Propane Safety Archives - Propane Insider

Power Outage Safety Comes Into Focus After Recent Propane Incidents

Explosions Following Electrical Interruptions Highlight the Importance of Customer Education Power outages are often viewed as an inconvenience, but recent incidents in multiple states are serving as a stark reminder that the restoration process can introduce serious safety risks when propane systems are involved. Investigations into separate explosions in Texas and Pennsylvania have drawn attention… Continue reading Power Outage Safety Comes Into Focus After Recent Propane Incidents

OSHA Charges New Mexico Firm for Wrongful Firing of Pipeline Inspector

Termination of safety‑concerned employee underscores need for stronger whistleblower protections in propane and gas infrastructure projects The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has ordered a New Mexico‑based construction company to reinstate and compensate an inspector it fired after he raised safety concerns during a gas pipeline installation at an Oklahoma… Continue reading OSHA Charges New Mexico Firm for Wrongful Firing of Pipeline Inspector

Propane Industry Demands Clear Rules for Electric Hazmat Trucks

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is evaluating the safety of electric trucks hauling hazardous materials. In response, the Minnesota Propane Association (MPA) is actively highlighting critical ‘regulatory gaps’ that could compromise safety and create an uneven playing field. This proactive engagement by the propane industry aims to ensure that safety standards evolve… Continue reading Propane Industry Demands Clear Rules for Electric Hazmat Trucks

Sturgis, South Dakota: Propane Tanks Explode During Pole Barn Fire

On the afternoon of May 13, 2026, the Sturgis Volunteer Fire Department responded to a pole barn fire in the Black Hills region of western South Dakota. Crews arriving on scene found the structure actively burning. During firefighting operations, propane tanks stored at or near the structure reached ignition conditions and exploded, producing visible flame… Continue reading Sturgis, South Dakota: Propane Tanks Explode During Pole Barn Fire

Summer Fuel Crunch Could Create New Challenges for Propane Delivery Companies

Rising Travel Demand Is Tightening Fuel Markets Across the U.S. As Americans prepare for one of the busiest summer travel seasons in years, energy analysts are warning that rising gasoline and diesel demand could put pressure on fuel supply chains nationwide. Higher fuel prices, strained trucking networks, and increased transportation demand are already creating concern… Continue reading Summer Fuel Crunch Could Create New Challenges for Propane Delivery Companies

PERC Launches “Your Power Play” Campaign to Promote Propane Reliability

The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) officially launched its new “Your Power Play” campaign on May 20, positioning propane as a dependable backup energy source as concerns about grid reliability continue to grow across the U.S. The campaign arrives amid increasing strain on electric infrastructure driven by extreme weather, rising power demand, wildfire-related shutoffs,… Continue reading PERC Launches “Your Power Play” Campaign to Promote Propane Reliability

Propane Railcar Vapor Leak in Connecticut Triggers Multi-Agency Hazmat Response

A late-night propane leak at a bulk distribution facility in Southington, Connecticut, is serving as a reminder of how quickly rail car incidents can escalate – even when they are ultimately contained without injuries or evacuations. For propane companies that handle rail deliveries or operate bulk plants, the event underscores the importance of strict monitoring,… Continue reading Propane Railcar Vapor Leak in Connecticut Triggers Multi-Agency Hazmat Response

Seven Lives Lost in Clinton County, PA Propane Explosion

The blast destroyed a farmhouse and killed the family inside it in an Amish community outside of Lock Haven, PA. Experts say the tragedy was preventable. A quiet Sunday morning in central Pennsylvania turned catastrophic when a home explosion killed a mother and her six young children, leaving a tight-knit rural community in shock and… Continue reading Seven Lives Lost in Clinton County, PA Propane Explosion

Tragedy in Pennsylvania: Internal Propane Leak Eyed in Fatal Home Blast

Seven lives were lost in a Pennsylvania home explosion, with police pointing to a potential internal propane leak. This highlights the urgent need for robust safety protocols beyond the tank, focusing on appliance and piping integrity.

How Propane Marketers Must Think for the Next Decade

The next decade will not reward propane marketers who operate on stable assumptions. Supply patterns are shifting alongside export demand, infrastructure constraints are tightening in key corridors, and weather volatility is creating sharper demand swings. These changes are no longer theoretical, they are already affecting rack pricing, delivery timing, and customer expectations. For operators, this… Continue reading How Propane Marketers Must Think for the Next Decade

A Practical 2026 Compliance Calendar for Propane Operations

By the time most compliance problems show up, they are already expensive. Missed training windows, expired waivers, overdue inspections, or poorly timed safety reviews rarely fail quietly. They surface during audits, incidents, insurance renewals, or peak winter operations when both attention spans and cash are already stretched thin. For propane businesses, 2026 should not be… Continue reading A Practical 2026 Compliance Calendar for Propane Operations

Duty to Warn Safety Mailings Strengthen Every Propane Business

Safety remains the foundation of responsible propane use, and yearly reminders are one of the most effective ways to keep households informed and protected. Duty to Warn programs are not new, yet they continue to play a critical role in reducing risk, supporting safe fuel use, and protecting the long-term stability of retailers who deliver… Continue reading Duty to Warn Safety Mailings Strengthen Every Propane Business

Rooftop Venues Rely on Propane for Comfort and Service

Rooftop bars and restaurants are becoming some of the most popular spots for customers looking for unique dining experiences. People are drawn to open-air seating, city views, and a lively atmosphere that sets these venues apart from traditional indoor dining. But behind the scenes, these spaces face challenges that indoor locations do not, especially when… Continue reading Rooftop Venues Rely on Propane for Comfort and Service

How Digital Documentation Protects Propane Companies From Legal Risks

On October 21, 2025, a devastating explosion in Bowne Township, Michigan, shook the propane industry. A home on Freeport Avenue near 100th Street was completely leveled after a propane tank exploded, sending two people to the hospital with serious burn injuries. The Freeport Fire Department confirmed that the blast triggered a fire that destroyed the… Continue reading How Digital Documentation Protects Propane Companies From Legal Risks

Propane Safety Pro Introduces “Duty to Warn” Service for Propane Retailers

Safety Starts with Communication — A New Standard for Customer Safety and Compliance Philadelphia, PA – October 21, 2025 — Propane Safety Pro, a trusted name in propane safety and compliance, has officially launched Duty to Warn, a nationwide service designed to help propane companies meet their annual safety communication requirements with ease and reliability.… Continue reading Propane Safety Pro Introduces “Duty to Warn” Service for Propane Retailers

Strengthening Customer Trust Through Duty to Warn

In the propane industry, trust is built through consistency, safety, and transparency. While many safety practices happen behind the scenes, one of the most visible and reassuring forms of communication is the annual Duty to Warn mailing from propane dealers — a clear reminder to customers that their safety truly matters. More Than Compliance Every… Continue reading Strengthening Customer Trust Through Duty to Warn

Staying Ahead of Regulatory Compliance

The propane industry is built on trust, safety, and reliability. For businesses, meeting regulatory requirements is about more than simply checking a box – it’s about protecting customers, employees, and the company’s reputation. As federal and state safety codes evolve, keeping up with them has become more complex and time-consuming. Yet, staying ahead of compliance… Continue reading Staying Ahead of Regulatory Compliance

Sweet Home RV Inferno: How a Single Propane Line Leak Could Torch Your Company’s Future

In the early hours of March 18, 2025, a quiet neighborhood in Sweet Home, Oregon, was shattered by a sudden blaze that consumed a camp trailer on Brush Creek Road. Around 1:40 a.m., what began as a faint hiss at the connection between a small propane heater and its tank became a roaring fire that… Continue reading Sweet Home RV Inferno: How a Single Propane Line Leak Could Torch Your Company’s Future

Preventing Accidents During High-Volume Operations

The winter season often brings the highest demand for propane deliveries — and with it, the busiest schedules for drivers, dispatchers, and technicians. During this hectic time, it’s easy for small oversights to turn into safety risks. Preventing accidents during high-volume operations requires both preparation and awareness, thereby ensuring that safety standards are never sacrificed… Continue reading Preventing Accidents During High-Volume Operations

A Practical Safety Guide for Propane Businesses

Propane plays a vital role in powering homes, farms, and businesses. While it is a reliable and efficient fuel, handling it requires strict attention to safety. For propane companies, keeping employees and customers safe not only protects lives but also builds trust and ensures compliance with regulations. A strong safety culture can also reduce costly… Continue reading A Practical Safety Guide for Propane Businesses

Improving Accuracy in Propane Fuel Gauges

Propane businesses depend on accurate readings to manage deliveries, track inventory, and keep customers safe. One of the most important tools in this process is the fuel gauge. A propane tank gauge that has not been calibrated correctly can result in costly mistakes, from unnecessary service calls to missed refills that leave customers frustrated. Proper… Continue reading Improving Accuracy in Propane Fuel Gauges

Training Customers Cuts Return Trips

Every propane delivery requires time, fuel, and careful attention to safety. When a driver needs to make a return trip because of an issue that could have been avoided, the costs add up quickly. Missed appointments, inaccessible tanks, or customer errors can delay schedules, waste resources, and frustrate both drivers and customers. One of the… Continue reading Training Customers Cuts Return Trips

The Sterling, VA Propane Disaster: A Wake-Up Call on Safety Neglect and Legal Risks for Propane Businesses (Part One)

The propane industry is built on precision, responsibility, and strict adherence to safety protocols. Every service call involves hazardous materials that, if mishandled, can quickly spiral into disaster. The tragic events of February 16, 2024, in Sterling, Virginia, illustrate just how devastating the consequences of a single safety lapse can be, not only in terms… Continue reading The Sterling, VA Propane Disaster: A Wake-Up Call on Safety Neglect and Legal Risks for Propane Businesses (Part One)

Winning Customers Without Fighting Natural Gas

In many parts of the country, propane businesses face a familiar challenge: natural gas. It’s often promoted as the “clean” or “modern” option, backed by big utility companies and government support. For homeowners and businesses comparing fuel types, it can be hard to explain why propane is still a strong option – without sounding like… Continue reading Winning Customers Without Fighting Natural Gas

The Road to Profit: How Fuel Prices Could Reshape Your Routes

Fuel prices don’t just impact your personal vehicle – they shape the entire way goods and services move across the country. For propane businesses, especially those serving rural areas, higher transportation costs can mean tighter margins, longer delivery times, and difficult choices about how to keep routes efficient without letting down valued customers. When you’re… Continue reading The Road to Profit: How Fuel Prices Could Reshape Your Routes

How to Build a Hazard-Free Propane Operation

Every workplace has risks. Whether you’re running a propane operation company, managing a service yard, or overseeing drivers and deliveries, hazards can show up when you least expect them. Some dangers are easy to spot – like a broken valve or a loose wire – but others build slowly over time, such as poor habits,… Continue reading How to Build a Hazard-Free Propane Operation

Building Safety Bonds with Your Local Fire Team

When emergencies happen in small towns, volunteer fire departments are often the first ones to show up. They’re the ones making quick decisions, protecting lives, and handling dangerous situations – including propane-related incidents. If you own or run a propane business, these local fire teams aren’t just a part of your community, they’re also your… Continue reading Building Safety Bonds with Your Local Fire Team

Strengthening Safety: A Top Resource for Propane Companies

Safety is the highest priority in the propane industry, and having the right tools to help manage that vital need can make a significant difference in a retailer’s daily operations. As the sector continues to evolve, with new regulations and risks constantly emerging, having a reliable safety resource also ensures that businesses can adapt to… Continue reading Strengthening Safety: A Top Resource for Propane Companies

Safety: A Key Investment for Your Business

In the propane industry, safety isn’t just a requirement; it’s a responsibility. From protecting employees to ensuring customer trust, a strong safety culture is essential to maintaining a successful propane business. Beyond meeting compliance regulations, investing in safety measures can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance your company’s reputation. Here’s how propane businesses can make… Continue reading Safety: A Key Investment for Your Business

Keeping Policies and Procedures Manuals Relevant

In the dynamic propane industry, maintaining up-to-date policies and procedures manuals is essential for ensuring safety, compliance, and operational efficiency. As of 2025, several key considerations have emerged that propane companies should address to keep their manuals relevant and effective. Adapting to Regulatory Changes The regulatory landscape for propane continues to evolve. Recent updates to… Continue reading Keeping Policies and Procedures Manuals Relevant