Important Safety Tips for Sparling's Customers
To Follow When Digging Out after a Winter Storm

Sparling's recommends these safety tips to follow when removing snow from around propane tanks and equipment:

• As soon as practical, provide a clear pathway so Sparling's can easily refill the propane tank in your yard. Driveways should be kept accessible for propane delivery vehicles.
• If necessary, use snow stakes to indicate the location of the tank.
• Just like sidewalks, propane equipment needs to be cleared-off after a storm. If a propane tank is buried under a metre of snow, use a broom and carefully clear the snow off the tank or around any exposed piping, regulator, gauges and tubing, being especially careful not to damage equipment or break any piping or tubing.
• Heavy icicles or large accumulations of snow falling from eaves can severely damage regulators, piping, tubing, relief valves, etc. Do not shovel snow from the roof of a garage or house onto the tank or the exposed piping around the propane regulator. Be sure to avoid shoveling snow onto any piping or meters connected to the propane tank.
• Check the regulator vents on the propane system to be sure they are free of condensation, which, if frozen, may cause a malfunction. If a regulator vent is clogged with ice or snow, contact Sparling's immediately. If you have a 2-stage regulator propane system, you will need to check both the regulator and the house and at the tank.
• Check all gas intake and exhaust vents for the clothes dryer, furnace, water heater, fireplace and all other appliances to be sure they are clear of snow or ice. A one metre area should be kept clear around the vents to prevent high winds from funneling in.
• In the unlikely event you detect the odour of escaping gas, immediately extinguish all smoking materials and open flames. Exit the building area immediately. Do not touch electrical switches, light matches or use the phone. Turn off the gas valve on the outside tank, meter or service area. Telephone Sparling's and the fire department from a neighbour's phone. Do not re-enter until the building has been inspected.
• Only have a qualified Sparling's technician return you your gas appliance(s) to service.

During the busy winter season, Sparling's asks Customers to be patient with their deliveries. Slick roads and hazardous driving conditions may cause unavoidable delays. Since your safety and comfort are Sparling's primary business purpose, every delivery is treated as a priority.

And after the storm - get out and enjoy winter! It's a beautiful season.