Off-Season, On Guard: Safety Checks That Save You Later

The off-season may feel like a break, but it’s one of your best chances to get ahead. While things are quieter, you have more time to give your equipment, trucks, and systems a full checkup. It’s much easier to catch small problems now than deal with expensive and inconvenient breakdowns during the busy season. Regular safety checks help protect your people, your property, and your reputation. When you work to stay on top of safety in the slow months, you set your business up for smoother days ahead. Here’s a guide detailing what to focus on when it’s time to run those off-season safety checks.

Inspect Tanks and Valves
Start with your tanks. Look for rust, dents, or any other visible signs of wear. Test pressure relief valves to make sure they’re working properly. Make sure all tank fittings are tight and not showing evidence of leaks or damage. Don’t just look; be sure to listen and smell during these checks, too. A slow leak may not leave a mark, but you might hear a hiss or catch a scent of propane. This is also the time to check for signs of pests, weather damage, or anything else that might have gone unnoticed during peak use.

Check Hoses, Lines, and Fittings
Every hose, line, and connection plays an essential role in keeping propane flowing safely. Look for cracks, wear, or stiffness in rubber parts. Inspect all connectors and fittings to make sure they’re sealed, snug, and leak-free. It’s important to notice and replace worn parts before they fail. During the off-season, you have more time to order parts, conduct repairs, and make sure everything’s done properly according to all safety protocols.

Test Detectors and Shutoff Systems
Make sure all propane detectors and alarms are tested and reset. Batteries should be replaced and sensors cleaned if needed. Emergency shutoff systems should be checked to confirm that they still work and respond as expected. These key safety systems are there to protect lives. Make sure they are ready to do their job when it matters most.

Review Vehicle Safety
Your delivery trucks need the same level of care and attention. Do a thorough check of all brakes, lights, tires, and propane-specific systems like transfer hoses and meters. Make sure every emergency kit is fully stocked. Clean out unused equipment, wipe down the cab, and be sure every vehicle has been fully inspected. Getting your trucks serviced and ready now will do much to prevent delays when delivery orders start to pick up again with the return of colder weather.

Train and Refresh Your Team
Use the downtime to give your team a refresher on critical safety regulations and practices. Go over common risks, emergency steps, and the latest updates in handling propane. You might do a walk-through of equipment or even tabletop drills to talk through what to do in case of a leak or a severe weather event. A stronger safety mindset and practical preparedness helps everyone avoid accidents.

Look at Your Sites and Storage
Walk around your property with a critical eye. Are the walkways clear? Are safety signs still visible and readable? Are tanks and cylinders in good condition and stored properly? These are small things that can cause big problems if left unchecked. Take the time to clean up overgrowth, clear debris or mud buildup, and organize all of your tools and supplies. Everything on your site should be easy to access on a normal workday and especially in case of an emergency.

Why Off-Season Prep Pays Off
Off-season safety checks do more than just reduce risk. They help you work faster, more efficiently, and with fewer problems when demand returns. When customers know you take safety seriously, they trust you more. When your team sees the time you invest in doing things the right way and with attention to detail, they will likely feel more confident and prepared to do their jobs well.

For propane businesses, this kind of care protects more than just your equipment – it protects your name, your people, and your bottom line. The time you spend improving every aspect of your business now is time you’ll be sure to save later.