The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection is alerting consumers who use propane gas that they may have purchased propane with insufficient odorant and need to exercise reasonable caution in using that gas.
A Massachusetts investigation uncovered distribution of the propane gas with insufficient odorant in a Westfield, Massachusetts facility. However, only propane delivered since May 1st from this particular source is involved, Massachusetts officials said. The Westfield facility has now been shut down.
“That large distribution facility in Westfield has about 16 distributors that deliver directly to residential and commercial customers and refilling stations here in Connecticut,” Consumer Protection Commissioner Jerry Farrell said. “The Connecticut Office of the Fire Marshal and the Department of Environmental Protection are now identifying and notifying those companies that that may have the Westfield propane. Our job is to alert consumers to this situation, because, ‘your nose is not going to know’, due to the lack of odorant.”
“The lack of odorant is not in itself dangerous, but fire officials are concerned because odorant is an important early warning should a leak occur,” Farrell said.
What you should do:
· If you use piped propane inside your home, use common sense. Contact your distributor to see if your delivery is part of the affected propane. Remember that not all propane in Connecticut and Massachusetts is affected, only some.
· If you cannot get information from your dealer, the New England Propane Gas Association has provided a contact number for customers of propane gas who have questions about their service or for testing of tanks. Please call toll-free 1-888-445-1075 or visit their website at www.pgane.org.
· The gas is safe to use, and could only be a danger if a leak occurs, because it may not be detected.
· A detector that can alert a family to a propane leak can be purchased at most home improvement stores for $30 to $60. Commissioner Farrell encourages families to consider such a device to detect propane and other gases in the home.
· Exercise extra caution if you find you have this reduced-odor propane.
· Do not smoke indoors or near propane tanks.
· If you have a power outage, use flashlights and battery-operated candles instead of traditional flame candles.
· Do not use fireplaces or wood stoves as alternative heating sources.
· Consider purchasing a gas detector. It could cost about $60.
· DO NOT attempt to inspect your system yourself. This could create a leak that did not previously exist. Work with your local delivery company.
· If the approaching storm forces you to cook with your gas grill, remember to use normal precautions:
· Make sure the connections are tight.
· Use outdoors only
· Use ten feet away from the building
· Do not use on balconies above the first floor.
· Consider not using your grill at all and go to a shelter.
