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«Electrical safety in flammable gas»
W.O.E. Korver, 1998
Safe use of gas
General info
Gas is a safe, cost-effective, multi-functional and environmentally-friendly source of energy. It is therefore highly popular and serves many household needs: cooking, baking, instant water heating, central apartment heating, as well as, various recreational applications, including barbequing, camp cooking and lighting, etc. At an age of growing awareness to the preservation of the environment, gas proves to be an environmentally-friendly solution.
Gas is an ecologically-friendly fuel compared to other fuels. Gas is a clean source of energy. Its combustion does not pollute air, soil and water. Gas is a cost-effective, efficient energy source. The amount of gas required for the boiling of a liter of water is negligible, when compared to other fuels.
The use of gas as a domestic energy source has gained popularity due to the development of cost-effective solutions, such as the instant water heater, which only heats up the required amount of water. In order to benefit from the use of gas with maximum efficiency and safety, certain rules must be adhered to, as listed below.
Installation of gas systems & service
• As stated by law, the installation of a gas facility or gas appliance, or any work conducted on any part of a gas system, must be carried out by qualified personnel. A considerable share of the accidents involving gas is caused by attempts on the part of unqualified people to install or handle gas products. Gas installations require professional know-how.
• Make sure the safety taps (wall taps) are easily accessible. Remove any furniture or objects which prevent easy access.
• Make sure all safety taps connected to equipment are shut off when the appliances are not in use.
The gas facility – safety rules
Safety comes first – follow these basic rules:
Do not light a fire or create sparks in the vicinity of gas tanks.
The flexible pipe must be maintained in proper working order. The rubber pipe must be properly connected to the tap valves on one end, and to the appliance on the other end. It must also be fixed on both ends by special clamps.
When starting the burner, hold the burning match in proximity to the burner prior to opening the appliance's gas tap.
Following use of the appliance and prior to going to bed, shut off all appliance taps as well as the master safety valve.
A periodical inspection of the gas system by a qualified technician must be carried out every 5 years.
Instructions for consumers connected to a gas tank facility:
Plac tanks outside, in a well-ventilated place.
Do not allow any flammable materials such as weeds in the vicinity of the tanks.
Make sure the tanks are properly located on a stable, flat surface.
Do not expose tanks to an external heat source.
Upon leaving the apartment for prolonged time periods, all tank valves must be shut off.
Instructions for consumers connected to a central gas system:
A safety valve is provided to allow the disconnection of your apartment from the central system in case of need. Make sure you know its exact location.
If you sense a smell of gas in the building's stairwell, in the vicinity of the gas meter box, or near the main tank facility, immediately call our emergency center.
In case of a gas supply failure shut off all appliance taps as well as the safety valves of all your gas products. Once the supply is renewed, make sure all taps are closed.
If the facility is not to be used for a long period of time, make sure all appliance valves are closed.
Shut off the master safety valve of your apartment as well as the apartment wall-mounted safety valve.
Safe use of gas.
Routine operational checks:
An operational inspection of your domestic gas system must be carried out in the following cases:
Every 5 years – a comprehensive, routine inspection of the gas system.
Once a year – an inspection of water heaters or open-flame (atmospheric) heaters installed inside the apartment or on a roofed porch, as well as atmospheric heaters located in laundry cubicles.
If the gas system or its surroundings have been modified in any way.
Emergency instructions.
Gas in its natural state has no smell; therefore, a uniquely discernible odor is artificially added to allow instant detection in case of a leak.
If you smell gas, act as follows:
Do not turn on any electric switches, to avoid the creation of sparks.
Shut off appliance gas valves.
Shut off the safety valve of the appliance and the valves of all gas tanks. If you are connected to a central gas system – close the main cutoff valve located in the meter box.
Extinguish any open flames.
Open the windows and doors and ventilate the room.
How to purchase a safe gas product.
Upon the acquisition of a new gas appliance:
When purchasing an oven, a room heater, a water heater etc. – make sure the appliances are the products of a known, reputable manufacturer, and that the appliances fully comply with local safety standards and regulations.
Note! While many products are available in the market, not all comply with required safety regulations.
Your personal safety depends on the acquisition of reliable products by leading manufacturers.
You must also take into account the manufacturer's service provision capabilities, as well as the regular availability of replacement parts.
Get acquainted with your appliance
If you operate your gas appliance properly, it will serve you for many years. Every new appliance is supplied with a user manual, which includes relevant operational instructions. Read these instructions carefully and use the appliance accordingly. Save the manual for future reference.
Used and old products & appliances.
It is a proven fact that many accidents are caused by the use of faulty appliances which have not been used for a long period of time, or by the use of «second-hand» products. The connection of a newly purchased or used appliance to the gas network must only be carried out by a qualified gas technician.
Korver W.O.E.
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