When it is produced propane is odorless and colorless. For safety and detection purposes, a chemical odorant (ethyl mercaptan) is added to propane. The presence of the odorant alerts you of a potential propane gas leak. The wonderful and distinctive smell of propane has been described as something like rotten eggs or a dead animal.
Get everyone out of the building or area where you suspect the gas is leaking.
From a neighbor’s home or other nearby building away from the gas leak, call your propane retailer right away. If you can’t reach your propane retailer, call 911 or your local fire department.
Before you attempt to use any of your propane appliances, your propane retailer or a qualified service technician must check your entire system to ensure that it is leak-free.
Immediately put out all smoking materials and other open flames. Do not operate lights, appliances, telephones, or cell phones. Flames or sparks from these sources can trigger an explosion or a fire.
Turn off the main gas supply valve on your propane tank if it is safe to do so. To close the valve, turn it to the right (clockwise).
until your propane retailer determines that it is safe to do so.
Chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm are created by the combustion of propane.