What is natural gas?
The main components of natural gas used in daily life are methane, which is a colorless, tasteless, non-toxic and non-corrosive flammable gas. However, when the concentration of natural gas in the air goes up to 5%~15%, it's highly possible to be explosive when open flames occur. Therefore, it's necessary for us to learn how to use natural gas safely. The explosion limit of natural gas is from 4% to 16%, that is to say, when the concentration of gas in the air is within this range, the natural gas will explode when it meets even tiny sparks.
What to do when gas leaks.
Don’t panic when the gas leaks accidentally. Keep these things in mind.
1. The key to preventing gas explosion is to prevent leakage.
2. If a gas leak is found, do not make a phone call or switch the lights on or off. The first step is to turn off the intake valve, then open the doors and windows for ventilation, and then leave the scene as soon as possible to go to a safe place and call for professional assistance. Meanwhile, a good habit of switching off the gas valve before leaving home and going to bed should be formed.
What should be avoided?
1. Do not change a gas pipeline without permission. Some families move the gas meter to a confined space for the sake of beauty. Generally, the installment of natural gas should be handled by professionals. Thus, you cannot change the original tubes and facilities casually.
2. Do not put combustibles or explosives close to fuel gas facilities. Rooms with natural gas should avoid using coal, alcohol, gasoline and etc.
3. Do not use open flame to test for a gas leak. Doorbells and other electronic products should not be used neither.
Five tricks to teach you how to prevent it!
#01 One on & three off
After using gas, the switch of the stove and valve should be off to prevent gas leakage. If you leave the room for a long time, please kindly turn off the valve before the meter.
#02 Do not leave when using gas.
Do not leave the stove unattended when cooking and using gas so as to prevent gas leakage caused by stove flameout which can be triggered by the overflow of a boiling soup or the blowing of the wind.
Ventilation advised after long-time use of gas
#03 Make sure the kitchen has good ventilation after using gas for a long time. Using a gas stove under poor ventilation conditions will result in the lack of oxygen, leading to carbon monoxide intoxication. It is suggested to ventilate at least 5 times per hour if a two-eye gas stove is installed in a kitchen smaller than 6 cubic meters. It is best to install a ventilation fan in the kitchen to allow for air flow.
#04 Immediately open doors and windows and call the gas company when there is a strange odor.
Open windows at once and evacuate to a safe place to call the emergency service when a peculiar smell is sensed near the gas stove. In the meantime, avoid creating sparks in the room. In addition, it is forbidden to turn lights on or off, smoke, or make phone calls on the scene in order to prevent a gas explosion.
#05 Check the gas hose regularly and replace it when it expires.
The rubber hose should be replaced once every 18 months to prevent cracking, aging, and hardening; Check regularly to prevent rats’ biting. The hose should not exceed 2 meters, and both ends should be clamped tightly with a pipe hoop. The hose cannot be higher than the hearth, so as not to be heated by the fire therefore cause accidents.
Kind reminder when gas leakage occurs :
If the gas leak has been confirmed, please strictly obey the following rules:
No open flames!!!
Do not turn any electrical appliances on or off!!!
Do not call on site!!!
Do not ring the doorbell!!!
That's because these acts can easily create a small spark that can trigger a gas explosion.
Please keep these tips in mind!