Propane is very safe when handled properly. The reasons it is so safe are because of the nature of propane in its natural state, the regulations that oversee how it is manufactured, delivered, the manufacturing and installation of propane tanks, and the built-in safety features of propane tanks and propane appliances. Whether using propane for home, business, industry, or agriculture, camping, or hitting the road in your RV, understanding the details about what makes propane safe makes it easier to enjoy your home, work, or vacation. Here’s a list of the leading safety features from the team at Wildhorse Propane & Appliance, the Salinas propane provider:

• Safety is built into propane tanks by an automatic pressure release valve. When internal pressure gets too high, the valve activates. This automatic pressure release is one of the reasons you might smell propane’s signature rotten egg odor for a short amount of time when you are nearby. Tanks can also be easily shut off in case of emergency.
• That rotten egg smell is another safety feature. Propane is odorless, adding ethyl mercaptan gives it the smell that notifies us there’s a leak.
• Propane has a low air-to-fuel ignition ratio, between 2.15% and 9.6%, compared to gasoline and diesel.   
• Propane tanks, installing and filling them, are strictly regulated. Manufacturing and testing propane tanks are rigorous processes. Tanks can only be installed by licensed professionals and can only be filled to 80% capacity to allow for expansion.  
• Propane tanks are required by law to be recertified every 5-12 years, depending on the size and type.
• Most propane appliances have automatic shut-off valves if a problem, such as loss of flame, is detected.
• As of 2002, tanks are required to be equipped with an overfill protection device (OPD). Older tanks are required to be retrofitted with an OPD.  
• Regulations require propane appliances to be properly vented to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide buildup.
• Propane dissipates very quickly and does not remain in the air, ground, or water it might leak into.

Where can I get more propane safety information?

The Salinas propane company devotes a section of its website to Propane Safety. The information includes a description of the propane system, safety shut-off steps, and what to do if you run out of propane. The team encourages you to ask questions about propane and propane safety. Everyone’s questions are answered, and resources for additional information are available.

The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) also provides comprehensive online safety and educational resources for the public.

• Online safety information includes guidance about a variety of topics, including safety guides for propane users, using portable propane cylinders, and propane and weather safety.
• A free subscription to an online newsletter that provides articles about the latest propane news, educational videos, and more.
• Consumers can also download brochures about propane safety.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) offers classroom educational resources through its “Energy Kids” website page. The resources include energy basics, propane basics, games and activities, resources for teachers, a link to Energy Ant to ask questions about energy in general, and much more.

Count on Wildhorse Propane & Appliance

Wildhorse Propane & Appliance is a family-owned business that has been delivering propane to Salinas and surrounding communities since 1980. The company’s services include:

• Fair prices, good service, and timely delivery.
• Scheduled or on-call delivery that includes a tank inspection.
• Online bill pay for regular customers.
• Delivery to homes, businesses, industry, and agricultural operations.
• Propane tank sales, delivery, and installation.
• Leading brand appliance sales, delivery, and installation.
• Propane safety inspections.
• Gas line installations by the Wildhorse professional, licensed contractor include underground for new construction and gas line inspections, repairs, and upgrades.
• Service to all of Monterey County and communities near Hollister, Watsonville, and Paso Robles.

In addition to propane delivery to your home, farm, or business, Wildhorse can fill your RV tanks, forklift tanks, propane vehicle tanks, and other agricultural and industrial equipment.

Start delivery, or get answers to your questions! Call today.