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USING GAS SAFELY


While natural gas is not toxic and non-breathable it can lead to asphyxiation if the amount of oxygen in an area is too low. Natural gas is much lighter than air and can easily form inflammable combinations. Natural gas has no smell but for safety reasons substances are added to it which give it the smell we are all familiar with. These additives, which help to identify potentially dangerous leaks, do not damage gas burners or pipes and do not affect energy efficiency. A few simple rules will help ensure your safety. If understood and respected, natural gas is not only a clean energy source, but a safe and reliable one.

Natural gas requires a lot of oxygen to burn properly - at least 12 cubic metres of air per cubic metre of gas.
This is the only way proper combustion will take place, with all the hydrogen and carbon in the gas joining with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water vapour. If there is not enough air for the gas to burn, the combustion process is incomplete leading to the generation of carbon monoxide, an odourless, poisonous gas. So it is essential that boiler rooms, water heaters and stove top burners have plenty of ventilation to ensure a steady supply of oxygen. However combustion, regardless of ventilation, still produces carbon dioxide, a gas which is not in itself poisonous but which fills the air robbing it of oxygen and making it unbreathable. The by-products of combustion must therefore be discharged outdoors using ducts or flues. Law 46/90 sets the standard for all existing equipment and the installation of new equipment as well as their maintenance.

This law also requires that equipment is installed by appropriately accredited, qualified personnel. A certificate of conformity with the existing legislation must be issued which will be based on the capacity of the equipment. Without the certificate the building will not be certified as fit for occupancy and habitation.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL GAS


  • Do not light matches or lighters
  • Do not operate light switches
  • Do not handle power plugs
  • Turn off gas taps (the main one and any where the leak is) immediately
  • Open doors and windows to air the area immediately
  • If necessary call the emergency number for your area

> In the event of an accident follow the instructions issued by your public liability insurer