Combustible Gas Detectors

Natural gas is an energy source that is commonly used in homes for cooking, heating, and water heating. It is primarily composed of methane. (Methane is a highly flammable chemical compound consisting of one carbon atom surrounded by four hydrogen atoms.) Although it only happens rarely, a natural gas leak can sometimes occur inside the home. A natural gas leak can be dangerous because it increases the risk of fire or explosion. Your local gas company works hard to provide adequate warning in the event of a gas leak. Because methane--and therefore, natural gas--does not have any odor, the gas company adds a warning "rotten-egg" smell (mercaptan or a similar sulfur-based compound) that can be easily detected by most people. However, people who have a diminished sense of smell may not be able to rely upon this safety mechanism. If you have a concern about your ability to smell the additive that signals a gas leak, you need to see a physician and use a different safety signal. A combustible gas leak detector can be an important tool to help protect you and your family.

What to do if your combustible gas leak detector alerts you to a natural gas leak?

1. Leave the house immediately.

2. DO NOT make calls from your home. Phones are capable of producing a spark, which could start a fire or explosion. Contact your local gas utility company from a phone outside and away from your home.

3. DO NOT light a match or other combustible material. Likewise, DO NOT turn any light switches on or off, and DO NOT plug or unplug electrical appliances such as a television or vacuum cleaner. These activities also can produce a spark that could start a fire or explosion.

4. Do not re-enter the house until the gas company finds the source of the leak and corrects it.

Content Courtesy : www.nidcd.nih.gov