Last Updated on March 14, 2024 by Nasir Hanif
Our homes are powered by natural gas, an inexpensive fuel that is reliable. There are many gas appliances in our homes that we use on a daily basis. A fireplace, a water heater on demand, a clothes dryer, or a range are just a few examples.
Although natural gas is a safe source of energy you must know the safety precautions to take when dealing with it. By taking these basic precautions, you can ensure the safety of your home and business.
Here are six safety tips that you should follow when using natural gas in your home or business premises. But before we go to these tips let’s first understand what dangers natural gas poses.
Dangers Of Natural Gas
Natural gas is a major player in the energy market, and it has many advantages over other forms of energy. However, there are some dangers associated with natural gas that should be taken into account when using it in your home.
One of the biggest dangers of natural gas is the potential for methane leakage. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, and it can easily escape from natural gas systems if they are not properly maintained. Methane levels in your home can reach dangerous levels, which can be harmful to your health and even lead to explosions.
It is important to keep your natural gas system well maintained to avoid these dangers. You should contact your municipal gas company right away in the event of a leak or damage. They will be able to help you take appropriate measures to protect yourself and your home.
Six Useful Natural Gas Safety Tips
We use gas appliances in many of our homes, so it is important to keep them in good working order. By performing a few basic safety checks, you will be able to keep them in good working condition.
1. Make Sure Your Gas Appliances Are Regularly Inspected
Your appliances will perform as they should if you maintain them regularly. The regular inspection of your appliance will also help prevent more serious problems, such as the formation of fires or the poisoning of carbon monoxide.
It is simply a matter of arranging an annual service visit with your gas supply company and asking them to inspect your home for any gas leaks. Assuming everything is well, ask them for a gas safety certificate so you will be 100% sure that your home is safe from natural gas hazards.
2. Learn How To Identify Poisoning From Carbon Monoxide
Take steps to protect yourself and your family against carbon monoxide poisoning. Despite its colorlessness and appearance, carbon monoxide gas is hazardous to human health if inhaled. A person should be familiar with the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning in the event that a leak occurs within their gas appliances.
There are 6 main symptoms to watch out for: headaches, dizziness, nausea, breathlessness, collapse, and loss of consciousness. Immediately contact your Gas Supplier and take your family member to a physician if you believe they have been exposed to carbon monoxide.
3. There Should Be A Carbon Monoxide Alarm In The Home
Is there a carbon monoxide monitoring system in your home? It is recommended that you maintain a CO alarm in your home if you have a boiler, stove, or fuel-burning fireplace. This odorless, dangerous gas may leak from your appliances if they have not been properly installed and ventilated.
Invest in a CO alarm that emits an audible signal, and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. The alarm should be placed approximately 15 cm from the ceiling. Moreover, it is advisable to test the batteries on a regular basis. This will alert you to a carbon monoxide leak if there is any in your home.
4. Add An Excess Flow Valve To Your Gas Mater
When the flow of natural gas through a service line exceeds a predetermined rate, an excess flow valve stops it automatically. The activation of an EFV lowers the possibility of property damage and/or injury resulting from the accumulation of natural gas.
The devices do not generally prevent slow leaks that are caused by corrosion or loose fittings. Furthermore, it does not protect against leaks occurring beyond the natural gas meter in piping owned by the customer.
5. Maintain A Clean And Obstruction-Free Natural Gas Fireplace
It is comfortable and attractive to have a natural gas fireplace in your living room but keep your kids, pets, and combustibles away from it. Fire-resistant hearth guards and safety screens can protect against accidents and ensure that the fireplace remains clean.
Clean out your chimney regularly to avoid any gas buildup in the house.
6. Be Sure To Use Gas Appliances As Intended
Gas appliances must be used according to their intended purpose. Tampering with these appliances could lead to a fatal accident. In this manner, appliances will be used safely, and any unwanted emergencies will be avoided. Proper ventilation is essential for gas appliances: preventing air vents from being blocked reduces the risk of fire.
How Do You Deal With A Gas Leak?
If you detect a peculiar or “rotten egg” odor in your home, please immediately take the following actions:
- Make sure that electric switches, appliances, and flashlights are not operated.
- Make sure candles and matches are not lit, and that open flames are extinguished.
- Let in fresh air by opening all windows and doors.
- Contact your local gas company immediately from a nearby landline or cell phone and leave the premises.
- Reenter your residence only after a certified technician or other specialist has addressed the leakage.
Final Thoughts
Although natural gas is a completely safe and clean source of energy but you must always keep in mind the dangers it poses for you and your family. It is important for you to be aware of how you and your family can stay safe from natural gas disasters.
Follow six tips outlined in the article and you are rest assured that no harm will come to your house.
