Public Safety Tips
Natural gas is a colorless, odorless,
tasteless, non-toxic gas. A chemical odorant, similar to the smell
of rotten eggs, is added to natural gas as a safety measure so that
any escaping natural gas can be readily detected and reported to
the appropriate pipeline operator for corrective action. The transportation
and distribution of natural gas are governed by strict technical
and safety codes enforced by the Arkansas Public Service Commission's
Pipeline Safety Office. As a result of these safety codes, natural
gas pipelines in the State have an excellent safety record.
Please take the time to read and practice these safety tips and
procedures. A small investment of time and attention now could pay
off in fewer service calls, energy savings and a safer home.
The following safety tips apply to all natural gas equipment in
your home:
-
Never
try to install, repair, adjust or modify natural gas
appliances yourself. Only a qualified professional knows
the technology and the relevant gas codes that must be
followed.
-
Have
your natural gas equipment and exhaust venting systems
inspected and serviced regularly by a qualified
professional to ensure safe, efficient operation.
-
When
natural gas equipment is working properly, there is no
odor. Do not ignore the smell of the odorant in natural
gas. If there is a gas odor inside your home:
-
LEAVE IMMEDIATELY. Do not stop to open windows or
doors. Do not turn lights, appliances or equipment
on or off, or unplug any electrical devices as these
may cause a spark. Do not use garage door openers.
Do not start a car or operate any power equipment.
Do not attempt to locate gas leaks yourself.
-
Call your local gas company from a neighbor's phone
or from a cellular phone once you are well away from
the building.
-
Keep everyone away from the building until given the
"all clear" from a gas company employee.
-
Natural
gas equipment needs lots of air for safe burning and
venting. Improper venting of exhaust can cause the
accumulation of carbon monoxide, which can lead to
frequent headaches, nausea, or death by asphyxiation.
-
If the
pilot light or burner flames of your furnace or other
natural gas equipment look yellow, turn off the
equipment and have it checked by a qualified
professional. The flames should appear blue or mostly
blue with a tip of yellow. The only exception to this
rule is a modern natural gas fireplace, designed with
ceramic logs and realistic yellow flames.
-
Keep
the equipment area clean and do not store things on top
of or next to the equipment. Do not cover the controls,
air intakes or exhaust vents of any natural gas
equipment.
-
Do not
store flammable materials anywhere within the immediate
vicinity of natural gas burning equipment (such as a
water heater).
To avoid a
potential pipeline accident caused by outside forces, have
the location of all utility lines marked before excavating
by hand or with equipment. In fact, to comply with Arkansas
law, you must call Arkansas One-Call at 1-800-482-8998 a
minimum of two days before you plan to dig. Once your call
is made the following will happen:
-
Operators with underground facilities in the area where
the excavation is planned are notified. This will assure
proper notification to the respective municipalities,
natural gas, electric, communications, and water/sewer
utilities.
-
Within
48 hours after being contacted, operator crews either
mark their underground facilities with color-coded paint
marks or flags, or tell the excavator they have no lines
in the area. This will assure the proper notification to
the respective municipalities, as well as the natural
gas, power and communications utilities.
If you are
utilizing a contractor for your excavation work, make sure
that the contractor calls Arkansas One-Call two days prior
to the commencement of excavating. |