What is Natural Gas?
Natural gas isn't dangerous, but it's misuse is. Respect it, know how to use it, and know what to do in an emergency. Natural gas is a methane flammable gas that was formed in the earth millions of years ago. Natural gas is odorless, so a chemical name "mercaptan" was added to make the gas identifiable. It smells like rotten eggs. Used properly, it is a very useful gas, because it burns clean, it's plentiful, reliable and efficient.
Potential Hazards of Natural Gas
- Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Gas burners, that are not adjusted properly, can produce this deadly gas which is odorless and tasteless, but is a killer.
- Explosion: Because it's so flammable, if the gas would leak into a room or a confined space, any flame or spark could set the gas off, causing an explosion.
- Fire: The fire from a natural gas flame is very hot and could ignite any combustible materials that happen to be near the flame.
- Suffocation: Natural gas has no oxygen in it and will not sustain life. If a room or confined space is filled with the gas, anyone in the room will die.
General Safety Rules
- Follow directions from the manufacturer for the use and care of gas appliances.
- Keep combustibles such as papers, fluids, paints, and rags away from furnaces, water heaters, gas ranges, and dryers.
- Keep gas ranges clean. Make sure burner bowls are free of used matches, grease, and paper.
- Have a fire extinguisher near gas appliances at all times.
- Teach children never to light or play with the controls of any gas appliance.
- Keep pilot lights of your gas range lit. If you put out the light to save energy, the gas builds up and an explosion could occur.
- Never, never use your gas range to heat your home or apartment. This practice creates a serious fire hazard and puts you and your family at risk from dangerous carbon monoxide fumes.
Gas Hazard Tips
Your sense of smell should tell you if a gas hazard exists. If the gas smell is strong, follow the following guidelines:
- Do not light matches.
- Do not turn lights on or off.
- Do not use the telephone.
- If possible, notify everyone in the building to leave immediately.
- Call the gas company from a nearby building.
- Do not reenter the building until you have been told it is safe to do so.