Employee Safety Issues: Gas Leaks

Businesses and residences use natural gas to heat, cook and provide hot water. Natural gas leaks occur rarely, but they can put employees in danger of dangerous explosions or asphyxiation.

Signs

Since natural gas companies add an odorant to natural gas, most people can smell a natural gas leak. Gas leaks usually involve a sulfur-like smell similar to rotten eggs. Employees who have been exposed to natural gas may experience dizziness, headache, nausea, fatigue or irregular breathing.

Safety

If you smell a strong natural gas odor, alert all employees and immediately evacuate the building. Do not turn appliances on or off and do not use your cell phone. Do not smoke. Call 911 and your utility company once you are a safe distance from the building. Give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to any employees who are not breathing until medical help arrives.

Prevention

A natural gas detector can help businesses protect their employees, especially employees with a diminished sense of smell. In addition, ensure that appliances using natural gas are inspected annually.

References

• NIDCD: What You Need to Know About Natural Gas Detectors
• Ohio.gov: Natural Gas Safety