What to do if you smell gas?
What exactly is natural gas?
Natural gas is colorless, non-toxic, and naturally odorless. However, a substance is added (odorization) that gives it a distinctive warning odor—similar to the smell of rotten eggs.
This means that even the slightest leaks in gas installations are detected long before the lower flammability limit is reached. Natural gas is lighter than air and consists mainly of methane and small amounts of
Contains higher hydrocarbons. The ignition range is between 4 and 16 vol.% in a mixture with air, and the ignition temperature is approximately 600°C.
What should I do if there is a gas leak?
The fire department and the gas company must be notified immediately. The necessary measures depend on whether the gas is leaking outdoors or indoors, and whether it is burning or not.
The order of measures depends on the respective situation.
In case of gas leak outdoors - not burning
* Avoid all sources of ignition: switch off engines, prevent electrical switching operations, and strictly prohibit smoking.
* Use only explosion-proof electrical devices (lamps, radio devices, radio signaling devices, etc.).
* Seal off the danger area as far as possible, including public traffic. Consider wind direction if possible.
* Contain or prevent gas leaks (temporarily block, squeeze, bend the pipe, possibly pour sand or excavated material into the excavation pit).
* Be aware of “gas pockets” that can form in rooms, but especially in shafts, ducts and neighboring buildings.
* If possible, prevent gas from entering rooms (close windows, roll up awnings).
In case of gas leak outdoors - burning
* Cordon off a wide area. Pay attention to wind direction. Keep endangered objects wet. Do not extinguish!
* Exception: If necessary to save human life. In this case, take all possible measures to prevent flashback.
In case of gas leakage in buildings - non-burning
* If present, close the shut-off valve upstream of the building. Close the main shut-off valve. Closing a meter valve is only sufficient if it is clear that the gas is only escaping in the installation downstream of that meter.
* Extinguish all flames, do not light lighters or matches, and strictly prohibit smoking.
* Ensure good ventilation, open windows and doors. Use only explosion-proof electrical devices (lamps, radio devices, radio signaling devices, etc.). Avoid ignition sources.
* Do not operate any electrical switches, e.g. doorbells (possibly place guards at a safe distance to guard the front door).
* Do not unplug any electrical devices. Do not use the telephone in the danger zone.
* If possible, disconnect buildings from the power supply, but only if the corresponding disconnection option is clearly outside the danger area.
* Pay attention to “gas pockets” that can form in rooms, even in neighboring rooms, but especially in shafts and ducts.
* If there is a strong smell of gas or noise from the flow, the affected building must be evacuated.
Buildings may only be entered for rescue purposes, taking the gas concentration into account.
In case of gas leakage in buildings - burning
* Do not extinguish! Exception: If necessary to save human life. In this case, take all possible measures to prevent flashback.
* If present, close the shut-off valve upstream of the building. Close the main shut-off valve. Closing a meter valve is only sufficient if it is clear that the gas is only escaping in the installation downstream of that meter.
Call your fire department immediately via the Emergency call 112!
