Is it dangerous to live near a propane distributor?
Question:Wife and I are looking into purchasing a home that is about 1/4 mile from a propane company. Just one big tank sitting outside. Is it dangerous to live this close to a tank? Would the tank even be full?
Thanks!
Answers:
It's actually very safe. I am certified in the distribution of propane. Propane boils at -44F. Which means if there is a leaks it leaves liquid form for a gaseous one. The propane gas will disperse quickly into the air and you will not know it happened and it will not spark. To get propane to spark you need to be smoking or have a running right next to the tank to cause any problems if there's a leak. There are many fail safes that if the tank starts to leak. Also propane tanks have a low percentage of exploding. Every time you see video of a tank on fire its generally because there was a fire that reached the tank. Propane is very safe in most respects though. Just go near the tank if possible if you smell something that could be classified as "rotten sour kraut" that's the smell of propane. Most fillers and distributors are very cautious and very observant of what they are doing. Propane is also not as volatile as other petroleum based fuels. I would actually be more concerned with living near a gas station than a propane distributor.
Remember that a lot of homes are switching over to propane. Trailers use propane because its cheaper and more efficient.
Very unlikely that you would have a problem that far away. Worst case scenario, it explodes. I don't think the shrampnell would reach your home. But, the odds must be very high of a propane tank exploding.
Obviously, if it is going to make you nervous, then you won't want to live there. Personally, I wouldn't let it stop me.
It depends on so many factors. Maybe so, but the authorities will never admit it. But, if it is not being used, maybe not.
It's no worse that living that close to a gasoline station.
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