East Bay Gas Lines - Gas Odors and Pilot Lights - Danville

Gas Odors and Pilot Lights

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Natural gas is odorless and colorless.
As a safety precaution, PG&E adds a sulfur-like odor to natural gas to help people identify gas leaks.


Figure 1.1

Safety Tips

• Keep a flashlight handy to investigate minor gas odors. Never use matches or candles to look for gas leaks, and never turn any electric switches on or off if you suspect a gas leak.
• Check pilot lights to see if they are lit.
• If the smell of gas continues, or if you have any doubts, open windows and doors and get everyone out of the building. Using a phone away from the building, call 9-1-1 and PG&E at 1-800-743-5000.

Many older gas appliances and most water heaters have a small, continuously burning gas flame – the pilot light – that ignites the main burner. Some newer models have electronic igniters.


Figure 1.2

• Know which of your appliances have a pilot light.
• Know how to relight any pilot lights following the appliance manufacturers' instructions. Often, basic relight instructions are located inside the main burner compartment door [as shown above in figure 1.2]. If you cannot relight the pilot light yourself, call PG&E or another qualified professional for assistance.
• If the pilot light is out, shut the gas off at the appliances gas shutoff valve. Always wait five minutes to let gas disperse before trying to relight an appliance pilot light.

Don't Just Rely On Your Nose
Although PG&E adds a distinctive odor to natural gas as a safety precaution to assist in the detection of leaks, you should not rely solely on your sense of smell to determine if natural gas is present.
There are a number of reasons why your sense of smell alone is not enough to alert you to the presence of natural gas. Some people may not be able to detect the odorant because they have a diminished sense of smell, or because they have smelled the same odor for too long or because the odor is being masked by other odors in the area.
There are also certain conditions that may cause the odor to "fade" so that it is not readily detectable. Odor fade, or loss of odorant, occurs when the odorant in the gas is diminished because of physical and chemical processes.
Here is some important safety information you should know about our natural gas system:

• DO NOT rely on your sense of smell alone to detect the presence of natural gas.
• In addition to the odor added to natural gas, the following signs may indicate the presence of a gas leak:
  • Hissing, whistling or roaring sounds
  • Damaged connections to gas appliances
  • Dead or dying vegetation in otherwise moist areas over or near pipeline areas
  • Unusual soil movement or bubbling water
  • Exposed pipeline after an earthquake, fire, flood or other disaster
• When installing gas appliances or equipment, the manufacturer's instruction manual should be followed in accordance with the local code authority.

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source: pge

East Bay Gas Lines Danville, CA - Gas Appliance Safety

Gas Appliance Safety

Ranges

• When lighting any match-lit burners or ovens, always light the match before turning on the gas. If the flame goes out, turn off the burner and let the gas disperse before relighting.
• Clean away any grease, oil or debris from the area around burners to help prevent fires.
• Never use water to put out a grease fire. Use baking soda, or if a fire is in a pan, smother the flames with a lid. A fire extinguisher in the kitchen is also recommended.
• Move any flammable objects — towels, curtains, calendars — away from range burners and other hot surfaces.

Ovens

• Never use your oven for domestic heating. This misuse of your oven puts you at risk of burns from hot surfaces and shortens the life of oven parts and controls. Use only heaters that are designed for domestic heating and follow the manufacturer's operating instructions.

Water Heaters

• Make sure your water heater is securely anchored to a wall. This will help prevent the heater from shifting and possibly falling in an earthquake.
• If your water heater is on an elevated platform, make sure the platform is sturdy enough to withstand the weight of the water heater and movement during an earthquake.
• A temperature of 120 degrees F is adequate for most household uses with minimal danger of scalding and maximum energy efficiency. Dishwashers require a temperature of 140 degrees F for proper disinfection and cleaning. Most dishwashers preheat the water to the proper temperature; if not, lowering the water-heating temperature is not recommended
• Do not store flammable materials — mops, brooms, laundry, newspapers — near your water heater.
• Do not store combustible materials — paints, solvents, gasoline — in the same room or near your water heater.

Furnaces

• Your furnace should be serviced once a year to help maximize its life and performance. Follow the instructions in the owner's manual, or call a qualified professional.
• Have your furnace checked for fire hazards such as a damaged firebox and any dislodged, clogged, rusted or damaged vents.
• Clean or replace your filter regularly, or after each month of heavy usage.
• Replace the blower door cover after checking your filter.
• Securely fasten the door that covers the pilot light and burner area.
• Do not store combustible materials — paints, solvents, gasoline — in the same room or near your furnace.
• Do not store flammable materials mops, brooms, laundry, newspapers — near your furnace.
• Air-supply vents must be clear of obstructions. Furnaces need a constant supply of fresh air to run efficiently and safely.
• Kerosene heaters or other unvented heaters are not recommended and should only be used in well-ventilated rooms. Always operate your heater according to the manufacturer's instructions.

All Gas Appliances

• Do not store flammable materials — mops, brooms, laundry, newspapers — near gas appliances.
• Do not store combustible materials — paints, solvents, gasoline — in the same room or near your appliances.
• Make sure a flexible gas line connection is installed connecting the gas houseline (the gas pipe connecting your appliances to the gas meter) to the appliance to reduce the likelihood of damage if movement should occur.
• You should have an appliance gas shutoff valve installed at each gas appliance that lets you turn off the gas to that appliance only if there is a gas leak, or if the appliance needs to be replaced or serviced.

source: www.pge.com

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East Bay Gas Lines Danville, CA - Carbon Monoxide

Page Content

What is carbon monoxide?Like any fuel, natural gas needs enough oxygen from combustion air to burn safely and completely. Without enough oxygen, the burn is incomplete and carbon monoxide (CO) results. CO is a colorless, odorless, deadly gas. Because you can’t see, taste or smell it, CO is known as the silent killer.

CO is easily absorbed into the bloodstream, displacing oxygen, eventually resulting in brain damage or death. Dangerous levels of CO can especially affect unborn babies, infants and people with anemia or a history of heart disease.
What are the symptoms of CO poisoning?
Physical symptoms of CO poisoning vary, depending on the amount of CO absorbed into the bloodstream. The more CO in the air, the less oxygen in the blood and greater the danger.

Mild exposure	Medium exposure	Severe exposure
Slight headache	Severe headache	Unconsciousness
Nausea	Drowsiness	Convulsions
Vomiting	Confusion	Cardiac/respiratory failure
Fatigue	Rapid heart rate	Death

What to do if you suspect CO in your home or business:

• Leave the premises and get fresh air immediately.
• Call 9-1-1.
• If experiencing the flu-like symptoms of CO poisoning, seek medical attention.
• Call your heating fuel supplier or a licensed heating contractor for an emergency inspection.
• Do not return to your home or business until the source of CO has been discovered and the problem has been corrected.

How do I reduce the risk of CO poisoning?
You can prevent CO poisoning through proper appliance installation, maintenance and use. Follow these steps to protect you and your family.

• Have a qualified professional annually inspect your heating and cooling equipment. The contractor should check appliance vents for corrosion and blockage. The appliance itself should be checked for cleanliness, proper adjustment and approved connectors.
• Never operate a vehicle, lawn mower, snow blower or other fuel burning equipment in an attached garage, even with the door open.
• Do not use your gas range or oven for heat. Never burn charcoal indoors.
• When camping, do not operate a fuel-burning heater, lantern, or stove inside your tent or camper without proper ventilation. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions for use.
• Make sure your clothes dryer is properly vented and free of lint.

Why should I open a window when I have a fire in the fireplace?
It’s important that your home has adequate outside air for combustion when you have a fire in the fireplace. Insufficient air for combustion may result in a back-venting condition where outside air is pulled into the home through the furnace and water heater vents, spilling the products of combustion from these appliances into the room.
Newer homes have been required to have a fresh air duct from the outside to the cold air return of the furnace. This is designed to provide adequate air for the combustion process in the furnace and water heater. However, the air duct may not be sized to also provide sufficient outside air for a fire in the fireplace.
Therefore, when you have a fire in your fireplace, it’s important that you crack a window one to two inches.
Why install a carbon monoxide detector?While the first line of defense against CO poisoning is a regular inspection of your heating and venting systems by a qualified contractor, a CO detector can be a useful second line of defense.
Like smoke detectors, there are many CO detectors to choose from. When you purchase a CO detector, be sure it conforms to Underwriters Laboratories standard (UL) 2034. Follow the manufacturer’s installation and maintenance instructions. Mount your CO detector in or near bedrooms and living areas, so you can hear the alarm from all sleeping areas. Look for these CO detector features:

• Audible alarm that stops automatically within minutes when CO dissipates.
• UL 2034 approved or American Gas Association certified.
• Light indicating power is on. Digital display that signals low levels of CO.
• Test button to verify that the detector is working.
• Manual hush/reset button that silences alarm, but sensor remains active so the unit continues taking readings.
• Manufacturer’s warranty – indicates life of equipment.
• Peak level memory button.
• Intermittent alarm to indicate a problem with the circuitry.

source: www.csu.org

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East Bay Gas Lines - Earthquake Safety - Shut off your gas

Earthquake Safety

There are many things you can do to enhance safety for you, your family and your home in the event of a major earthquake or disaster. The most important is to take steps before any emergency by identifying potential risks, taking the appropriate actions to minimize those risks, and establishing plans to assure that you are prepared—just in case.
The following tips can help you prepare for an emergency and respond safely to an earthquake.

What to Do Before

• Prepare an emergency plan and conduct an emergency drill
• Prepare and maintain an emergency preparedness kit to be self-sufficient for at least 3 days, and preferably up to one week, following an earthquake.
• Evaluate your home. Have your building and appliances inspected to assure that they are able to withstand a significant earthquake.
• Know the location of your gas service shutoff valve, and how to shut off your gas supply.
• Most gas appliances have a shutoff valve located near the appliance that lets you turn off the gas to that appliance only. Know which of your appliances uses gas, and where the appliance shutoff valves are located. In some cases, turning off the gas at the appliances shutoff valve will suffice.
• Know the location of the main electric switch and how to turn off your electric supply.

What to Do During

• If you are indoors, stay indoors and take cover under a sturdy desk or table, or
  stand in an interior doorway. Stay away from exterior walls and windows,
  masonry veneers (such as fireplaces), tall furniture, and hanging pictures or
  mirrors.
• If you are cooking in the kitchen, turn off the stove before you take cover.
• If you are outdoors, get into the open away from buildings and power lines. Be
  alert for falling debris.
• If you are driving, pull to the side of the road and stop if it is safe. Move your
  vehicle out of the normal traffic pattern as much as possible. Do not stop on or
  under overpasses, bridges, or tunnel. Do not stop under or near electrical power lines, light posts, trees, or signs. Stay in your car until the earthquake is over.

What to Do After

• Ensure that everyone is safe.
• Inspect your building for damage. Do not use electrical switches, appliances,
  telephones or any flame if you suspect a gas leak, because sparks can ignite gas.
• If you smell gas, hear gas escaping, see a broken gas line, or suspect a broken gas line, evacuate the building. Find a phone away from the building and call PG&E or 9-1-1 immediately. If it is safe to do so, turn off the gas service shutoff valve normally located near the gas meter. Do not shut off the gas service shutoff valve unless you find the presence of any one of these conditions because there may be a considerable delay before PG&E can turn your service back on.
• If leaking gas starts to burn, do not try to put the flame out. Evacuate the building. Call 9-1-1 and PG&E immediately. If it is safe to do so, turn off the gas service shutoff valve normally located near the gas meter.
• Once the gas is shut off at the meter, do not try to turn it back on yourself. Only
  PG&E or another qualified professional should turn the gas back on.
• Check for downed or damaged electric utility lines. Stay away from downed power lines and never touch wires lying on the ground, wires hanging on poles, or objects that may be touching them. Downed wires still may be carrying current and could shock, injure or even kill if touched.
• Check for damaged household electrical wiring and shut off the power at the main electric switch if you suspect any damage. If the power goes out, turn off all electric appliances, and unplug major electric appliances to prevent possible
  damage when the power is turned back on.

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East Bay Gas Lines Danville, CA - How to Detect a Gas Leak

Knowing how to detect a gas leak can be very important. Gas leaks in a home are potentially deadly and need to resolved immediately. Gas leaks can occur inside from an appliance that uses gas or they can happen outside if a gas line is damaged while digging.

How to Know When You Have a Gas Leak
Remember that gas does not have a color or a smell of its own. The smell of rotten eggs is something that has been added to it to help let you know when there is a leak. Carbon Monoxide detectors and natural gas detectors can be used to detect a gas leak as well. An alarm will sound to let you know when a certain amount of gas is in the air. Children should be evacuated from a house immediately if a gas leak is suspected. Most people suggest calling 911 if you have a gas leak while others think that some small leaks are easy to find and fix yourself. Do not use any electronics while in the house or turn any switches on or off. A spark could ignite the gas fumes in the air.

Consider Which Appliances Are Gas
If you know you have a gas leak somewhere, first start by thinking about which appliances in your house use gas. This will narrow down the possibilities of where it could be coming from. Possible suspects could be your gas dryer, a water heater or maybe a gas stove. Check for the smell of rotten eggs near any appliance in the home that uses gas.

Finding Where the Leak Is Located
Once you have narrowed it down to which appliance the smell is coming from then you need to determine where the leak is located on that appliance. Check for any damaged connections to one of the gas appliances. A hissing sound may be noticeable where the leak is coming from. If the leak can not be located by simply looking and listening there is an easy trick that can be used to detect it. Using liquid dish soap add an equal amount of water and start applying it to the hoses using a paint brush. When you reach the area where the leak is you will see bubbles forming where the air is coming out.

Fixing the Leak
Once the leak has been found it needs to be fixed immediately. The gas should be turned off right away. Now that you know where the leak is located you should be able to turn the gas off with the shut off valve closest to that appliance instead of turning it off for the whole house. If the leak is located at a connection source, it may be able to be fixed by tightening the connections. If the leak is located in the hose itself then new tubing will need to be purchased.

Detecting a Leak Outside
Digging outside should always be done after calling your local energy company to have them check for nearby gas lines. Leaks that occur outside may be noticed by seeing dirt or dust being blown into the air or the plants near the leak may start to die.

Source: ohmyapt.apartmentratings.com/how-to-detect-a-gas-leak.html
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East Bay Gas Lines Danville, CA - Gas Line Maintenance

Owning a home or business comes with a number of maintenance responsibilities. We understand that some of these responsibilities may even come as a surprise to you.

What are you responsible for?Typically you are responsible for the maintenance of all natural gas lines extending from the meter to and within the home or business. Even though, in some cases, the natural gas service lines that run from the meter to your home or business are buried, maintenance is still required.

Natural gas system are governed by Federal regulations which recommend that natural gas lines buried from the meter to the primary structure should be:

1. Periodically inspected for leaks;
2. Periodically inspected for corrosion if the piping is metallic; and
3. Repaired if any unsafe condition is discovered.

If natural gas lines are not properly maintained, they may be subject to potential hazards of corrosion and leakage. While the DOT regulations do not require that you inspect or maintain your natural gas service line, It is recommend that you periodically inspect them for corrosion and leaks.

How do I know if my natural gas service line is leaking?The following are some of the signs of a natural gas leak:

• Distinct natural gas odor;
• Areas of dead vegetation directly above the buried natural gas line;
• A natural gas meter dial that continues to move after all natural gas appliances and equipment have been shut off; and
• After watering or rain, bubbles appear directly above the buried piping.

If you suspect a natural gas leak, immediately call 911.
What happens when natural gas service lines are found leaking?We will evaluate the severity of the leak and can immediately turn off natural gas service to the premises to eliminate hazards to persons and property until the proper repair or replacement is made.

Source: www.csu.org/residential/safety/Pages/gaslines.aspx

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