Suspect A Gas Leak? Here’s What You Should Do

With 140 deaths per year linked to gas leaks, gas safety is something that every household should take seriously.  LPG cylinders are commonly used in every house and are something we are dependent on. But these harmless looking cylinders injured hundreds of people every year. Natural gas is safe when installed and used correctly. But still, gas leaks can occur. So, here’s what you should do if you suspect a gas leak or when that pungent smell hits your nostrils.

What Causes A Gas Leak?

Gas leaks can occur from defective rubber tubing (one that connects the cylinder to the burner), poor handling of gas appliances and poorly fitted connection. Apart from that leaving the dishes unattended can cause spillover, which in turn douses the burner and causes a gas leak.

Gas Leak Signs In The Home

If there’s a gas leak in the home, a person can easily notice it. There are some signs which can help you notice a gas leak.

• A hissing or whistling sound near the gas
• Bubbles in water
• A pungent like the smell of sulfur or rotten eggs
• A white cloud or dust cloud near the gas
• Dead house plants
• A damaged gas pipe
• If you are feeling lightheaded, dizzy or nauseous, you should go out immediately and if the symptoms go away in the fresh air, then there might be a gas leak.
• If the burner is showing yellow or orange flames instead of blue crisp flames, then a gas leak is there. 

What You Should Do In Case Of A Gas Leak

If there’s a gas leak, it's vital to do the following:

Do not panic: Panicking will not let you think clearly and will be harmful in such cases. Maintain a sense of calm, and convey the same to other occupants as well.

Extinguish any fire in your house:  When a gas leak is suspected, extinguish all flames, even incense sticks! Kepp matchbox and lighter or anything that can catch fire, away from gas.

Let the gas escape: Immediately open all the doors and windows to ventilate your house. Let the gas escape naturally, don’t switch on the exhaust fan.

Shutting down the appliances:  Next, shut down every electrical appliance and then turn off the LPG regulator. After turning it off, put the safety cap back on the cylinder. 

Evacuate the building: If a gas leak is there, make sure everyone leaves the building and go outside. Call the helpline number 0800111999 and don’t enter in the house till they come.

If the gas has entered in your eyes, it can cause itching and burning sensation. Resist the temptation to itch and wash your eyes with fresh water for around 15-20 minutes. If you are wearing contact lens, remove it before washing your face.

If you’re feeling itching and burning sensation on your body, immediately remove all your clothes and take a shower with cold water for at least 15-20minutes.

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How You Can Prevent Gas Leak

• Replace tubes regularly. 
• Get the tubes checked twice a year, by professionals.
• Always store gas cylinders away from sunlight, heat, sparks, and flames.
• LPG gas cylinders must be stored in an upright position. The pressure relief valve should be in the vapor space of the cylinders.

A gas leak is avoidable if you check your regulators and safety valves, but if one does happen, now you know what to do.