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Generally, natural gas smells like rotten eggs. This is a sharp, strong smell that is easily recognisable. The smell is injected by utility companies to help notice gas in case of a leak. Natural gas without this smell is odourless and can’t be recognised easily.
What Should You Do If You Start Smelling Gas?
When you smell gas in your home, it’s essential to attend to the situation without delay. If left for a long time, leaks from gas log fires in Melbourne and other gas appliances can become very dangerous and lead to fire. This can result in destruction of property and even death.
The first step to take when you smell gas is to turn off any source of energy in the house. After ensuring that the power is off in your house, quickly check the source of the smell. If you have gas log heaters or a gas stove, make sure you check these. You should also open all windows to ensure there is aeration.
The primary precaution is ensuring that no sparks or flames are present. Matches, candles and cigarettes should not be lit. If you fail to identify the source of the leak, contact your utility company immediately. The company will be able to send a technician to identify and rectify the problem as soon as possible.
How to Measure the Degree of a Gas Leak
If a gas leak is making you feel dizzy, lightheaded or nauseous, gas is leaking too much and could be affecting your health. Quickly exit the house to prevent fainting. The following are some other red flags that indicate a leak may be present:
- If there are black or brown scorched areas on the outside of the appliance
- If the pilot light seems to have gone out on its own
- If your gas heater has an orange or yellow looking flame instead of a crisp and blue flame.
How to Prevent Gas Leaks
It’s important that everyone is taught about how toprevent gas leaks and related hazards such as fire. The first thing is to ensure that you’re safe by using quality and accredited home appliances. In addition, you should make sure that the appliances are installed by a technician who has the necessary skills in the field. To prevent suffocation in case of an unnoticed gas leak, it’s also important to install an audible carbon monoxide alarm in your home, especially if you have gas log fires in Melbourne. You should additionally make sure your house is well ventilated to allow fresh air into the house and let out any harmful carbon monoxide.
