Your safety is our priority
Propane gas safety information and tips for Catalina Island Customers
Safety is our priority
At Southern California Edison (SCE), we want to ensure that the propane gas we supply to heat your home or business and operate your propane gas appliances is done safely. The propane gas safety tips and information included here will help ensure the safety of you and your family, your home or business, the environment, and the pipeline system that supplies propane gas to you.
How to recognize a propane gas leak
Propane gas is heavier than air and collects in lower levels of buildings, like basements or crawl spaces. You’ll notice propane gas leaks in these places first.
Propane gas is also colorless and odorless. As a precautionary measure, propane gas manufacturers add a chemical odor so you can detect if there is a leak by the distinct propane gas smell. Sometimes, propane gas leaks can also be heard and seen, but not always.
Smell: If you smell propane gas, there may be a leak in your home or business or, if you are outdoors, you may be near a pipeline system leak.
Listen: An unusual noise like a hissing sound may be a sign of a propane gas leak.
Look: Visible signs of a leaking pipeline system include a dense white cloud or fog over a pipeline, discolored or dead vegetation surrounding a pipeline, flames coming from the ground or exposed piping, a slight mist of ice or frozen area on the pipeline, or continuous bubbling in a wet, flooded area.
What to do if you suspect a propane gas leak
If you smell propane gas or suspect a leak has occurred:
- Do not touch, breathe, or make contact with leaking propane gas.
- Get all occupants out of your home or building, opening doors and windows to ventilate the area.
- If you are outside, leave the area immediately. Walk into the wind, away from the propane gas.
- Propane gas can ignite if it is released or leaked. Do not light a match, start an engine, use a cell phone, or do anything that may create a spark.
- Turn off any machinery and equipment; however, if a propane gas cloud has surrounded a piece of equipment, do not go into the cloud to turn it off.
- From a safe location, call local emergency responders at 911 and sce at (310) 510-4301 as soon as possible
- Provide a description of the propane leak and its location.
- Warn others to keep away.
How propane gas is delivered safely to your home or business
Propane gas is supplied to our customers via a pipeline system. Pipelines are the safest, most reliable and efficient way of distributing propane gas. Pipeline failures on Catalina Island are rare because our pipeline system is designed, installed, tested, operated and maintained according to strict standards used by SCE, the pipeline industry and those required by local, state, and federal government agencies.
SCE personnel oversee all operations and continuously monitor the pipeline system through a combination of safety programs:
- Patrols of the pipeline system
- Visual ground inspections and leak surveys
- Computerized system reports and records of line pressure 24 hours a day.
The pipeline system is constructed to prevent rusting and minimize corrosion so that it remains in good operating condition.
Pipelines need to be protected from damage - call
before you dig
Everyone can contribute to the safety and security of the pipeline system on Catalina Island. Any activity near or on a pipeline route, even something as simple as planting a tree or building a fence, can potentially damage a pipeline.
A gouge, scrape, dent or crease to a pipeline or its coating may cause a break or a leak in the future. If you plan to dig, drill, or engage in any other activity that could damage a pipeline, call Dig Alert at (800) 227-2600 at least 48 hours before you dig or excavate.
When you call Dig Alert, SCE personnel will come out and mark the pipeline route for you. When excavating near propane gas piping, the excavation must be done with hand tools until the propane gas line is found.
If you know of what could be considered even minor damage to a pipeline, please contact SCE immediately at (310) 510-4301 so we can investigate any possible damage.
Preparation in case there is a propane gas leak
SCE will host an annual joint training program to review the propane gas emergency response communications and/or fire safety procedures. Appropriate fire, public, and law enforcement agencies are invited to attend.
Pipeline system information will also be available at scheduled Avalon City Council meetings. Notices of upcoming public meetings will be published in the local newspapers and on the SCE Catalina website at www.sce.com/catalina.
Where are the underground propane gas pipelines?
Generally, propane gas is supplied by an underground “main” pipeline located in the middle of the street in front of your home or business. Additional underground piping runs from the main pipeline to the propane gas meter that supplies propane gas to your home or business. In open areas, main pipelines are marked with aboveground signs to indicate the general location, SCE contact information, and that the pipeline contains propane gas. Markers do not provide information on the depth or number of pipelines in the vicinity and the markers do not indicate the exact position of the pipeline.
aboveground care of pipeline routes
Pipeline routes must be kept free from structures and other obstructions. If a pipeline crosses your property, please do not plant trees or high shrubs along the route. Also, do not store or place anything on or near the pipeline route without first contacting SCE so we can explain the company’s construction guidelines to you. Contact SCE during normal business hours at (310) 510-4312 if you have any questions.
Customer Responsibilities
SCE’s responsibilities for operating and maintaining the propane gas pipeline system on Catalina Island ends at and includes the propane gas meters located at your home or business. All piping and other components from the propane gas meter to residences or businesses is the responsibility of the customers. Customer piping maybe buried or it may be above ground or both. Your piping may corrode or leak and should be inspected periodically and repaired
if unsafe conditions are discovered. Most plumbing and heating contractors can assist you in locating, inspecting, and repairing piping.
Additional safety tips
Never use a propane gas oven or stove burners to provide heating and do not use any portable heaters that aren’t designed for indoor use.
Don’t use an outdoor barbeque grill indoors for cooking or heating.
You should also have your propane gas appliances tested regularly by qualified technicians and make sure your propane gas appliances are well-ventilated.