Commercial Propane Safety Reminders

Written on: August 9, 2021

Safety is always a top priority for us here at Georgia Gas Distributors – and making sure you understand how to keep your team safe is a critical part of that.

Here are some broad commercial propane safety reminders – for more specific advice for your business, ask us about our propane safety training.

1. General Propane Safety Guidelines

Always —

• Keep propane away from open flames and ignition sources
• Refill tanks only by a qualified technician
• Know how to find your storage tank’s shutoff valve
• Leave installation or repair of appliances or equipment to a qualified technician
• Shut off the tank immediately if you suspect a leak, if safe to do so
• Shut off propane tanks that are not in use
• Wear proper eye protection and gloves when handling propane cylinders; remember that direct contact with propane will cause freeze burns to skin
• Protect cylinder valves with caps or collars

Never —

2. If you detect a propane leak

Do —

• Shut off the storage tank’s service valve, if it is safe to do so
• Eliminate all possible outside sources of ignition
• Exit the building immediately and call 911 from a safe distance
• Call us, after you call 911

Do Not —

• Turn on any light switches, use a cell phone or use any other electrically operated communications device; the spark could ignite a fire or explosion
• Test for a leak yourself

3. To operate forklifts safely

Do —

• Maintain proper ventilation in facilities where forklifts will operate
• Follow all safe handling protocols
• Professionally maintain your forklifts and tanks regularly
• Keep employees up-to-date on training
• Perform a thorough safety check of equipment before each use
• Wear protective equipment, including gloves and safety glasses, when exchanging cylinders
• Train all forklift operators
• Maintain all current OSHA standards
• Store cylinders in proper cages

Do Not —

• Attempt to exchange propane cylinders without the proper training
• Use metal tools when changing cylinders
• Let cylinders get too hot
• Drag, drop, roll, slide or bang cylinders against other objects
• Use flames or any heat source to check for leaks
• Use more than 2 LPG cylinders on a forklift truck

Interested in learning more about our safety classes, or want to schedule classes for your organization? Let’s get started! Contact Georgia Gas Distributors today to learn more about propane safety training in the Metro Atlanta area, including Cherokee County, Cobb County, Douglas County, Fayette County, Henry County, Rockdale County and beyond.