Together with the National Safety Council, the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) recognizes June as National Safety Month. National Safety Month is an annual observance to educate and influence behaviors around leading causes of preventable injuries and deaths.
Natural gas is used by more than 50 percent of American households as their main heating source. Natural gas is clean, efficient and relatively safe. However, because there are potential dangers associated with natural gas usage, the PUCO recommends that consumers remember these safety tips.
Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning
The chemical properties of natural gas make it a clean fuel source. However, those same properties make it potentially dangerous for consumers if their natural gas appliances are not properly maintained. One of the dangers of poorly maintained or improperly used appliances is carbon monoxide poisoning. If a faulty furnace does not burn natural gas properly, or is not vented properly, carbon monoxide can begin to build in the home. When a person breathes carbon monoxide, their brain and organs are robbed of the oxygen necessary to function properly, and they can become sick and incapacitated very quickly. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are similar to those of the flu without a fever. Those experiencing these symptoms should get out of the house and call 9-1-1, the fire department or emergency medical services immediately.
To reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, here are a few tips:
- Install a carbon monoxide detector. These devices work similarly to a smoke detector, only they measure the amount of carbon monoxide in the air.
- Have appliances that use natural gas inspected by a qualified repair person once a year.
- Inspect the vents, flues and chimneys of all gas water heaters, furnaces and fireplaces to ensure proper ventilation of exhaust.
- Never use an oven to heat the house. This can damage the oven and cause carbon monoxide to be released into the home.
- Never sleep in a room heated by a gas or kerosene space heater that does not have proper venting.
Gas Line Leaks
While rare, natural gas line leaks can be extremely dangerous. The most telling sign of a natural gas line leak is the familiar rotten egg odor. This odor is added to the natural gas so it can be detected in the event of a leak.
The biggest hazard of a gas leak is an explosion. When natural gas builds up in an enclosed area, it becomes extremely volatile. Gas leaks in the home can be easily prevented by ensuring flexible gas lines are inspected regularly and installed properly by licensed professionals.
Most gas lines coming into the home are buried underground. Before doing any job that requires digging outside, homeowners should call the Ohio Utilities Protection Service at 8-1-1 at least 48 hours before digging. The utilities will be contacted and asked to mark the lines they own. After the lines have been marked safe, careful digging can begin.
If you detect a strong gas odor, follow these tips:
- Do not attempt to locate the leak.
- Do not turn on or off any electrical appliances.
- Do not smoke or use any open flames.
- Leave the house and, from a safe distance, call the utility company and 9-1-1.
- When digging outside, if a natural gas line is damaged, call the utility immediately. Do not attempt to repair the line.
By following these safety tips, natural gas can continue to be a safe and efficient source of energy for the home.
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