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When it comes to home safety, few topics are as important as gas safety. Natural gas has become a part of our daily lives, yet many homeowners still aren't confident about the necessary safety protocols and maintenance requirements. Whether you're cooking dinner or taking a hot shower, understanding gas safety is crucial for protecting your family and property.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll share the essentials of gas safety, equipping you with all the knowledge and practical safety tips to identify signs of concern, prevent accidents and respond effectively should an emergency arise.
Natural gas is a versatile energy source composed of hydrocarbons, including methane, nitrogen and carbon dioxide. It's valued for its efficiency and relatively low environmental impact compared to other fossil fuels.
It can however be dangerous if not handled correctly. It's highly flammable, meaning even a small gas leak can lead to fires and explosions. It's also odourless in its natural state, making some leaks harder to detect.
Gas safety is essential for preventing accidents and creating a safe environment to live in. Faulty appliances or poor ventilation can very quickly become larger, more dangerous issues if not dealt with promptly and effectively.
Ensuring professional installation and inspections can help you ensure your property adheres to safety guidelines and regulations and that you and your family are safe from any risks associated with a natural gas leak.
There are some key signs of a natural gas leak. While odourless in its natural state, a rotten egg smell is a common clue that something's not right. Other indicators include hissing sounds, air bubbles and dying plants with no explanation.
If you happen to inhale natural gas, Healthline says you may experience physical symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, eye and throat irritation, fatigue, breathing problems or pale skin or blisters.
If you smell gas or suspect a gas leak, you need to evacuate the area immediately. Remaining in the property could pose risks to your well-being or the health of children or pets. Don't use any electrical devices or appliances including phones as they can ignite the gas, causing potential fires.
Never investigate the leak or try to shut off the gas supply yourself. Call the emergency services or national gas emergency number (1800 GAS LEAK (1800 427 532)) as soon as possible, immediate action is crucial.
Wait in a safe space for the expert to arrive and resolve the problem. Don't reenter the property until they have assured you it's safe to do so.
The Mayo Clinic describes carbon monoxide poisoning is a serious and potentially fatal condition that occurs when high levels of carbon monoxide in the air cause the body to absorb it in place of oxygen in red blood cells.
Carbon monoxide is produced by burning fuels, including gas, wood, propane or charcoal. Appliances that aren't well-vented can cause the gas to build up while small, enclosed spaces make this dangerous build-up worse.
Installing carbon monoxide detectors can help alert you to any potentially dangerous leaks around the home. As an invisible, odourless gas, these monitors are critical for your safety. Install detectors on each level of your home, as well as by sleeping areas.
Ensure your detectors meet local regulations and remember to change the batteries regularly. Some modern devices come with a digital display or voice alerts, for an extra level of protection.
To ensure the safety of those living on your property, it's recommended to have a professional inspect your appliances regularly. Not only will this identify any potential risks but ensure the optimal performance of your equipment—a win-win!
During regular inspections, a plumber can check and clean your heating system to prevent issues like incomplete combustion or carbon monoxide leaks. Don't try and complete this task yourself, call in the experts who have all the necessary tools and experience to do the checks safely.
To ensure proper airflow, keep the area around your furnace clear and keep any flammable materials well away. Cleaning solutions or paint coming into contact with the furnace could result in fire or dangerous fumes.
Maintaining a clear space around the furnace also helps prevent overheating and ensures the system operates efficiently and safely.
There are some common warning signs of gas furnace issues that may signal it's time to call in an expert.
A gas furnace should typically have a steady, glowing blue flame. If you notice any changes to this flame, it's likely there's an issue. Problems often manifest as yellow, orange or green flames and indicate that gas is not burning efficiently.
Listen out for any noises you haven't heard before like rattling or squeaking as an indication of loose parts. Complete silence is also suspicious and worth having a plumber check.
High utility bills can also act as a warning sign. It could be an indication that your heating system isn't working as efficiently as it should be. The fix could be a simple change of filter or may need some deeper investigating by an expert, so the issue doesn't get worse over time.
Your gas line transports natural gas from the main supply to the appliances in your home, including furnaces, water heaters, stoves, and more. Having a plumber perform regular maintenance ensures proper functioning and highlights any potential hazards before they escalate into major problems.
There are some DIY checks you can do to spot visible signs of damage to your gas lines. Look for any cracks or rusty joints or fittings. Enlist the help of someone to shine a light on places difficult to see or use a mirror for the really hidden parts.
If you notice anything of concern, or don't feel like you can complete a thorough inspection, seek professional help—it's what we're here for. Certified technicians have all the specialised equipment to ensure that no gas leak goes unnoticed.
You probably use your gas-powered appliances day in, day out, without much thought—but are you using them safely?
As mentioned earlier, ensure there's plenty of ventilation around the appliance, maintain proper airflow in the room and keep flammable materials away. Always refer to manufacturer guidelines when installing or disconnecting any gas appliance.
Never leave gas heating on overnight or when you're out of the house and always supervise children in proximity to gas appliances. Make sure to regularly clean your gas stove, oven and grill to remove fat and grease build up, reducing the risk of fire.
Emergencies, by nature, happen when we're not expecting them—gas leaks are no different. Having a plan in place should an incident occur is always a good idea. Educate family members on the plan so that everyone knows the course of action should something happen.
Include contact information for the emergency services along with your propane supplier. Signal meeting points a safe distance away from the property complete with evacuation routes. Take the time to practise this plan, especially with young children.
With such potential dangers at stake, learning about topics like gas safety can feel overwhelming. So long as you're aware of the warning signs and safety tips, keeping up with regular maintenance and speaking to the experts when necessary, you're on the road to safe operation.
Does your kitchen smell of rotten eggs? Is your furnace flame burning green? Or perhaps your gas line pipe is suspiciously silent? Don't risk being exposed to harmful gases, keep your family safe and call in team Plumberoo to identify any early warning signs of a natural gas leak.
