"Show Me," Missouri's favorite refrain requesting visible proof, just won't work with a propane leak. Propane is a colorless and odorless gas that is commonly used in homes, boats, recreational vehicles and outdoor grills. Propane is very dangerous if it is not properly contained. While almost four times as many people use natural gas as opposed to propane, propane is responsible for four times the number of fires, thirteen times the injuries and 100 times more fatal injuries as natural gas.
Although propane is stable when exposed to air it is a heavy gas and can accumulate in low lying areas such as basements and floors. When sufficient propane accumulates, it causes explosions if ignited.
Leaks occur for a number of reasons including faulty equipment, holes, and poor installation. Leaks also occur because of defective tanks, regulators, hoses, and other materials. Propane leaks may be present for weeks without any indication of a problem, due to the usual stable condition of the gas.
To help identify leaks, the gas is given an odor with a foul smelling agent. A propane leak smells like rotten eggs, a skunk's spray or a dead animal. Unfortunately, not everyone can smell a leak do to age or medical disability. Sometimes propane companies fail to properly infuse the gas with an odor so that leaks cannot be detected by smell.
Safety Tips
If you smell a gas leak in your home, RV or boat, you should leave the area immediately. Put out all flames or sparks immediately. Do not operate lights, appliances, or cell phones. Get out of the house and call the gas company, and the local fire department. Have a trained professional repair the leak. Installing an LP gas detector can afford you an additional warning of a leak. Make sure you buy UL listed alarms.
If you or someone you love was seriously injured or killed in a propane explosion, let us help you. Call or email us to schedule your free consultation with an experienced attorney. We handle propane explosion and fire litigation in Missouri and throughout the Midwest.
