During these colder months, we rely heavily on natural gas to keep our homes and ourselves warm. Although gas is a cheap and efficient energy source, its exposure can be hazardous for our health and home.
Gas leakage can result in carbon monoxide poisoning, which in severe cases, causes death, but that’s not the only thing you need to worry about. If gas leakage goes undetected, it can result in a fire that can damage your appliances or even whole property that, results in millions worth of damage.
Well, fret not; all these disasters can be easily prevented by following basic gas safety tips. The following ten safety guidelines will help you prevent any gas leakage emergency in your home and keep you, your family and your appliances safe. So, let’s get started.
10 Gas Safety Tips for Homeowners
Educating yourself about the various methods of preventing natural gas leaks and the associated risks can save many people’s lives. Following these practical safety tips, you can prevent incidents with natural gas appliances.
Having an Annual Inspection and Service of Your Gas Appliances
Checking and servicing your gas appliances yearly should be among your top gas safety tips. Conversely, tenants who rent should obtain a copy of their landlord’s most recent gas safety certificate CP12. A gas appliance must be checked yearly by the homeowner to prolong its life and ensure the safety of everyone.
2) Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Natural gas leaks are sometimes difficult to detect, especially at low concentrations. A person with poor smelling abilities may need help identifying gas leaks at high concentrations. You can keep your home safe from natural gas leaks by installing a natural gas detector.
When there is a gas leak, you will always be alerted by these detectors, regardless of how much gas is leaking. Carbon monoxide indicators warn you when natural gas or fossil fuels are not burnt properly.
3) Learn How To Detect Gas Leaks
It is crucial to monitor whether natural gas appliances are leaking or not when using them. Almost all pipes and appliances that use natural gas can leak; therefore, it is crucial to know the symptoms of gas leaks and their odours.
Yes, natural gas detectors can help you detect these leaks, but what if someone doesn’t have them installed or they stop working due to a fault? Following are some ways to detect a gas leak. The following are some of the most common signs of natural gas leakage:
● The Smell of Rotten Eggs
Generally speaking, natural gas is colourless and odourless in its natural state. Most gas companies, however, use odors to help identify the gas, such as rotten eggs or Sulphur.
● A Hissing Sound
A high-pressure gas leak may cause a hissing sound to be produced in appliances or pipes. To ensure that your device is not producing this sound, regularly check your appliances and remember to turn off their gas supply after using them. After detecting a natural gas leak, the best action is to contact 911 as soon as possible.
4) Keep Your Home’s Chimneys and Vents Clear of Any Obstruction
Check the chimneys and vents frequently to ensure they are not blocked, thereby preventing a gas safety hazard. The proper operation of gas appliances depends on the presence of vents.
It is important to avoid obstructing them with furniture or upholstery. To maintain the safety of your home, ensure that your chimneys are cleaned and inspected twice annually.
5) Only Use Gas Appliances For Their Intended Purpose
Due to the serious consequences of tampering with gas appliances, you should carefully ensure that they are only used for their intended purpose. While it may seem obvious, don’t use gas appliances other than their intended purpose.
For example, don’t use a gas stove to heat the room. Similarly, gas appliances should not be tampered with, as doing so could prove fatal. If any appliance stops working or develops a fault, consult a technician or call someone from the company whose appliance you are using.
6) Make Sure You are Prepared in Case of an Emergency
You must act quickly in the event of a gas emergency. The best thing you can do if you smell gas is to open all the windows and doors to ensure the room is ventilated. Following that, you should disconnect the gas supply and exit the property. Make sure you contact your national emergency gas line after vacating the property.
7) Educate Your Children Regarding Natural Gas Safety
To ensure your children’s safety, teach them about the dangers of natural gas. Learn how to detect gas leaks, how they smell, what they do, and what precautions to take when exposed to natural gas.
Likewise, it would be best if you always kept them at a distance from natural gas appliances and other gas sources that can pose a threat to their safety.
8) Locate Your Gas Shutoff Valve so You Can Turn it Off
Ensure you know where and how to operate the main natural gas shutoff valve in an emergency. Keep a screwdriver or wrench handy just in case the valve gets stuck and won’t turn off.
9) In Case of Gas Leak Detection, Avoid Using Any Electronics on The Premises
It is recommended that you avoid using electronic devices while inside a home that is exposed to natural gas. Devices with a battery, such as light switches, cell phones, or other electronic devices, fall into this category.
10) Dig Around Your Home With Caution To Avoid Damage to Gas Pipes
When you dig up the ground around or within your home for renovation purposes, do it safely. Gas piping can be damaged or disrupted in a manner that can result in serious injury. It is also important to be mindful of this when gardening because a little carelessness may damage the underground gas supply.
Conclusion
A natural gas source can provide cost-effective and safe energy when used responsibly. The key to ensuring home safety is having a thorough understanding of natural gas safety tips and knowing how to perform basic first aid. It’s possible to prevent natural gas leaks and improve the safety of your home by following the tips described above.
