Homes, buildings and farms often rely on liquid propane for heating and other energy purposes. This is more common in rural areas where other alternatives are not readily available.

The good news is that liquid propane is generally very safe. However, failing systems have been the culprit of accidents.

Liquid propane users cannot assume that because their tanks are professionally refilled and the tanks consist of heavy gauge steel that there will not be any problems. For example, in July 2004, an Iowa family came face to face with an explosion that not only destroyed their home, but also killed one of the two people inside the home at the time.

Officials investigating the explosion determined that it was a result of a gas leak involving liquid propane gas.

According to officials at that time, there are twenty similar explosions a year in Iowa. The deadliest Iowa explosion occurred in 1999 when seven people were killed as a result of a puncture in a gas line during the installation of a new post.

In 2003, two farm workers were killed at a quail and pheasant farm after they ignited a heating device. Investigators believed that the explosion was the result of either a leak or an accident in which someone left the unit on un-ignited.

In order to protect you and your family contact your manufacturer and distributor to determine what safety precautions are in order for your particular unit. In general, be aware of any leaks -- sometimes indicated by propane's distinct odor. Adequate leak detection seems to be the key to preventing accidents.

How do you detect a leak? First, you can do so by smell. A disagreeable odor is added to propane so that it can be detected if a leak occurs. In addition, you can purchase an electronic gas alarm.

Authorities say that if propane gas odor is detected, you should extinguish all smoking materials and have everyone get out of, and away from, the building.

Be sure to shut off the gas supply as soon as possible. As common sense suggests, contact your propane supplier from a neighbor's phone and contact emergency officials if appropriate.

Don't under any circumstances turn on any light switches or electric appliances because sparks from anything can cause a fire. Also do not re-ignite the device and do not re-enter the building until you are given the okay.

Are you buying a building that relies on propane for heating? Retain a professional to inspect the tank and the lines as well as any appliances. Make sure that whoever does this work knows his or her business. Ask for certifications and their work history.

If problems are detected, find the appropriate professional to fix the problem and be sure to have an inspection of the repair to ensure that the repair is acceptable.

Propane is a commonly used gas and is generally extremely safe. But it is, after all, a gas -- and a volatile substance if not properly contained. Common sense warrants appropriate protection.

Published: March 2, 2006

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Stuart Lieberman, Esq. writes about environmental issues. He was a New Jersey Deputy Attorney General assigned to the State Department of Environmental Protection from 1986 to 1990. Currently he is a shareholder in the environmental law firm of Lieberman & Blecher, P.C., located in Princeton, New Jersey. Stuart can be reached at slieberman@liebermanblecher.com.