads inaccessible and make it impossible to deliver propane to you for several days. Set your thermostat as low as is comfortable — possibly a few degrees cooler at night or when nobody is home. Use a programmable thermostat to preset the best temperatures for each time of day. Also, close off rooms that don’t need to be heated.
- Clear snow and ice. Keep the path to your propane tank clear, as well as the area around your tank. To keep from damaging your system, use a broom around your tank, instead of a shovel. Clear regulators, regulator vents, piping, tubing and valves. A clear path helps you to reach your tank in the event of an emergency and helps drivers quickly fill your tank when needed.
- Contact your propane provider immediately if you run out of propane. Your provider or a qualified technician must check your system for leaks before turning the gas back on.
- Never use a stove for space heating — and never bring your gas grill indoors for space heating — even during a power outage.
- Operate portable generators with caution. Never use a portable generator (gasoline, diesel, or propane) indoors or in an enclosed area. Doing so can result in carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning or death.
Handling & Transporting Small Cylinders
Millions of Americans rely on propane for a variety of appliances, such as grills, patio heaters, power generators, etc. In order to operate these appliances, many rely on the convenience of small propane cylinders. An important part of using propane cylinders is knowing how to handle and transport them correctly. The following are principal steps to follow when transporting and preparing the propane cylinder for use:
- When transporting the cylinder, store it in a secure, upright position so it cannot fall, shift or roll.
- Do not leave the cylinder in a hot vehicle.
- Head straight to your destination after picking up the cylinder.
- Take the cylinder out of the vehicle immediately after arriving at your destination.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when connecting the cylinder to the appliance.
- Check for gas leaks every time you connect the cylinder to an appliance.
- When connecting the cylinder, make sure it is turned off. Store the cylinder outside away from your home.
- Never leave the cylinder in an enclosed area or an area that can become hot (over 120 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Make sure the cylinder is never stored on or near a grill.
