Safety

Propane is a safe, economical, clean-burning and versatile fuel when properly used. Regardless of the type of energy you use, safety is extremely important. With propane – as with electricity, natural gas, fuel oil, gasoline, or any other energy form – you need to understand how your delivery system and appliances work, and what to do in case of a leak or other safety-related emergency. To learn more, take advantage of the resources below or visit Propane.com/Safety.

Propane Container Safety

Per Federal and state rules and regulations, the transfer of propane out of or into a stationary container shall only be authorized by the owner of the stationary container owner. In most cases, the tank owner is the propane company, not a propane customer.

The current Michigan Container Law states that a propane marketer cannot fill or refill a propane container that is not their own container without the permission of the owner in writing. The penalty for violating the Act is a misdemeanor and includes a fine. The purposes for the Act are for the safety of the home owner and a reduced liability exposure to the propane marketer.

Among the most important missions to the MPGA is the promotion of safety within the propane industry. To continue the safety and integrity of the propane industry in Michigan, the MPGA recommended the Container Safety Act be updated to conform to current industry safety requirements and to increase the penalty for those that choose to violate the safety of the industry The Container Safety legislation kept the penalty as a misdemeanor but raised the fine to $2000 per violation.

Propane Tank Disposal

Proper propane tank disposal is something every propane user should be familiar with. If a tank is still serviceable, you may be able to recycle the propane tank — sometimes for money. At some point, however, every propane tank, cylinder, or bottle will reach the end of its useful life. Smaller, portable propane containers, such as cylinders and bottles, usually reach this point sooner than stationary bulk tanks. So, what are your options when it comes to disposing of a propane tank? Click here to learn more.

LP-Gas Regulation Violations

If you are a propane marketer that would like to report an apparent LP-Gas regulation violation, please click here to download the violation form to submit to the MPGA office.

Regulation violations can only be submitted by propane companies.

DOT Requirements for Transporting ASME Tanks

If tanks are transported back to bulk plants and not pumped at residences, remember that they are to be done safely and only with qualified propane personnel properly trained in that aspect. There are industry standards in place that govern this facet of propane transport. Your company must be trained and qualified and a member of the MPGA/NPGA.

Click here for a useful resource the MPGA developed in 2008 when the exemption started. The only significant change to this is that, because the industry handled the temporary permit so well, the federal DOT granted a full permit which remains in effect today. All other items are current.