Gas Safety Awareness – Does It Important?
Have you ever checked the condition of your gas appliance at home? Surprisingly, it is really an important matter in order to prevent any incident related to gas leaks, fire explosion and even carbon monoxide poisoning.
Natural gas and propane are safe to use, but if there is a problem with the appliance, the venting system, improper handling it can be dangerous. So be aware of any unwanted signs and get yourself some basic knowledge on how to maintain your gas appliances.
Warning Sign of Gas Leak
Some common warning sign of leaking gas is firstly, it gives an easily identified odor. Natural gas having the properties of odorless and colorless. So, be aware of the presence of unusual smell (similar smell to sulphur or rotten eggs). The stronger the smell, the higher possible is that you are having a gas leak.
Listen for hissing sound near gas lines or appliances because it can also be one of the leaking signs. The sound occurs because the gas is under pressure and escaping through a small hole of malfunctioning valve. The sound may be louder depending on the size of the leak and pressure of the gas.
Another potential sign of gas leaking is dead or dying houseplants near the gas line. Natural gas is composed of methane which can be lethal to plant. If the gas leak is exposed to plant, the plant will slowly die or become stunted because oxygen give been replacing with the leaking gas.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide is produced when certain fuels (natural gas, propane, gasoline) are burned. If a gas appliance is malfunctioning or not vented properly, it can lead to the build-up of carbon monoxide is which is very dangerous when being exposed to human health and even can lead to dead. Some symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning including headaches, breathlessness, nausea, vomiting and loss of consciousness.
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What to do when having a gas leak?
If you suspect a gas leak, it is important to take immediate action to protect yourself from any harm. First step is to leave the area immediately. You should evacuate the building or area as soon as possible as gas leak can be very dangerous. Avoid using any electrical switches, appliance or even starting vehicle because it can cause spark and potentially ignite gas and can lead to fire explosion.
Immediately call emergency service number (999) or gas company’s emergency hotline to report any gas leak incident and follow the instruction given by them to ensure your safety and everyone around you. Opening windows and doors can help dispersing the gas and ventilate the area.
Do not return back to the area until it is confirmed safe. Gas leaking is unpredictable, and it is important to wait for the confirmation from the authorities to do so.
It is highly recommended to get some advice from professional inspector regarding the gas appliance condition and your house system before use it to ensure the functional and safety. Besides, you can also consider in having carbon monoxide alarm or natural gas detector installed in your home as a good precaution against any gas safety issues.
How to prevent gas leak?
There are several steps to take to prevent any gas leakage happened in your home. Regularly inspect your gas appliance (stoves, furnace) is important for any sign of wear and tear. Look for any leaks, tears, cracks in the appliances. Besides, ensure all gas connection is in correct orientation, properly sealed and does not corrode.
Do not use any gas appliance that are not following the safety standard or showing any signs of damage. Keep flammable material away from gas appliance and vents. Knowing the location of your shut-off valve and how to turn it off during emergency will be a good precaution to take for any incident in the future.
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