The following list includes the most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and brief answer for each one. For more information, please contact Sparling's. We are here to help.

Sparling's Propane was founded in 1951 by Grant Sparling. It remains a privately-held Canadian company, 100% owned by the Sparling family.

No.

The people at Sparling's are Propane Experts. Propane is everything we do. Everyone at Sparling's is fully-qualified and licensed for their duties. That means every driver, every installer, every technician and every Customer Service person. Sparling's provides incentives for skills development and a recall system is in place to ensure qualifications remain current.

Propane is safe energy. In fact, the National Fire Protection Agency declares gas the safest way to heat your home: safest by a 4 to 1 margin.

Here are the odds a member of the general public will be involved in one of the following incidents:

Individual Risk to Specific Fatal Incidents

• Motor Vehicle Accident: 1 in 4,700
• Air Plane Crash (as a passenger): 1 in 140,000
• Struck by Lightning: 1 in 1,375,000
• Struck by Tornado: 1 in 2,450,000
• Dam Failure/Rupture: 1 in 6,300,000
• Air Plane Crash (as a person on the ground): 1 in 37,000,000
• Propane Storage or Transportation Incident: 1 in 37,000,000

(*Source. U.S. Department of Energy, LPG Land Transportation and Storage Safety)

Sparling's is a leader in the propane industry. We are serious about the safety of our Customers, our employees and the communities we serve.

Sparling's manages regulatory compliance in four (4) primary areas of operations.

• Occupational Health & Safety (qualifications of people, safety of the workplace)
• Fleet Safety (truck and transport operations)
• Technical Compliance (propane tanks, appliances, equipment and Customer installations)
• Emergency Preparedness (transportation and storage, Emergency Response)

Our Compliance Commitment is "more than meets minimum standards". Sparling's demonstrates leadership by its actions, by participating in the development of industry standards and by investing in our people through skills development, safety programs and best in class technology - in our trucks and our facilities.

At existing locations, Technical Standards & Safety Authority (TSSA) commits to inspecting each bulk propane facility (Ontario) at least once annually. This schedule is subject to change due to exceptional circumstances.

At Sparling's, we recognize that our ability to deliver safe, reliable energy begins at every bulk plant, at every storage facility and at every Sparling's location. Each is designed, installed and maintained to the highest standards - and voluntary improvements and investments in technology are made to further enhance facility safety.

Each workplace is inspected monthly by members of Sparling's Joint Health & Safety Team in support of Risk Management objectives are.

Sparling's is constantly working to find better, safer and more efficient ways to conduct business.

Continuous improvement is an attitude and a process which influences decisions in all parts of the company: from product procurement to risk management; from truck and equipment specifications to supply chain management; and, from policy development and pricing structures to training and skills development. All in support of improved quality and Customer service.

In 1910, a motor car owner walked into the Pittsburgh office of chemist, Dr. Walter Snelling with a complaint. The car owner claimed the one gallon of gasoline he purchased at the pump was only half a gallon by the time he drove home.

The car owner complained that the government should look into why consumers were being cheated because the gasoline evaporated at a rapid and expensive rate.

Dr. Snelling however, took a scientific approach to the matter and discovered the evaporating gases were not gasoline at all. They were propane, butane and other hydrocarbons.

Using coils from an old water heater and miscellaneous pieces of lab equipment, Dr. Snelling built a still which separated the gasoline into its liquid and gaseous components.

Dr. Snelling completed his propane research and was not interested in pursuing it further. He sold his propane patent to Frank Phillips, the founder of Phillips Petroleum Company. The price was $50,000.

Today, propane is a growing, multi-billion dollar industry in North America.

• By 1912, propane gas was used for cooking in homes.
• The first propane powered car appeared in 1913.
• By 1915, propane was used for torch cutting metal.
• In 1920, propane was marketed for flame cutting and further cooking applications.

Today, there are over 1000 different uses for the Clean energy of propane. It is the worlds's most versatile energy.

The Compressed Gas Association (CGA) was established in the 1930's and proposed a set of recommendations to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). In 1932, the first pamphlet of standards was adopted for publication.

Today, all aspects of the propane industry are subject to stringent standards in an effort to ensure workplace, consumer and public safety. At Sparling's, we do more than "meet minimum standards". Along the way, sometimes that means being first - and Taking the Lead.

Sparling's award winning Quality Assurance Team continues to implement new safety and training initiatives which lead the industry. and Sparling's is a stakeholder in P38 Inc., which has developed an unprecedented Code of Conduct initiative in partnership with Zuirch and Marsh. This is a self-funded, proprietary product of P38.

Propane comes out of the same well as natural gas and crude oil. These products are called "hydrocarbons" because they contain hydrogen and carbon.

At a fractionation plant or refinery, the substances are "Cleaned up", heated, cooled and separated. The chemical formula for propane is C3H8.

Propane is shipped throughout North America by pipelines, trucks, tank cars (rail) and marine.

The great characteristic of propane is that it can exist as a liquid or a gas.

It is stored and transported as a liquid, but can be used as either a liquid or a gas. A small amount of propane liquid produces a lot of propane gas (called vapour) and that reduces the size of storage containers required. It also enables propane to be stored and transported economically.

Just to look at propane, it would be difficult to tell it from water. Like water, propane can exist as a liquid or a gas.

In its natural state, propane is a clear, odourless, colourless, non-toxic liquid. As it changes from a liquid to a gas, it appears as bubbles.

In its natural state, propane is odourless.

As a safety precaution, an odourant called Ethyl Mercaptan is added so any presence of propane may be easily detected. And while most of us are able to detect even the slightest propane odour, some people are unable to.

Propane is stored under pressure, in specially designed tanks. Depending on the application, the cylinder or tank may be constructed of steel, aluminum, stainless steel or composite.

All Sparling's tanks are made to the highest standards by tank manufacturers in Canada and the United States.

Regardless of material, each propane cylinder and tank is designed and manufactured in accordance with stringent requirements. This applies to the cylinder on a barbecue, the tank in your backyard, or the tank on a propane delivery truck.

• Each Sparling's cylinder and tank is delivered and installed by qualified, licensed personnel in accordance with all safety requirements and Sparling's own Quality Assurance programs.
• While in service, each Sparling's tank is inspected by the driver at the time of each and every delivery. Any visible deficiencies are reported to Customer Service for follow-up.
• Sparling's completes a documented inspection of every propane tank annually.
• Once every 10 years, a complete appliance and equipment inspection is completed and documented.

In 2000, Sparling's became the first propane company in Ontario to implement such an ambitious and ongoing, tank management initiative – the Propane Systems Monitoring Process.

Propane is 270 times more compact as a liquid than as a gas. Conversely, propane will expand 270 times if it changes from a liquid to a gas.

One litre of liquid propane will expand to 270 litres of vapour.

When water boils, it becomes steam - a gas. The same holds true with propane. Propane becomes a gas when it boils.

Propane remains in a liquid state as long as it is kept under pressure. But as soon as propane is exposed to normal atmospheric conditions (the outside air) it will boil. When propane boils it changes to a gas.

Propane boils at -44 Fahrenheit or -42 Celsius.

Most of us are able to use our eyes and nose to help detect the presence of propane. For peace-of-mind though, gas detectors are readily available at retail stores.

Leaks are uncommon, but a simple way to check piping, fittings or a tank for a leak is to mix dish soap with water and spray it on the area you are concerned about:

• If bubbles form, you may have a leak and should take immediate action: Turn off the propane supply to that appliance and call your Sparling's Branch immediately.
• If a leak is at fittings at a tank or cylinder: Turn off the propane (using the valve at the tank or cylinder), and call your Sparling's Branch immediately.
• If the tank or cylinder itself appears to be leaking: Call your Sparling's Branch immediately.

Important Note: This is not intended as a comprehensive commentary on leak detection and response. This general information is provided as an overview for information purposes only. Contact your Sparling's Branch for further information or assistance.

Propane is non-toxic. It is non-poisonous. But if you were in a room filled with propane, it may displace sufficient air that you may become light-headed, or unconscious. Extended oxygen shortage may cause asphyxiation.

Propane is heavier than air. In the unlikely event of a propane leak, vapours may collect in low-lying areas, including ditches, basements, and wells. If you suspect a propane leak, Contact your Sparling's Branch immediately.

Propane may dissolve natural rubber products and may affect some petroleum products.

That is why all hoses, fittings and material must be designed, manufactured and approved for specific use with propane, in accordance with all safety requirements.

For propane to burn, there must be just the right mixture of oxygen and propane:

• If there is too much propane, and is too rich, it won't burn.
• If there is too little propane (too lean), it won't burn.

Propane will only burn when the mixture of propane and oxygen is within the range of flammability:

Lower Flammability Limit 2.4%
Upper Flammability Limit 9.5%

Example: a mixture of 2.4% propane and 97.6% oxygen through 9.5% propane and 90.5% oxygen will burn.

A flame will not burn inside a propane tank. The mixture is 100% propane too rich to support combustion.

Range of Flammability:
Propane 2.4% to 9.5%
Natural Gas 4.0% to 14.0%
Acetylene 2.5% to 81.0%

Propane vapour will burn in any mixture within its range of flammability, but combustion may not always be efficient. As a result, most gas appliance burners are designed and adjusted to burn an ideal gas/oxygen mixture. This mixture is commonly referred to as the "Ideal Combustion Ratio".

Even with an ideal mixture of propane and oxygen, there must be a source of ignition for combustion to take place. Propane will not burn on its own.

Ignition sources are usually expressed as the minimum temperature needed for a mixture of propane and oxygen to ignite.

Ignition temperature of propane: approximately 920°F

That may seem high, but compared to a common sulfur match, it isn't:

Ignition temperature of a sulfur match: as high as 3,000°F

A common ignition source for propane is another flame, such as the flame of a pilot, match or electronic igniter. There are others. Many develop enough heat to ignite a combustible mixture of propane and oxygen, including sparks from electric connections, including switches; engines; vehicle exhaust; a lit cigarette; even the static electricity generated by a nylon jacket.

That is why sources of ignition are not permitted around a propane installation. It's also why Sparling's uniform program does not permit clothing made of 100% nylon or polyester.

During combustion, propane generates heat, which is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs) or kilopascals.

In addition to heat, there are certain products of complete combustion: carbon dioxide (CO2), water (H20) and nitrogen (N).

Example: Burning 1 cubic foot of propane produces -
3 cubic feet of CO2
4 cubic feet of H2O
18.5 cubic feet of N

There is a direct relationship between temperature and pressure:

• If the outdoor temperature is 10 degrees, the propane inside a cylinder or tank will also be 10 degrees.
• As the temperature outside the tank increases, so does the temperature inside the tank.
• As the temperature rises, so does the pressure inside the tank.

Propane cylinders and tanks are never filled to 100% capacity. Sufficient space must be left in the container for the liquid to expand. As the temperature of liquid propane increases, it expands and takes up more space inside the tank, forcing the vapour into a smaller, tighter space.

The radiator on a vehicle is a similar example most of us can relate to: on a hot day, or after an extended drive on a hot day, the liquid in a rad expands, forcing vapour into less space and the pressure increases. In extreme cases, the expanding liquid may expand, consume all available vapour space and the rad will bubble over.

The science speaks for itself. Propane is Clean Energy.

Using Sparling's instead of coal, oil, gasoline, electricity or wood for residential and industrial applications can greatly reduce the severe environmental threat caused by the generation of carbon dioxide.

Some examples in the transportation sector:

• Propane is more environmentally friendly than gasoline or diesel.
• Propane emits up to 26% less greenhouse gases than conventional gasoline and significantly fewer emissions of criteria air contaminants and air toxics that impact air quality and human health (Dr. Gerald Higgins, Richard Ivey School of Business).
• Using propane as a transportation fuel can assist in reducing urban smog and fine particulate matter by 40%, nitrogen oxides by 50% and total hydrocarbon emissions by 87% (Canadian Environmental Sustainability Report - 2007)

Like all energies, propane prices are influenced by several primary factors, including supply and demand.

In recent years, consumers have also seen the influence of "geopolitical factors" on energy prices. These complex factors may be described simply as "any real or perceived threat to peace, reliable access to oil and gas, and steady refining, production and distribution."

The price of propane follows the price of crude oil and natural gas - these are sources of propane.

Yes.

Sparling's constantly works to balance myriad factors in developing a continuously secure and reliable propane supply. We consider this the critical service component in the relationship with you, our valued Customers.

Nationally, over 80% of the propane produced in Canada originates in the natural gas stream.

Approximately 40% of Canadian production is consumed for domestic purposes. The other 60% is exported, primarily to the United States.

No.

Profits do not increase as the price of propane increases.

Sparling's purchases propane from major producers and wholesalers, and as wholesale prices increase, we pay more for propane to honour our secure and reliable supply commitments.

Sparling's offers a variety of practical cash management tools including Consistent Customer Pricing, the Protection Plan, Equal Billing and custom-designed Payment Plans (i.e. Automatic Payment Plan, Pre-Authorized Payment, Telephone Banking).

Find out more.

From time to time, Customers ask if there is a benefit to owning their own propane tank. It's a reasonable question. And the answer is simple: "No."

As a Sparling's Customer, you are provided with a propane tank or tanks, for a modest annual tank rental. As the tank owner, Sparling's is responsible for the following:

• Registration with TSSA
• Documented Initial Inspection
• Visual Inspection at Time of Each Propane Delivery
• Annual Documented Inspection
• Maintenance (including repairs, leveling and painting)
• Insurance
• Emergency Response in the Event of an Emergency
• Replacement Costs

In addition to other responsibilities, the Ontario Propane Association has produced a Consumer Guideline which outlines specific legal requirements for consumer tank ownership.

The burden of responsibility on consumers who own propane tanks and pressure vessels has never been greater. Should a consumer choose to own a propane tank, various legal requirements are his or her responsibility.

To provide propane supply to a consumer-owned propane tank, Sparling's would require confirmation that the consumer has properly registered the tank, carries sufficient liability insurance (Canadian industry standard is $5 million liability) and subscribes to the required inspection regimen, as prescribed by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA).

Few propane companies in Ontario sell tanks to Customers. Those who do should be candid with their Customers about the legal responsibilities of tank ownership:

• the propane company may be downloading significant legal responsibilities to the Customer, including maintenance and insurance.
• the propane company still has responsibility for ongoing visual inspection and to ensure tanks are fit for service.

So, Why do Some Propane Companies Sell Tanks? For the Money.
The propane industry is capital intensive - and history suggests some propane companies sell propane tanks to their Customers to reduce the cost of starting and growing their businesses. In other words, if a company is able to encourage Customers to pay for tanks, it reduces the amount of capital - required to operate.

• Each Sparling's cylinder and tank is delivered and installed by qualified, licensed personnel in accordance with all safety requirements and Sparling's own Quality Assurance programs.
• While in service, each Sparling's tank is inspected by the driver at the time of each and every delivery. Any visible deficiencies are reported to Customer Service for follow-up.
• Sparling's completes a documented inspection of every propane tank annually.
• Once every 10 years, a complete appliance and equipment inspection is completed and documented.

In 2000, Sparling's was the first propane company in Ontario to implement such an ambitious and ongoing, tank management initiative the Propane Systems Monitoring Process.

Sparling's was the first propane company in Canada to use Remote Tank Monitoring technology. Tank Monitors enable Sparling's dispatchers and Customer Service team to monitor the amount of propane remaining in specific propane tanks across Ontario.

This information is sent from the tank monitor via modem to a secure website, which may only be viewed by Sparling's. From this, propane deliveries are scheduled to achieve maximum efficiency - and to reduce the number of trips to and from your property. This traffic reduction is one effective component in Sparling's BioSecurity program.

Sparling's is the largest user of remote tank monitors in Canada. Monitors are installed on propane tanks in service to applications (i.e. agricultural, commercial, industrial) which may have significant increases/decreases in propane consumption on a day-to-day basis.

Monitors transmit data indicating the amount of propane remaining in each tank, secure information which is only accessible to Sparling's Customer Service Team.

Benefits of tank monitors are straightforward:

• They reduce the likelihood of a supply interruption.
• They improve efficiency and reduce fuel consumption by eliminating unnecessary trips.
• And they enable Sparling's to help meet Customer security and BioSecurity protocols by limiting the number of times per year propane trucks must enter protected facilities.

Monitors are installed and maintained by Sparling's personnel. There is no charge for this service.

Dark colours absorb sunlight and light colours reflect sunlight.

Most Sparling's tanks are painted white, a light reflective colour for safety and appearance. In some markets, Sparling's tanks may also be tan or silver.

Every propane cylinder and tank is fitted with a relief valve. If the pressure inside the tank or cylinder is too high, the relief valve is designed to activate at specific pressure levels.

Depending on the application, relief valves are pre-set to activate at different pressure levels.

Regardless of the application, if a relief valve is activated, it is designed to close again once the pressure inside the cylinder or tank has been reduced below the relief valve setting.

On most propane cylinders, the relief valve is an integral part of the service valve. It's one of the reasons propane cylinder valves must be replaced every 10 years.

Each time your propane cylinder (i.e. BBQ "tank") is refilled, a visual inspection is conducted. Evidence of damage or lack of maintenance may obligate the propane operator to decline the refill and advise why. Every 10 years, the service relief valve on your propane cylinder must be replaced and the cylinder re-inspected.

Most propane cylinders are constructed of steel, or aluminum.

Composite BBQ tanks are also available and while they are more expensive than steel, they are lighter, will not rust and they are translucent. You can see the amount of propane in the tank.

All cylinders sold by or placed in service by Sparling's are designed, manufactured and approved for use in Canada.

• Sparling's operates a modern fleet of trucks and equipment. Newer engines are more energy efficient and they feature reduced emissions.
• Every vehicle is maintained to the highest safety and operating standards. Policies are in effect to ensure maintenance programming as well as smart workplace policies such as "No Idling"
• The fleet is Clean.
  All light and medium duty vehicles operate on Clean Propane. Cleaner than gasoline, diesel, natural gas, E10 and E85. And propane vehicles cost less to operate, too.
• The fleet is SMART™.
  SMART™ is Sparling's Mapping and Routing Technology system. Using GPS coordinates, SMART™ custom-designs each propane delivery for every Sparling's Customer.
  
  Every propane delivery to you is organized, coordinated and scheduled in the most efficient sequence possible from the most convenient Sparling's location. That means the Sparling's fleet consumes less fuel and reduces its carbon footprint.

In 2000, Sparling's became the first propane company in Canada to voluntarily install wireless remote control systems on all delivery and transport trucks. The remote controls enable drivers to safely control the trucks functions when out of - and away from - the cab.

Yes.

Sparling's sells, installs, services and maintains brand name propane appliances and equipment for every application. That's over 1,000 different agricultural, commercial, construction, residential and industrial applications.

Yes.

Find out more.

Call Sparling's. We do not out-source your Emergency Service.

As a Sparling's Customer, you have access to Guaranteed 24 Hour service from the largest dedicated propane service team in Ontario.

Sparling's is a full-service company. Qualified propane experts and a fleet of full-stocked service vehicles are on call for you, 365 days of the year.

Yes.

Sparling's maintains an extensive inventory of propane appliance parts, piping, and venting materials at each Branch - but we are not parts stores.*

*Parts, equipment, 24 Hour Emergency Parts Availability and 24 Hour Emergency Service are exclusively for Sparling's Customers and Contractors participating in Sparling's propane partners™ program.

24PRO means Prompt, Professional, Propane service from the experts at Sparling's.

24PRO is the name of the Customer Service Program designed exclusively for the benefit of Sparling's Customers.

It is a comprehensive installation, repair and maintenance program covering all propane appliances and equipment at your home, farm or business:

• Guaranteed Prices for Appliances, Equipment and Installation
• Guaranteed Quality Parts
• Guaranteed Service - 24 Hours a Day

The PRO's at Sparling's. Ontario's largest dedicated Propane Service Team - on call for you.

Find out more.

Yes.

24PROPLUS is an Annual Maintenance program available exclusively to Sparling's Customers.

The program is designed to ensure safe and efficient operation of your propane appliances – and to repair minor problems before they become costly major replacements.

Find out more.

In Ontario, the Propane Code requires that every propane installation must be inspected at least once every 10 years. The propane industry refers to this as the Gas Appliance System Check or GASCheck®.

As an industry leader, Sparling's was the first propane company in Canada to voluntarily participate in GASCheck® - before it was a legal requirement.

We are serious about your safety.

Find out more.

One of the propane experts from Sparling's will conduct and complete the inspection. Whether the inspection is conducted by one of our full-time GASCheck® inspectors or one of our technicians, each person is qualified for these responsibilities.

The results of the inspection will be reviewed with you and your questions will be answered.

Each inspection will be scheduled by a Sparling's GASCheck® Coordinator for a date and time agreeable to you.

Inspection times vary depending on the complexity of your system but most residential inspections for example, are completed in less than 2-hours.

This is the ultimate resource for current and specific technical information about the use of propane in transportation, propane safety and risk management practices.

Sparling's is an invested stakeholder in this exciting enterprise.

The studies are current. The facts are straight forward. The benefits are clear.

Take a look.