Natural Gas

NATURAL GAS

Natural gas is the primary source of fuel used in UK homes.  It is a very clean  fuel  for combustion because the by-products are mainly water vapor and carbon dioxide. In its natural state, Natural gas is colorless and odorless. For the consumer’s safety, a chemical odourant called Mercaptan is added to Natural to give it a distinct odor so it can be detected if there is even the smallest leak. Mercaptan smells like "rotten eggs".

All gas-related products are highly tested for safety before they are made available  to  the market. However, there  are  still  gas-related  accidents  happening  all  over  the world. Most accidents related to gas are caused by unexpected gas leaks and gas accumulations. Gas leakages can pose a threat to life in three ways: 
 
· Combustible  gases  can  accumulate  and  upon reaching a certain density, it  can  ignite  and cause explosion. 
· Toxic gases can cause illness, paralysis or death if inhaled. 
· Any gas in sufficient quantities will displace oxygen and therefore pose a serious risk to life. 

Most buildings are presently equipped with a combustible gas supply (e.g. natural gas) for providing heat, hot water and cooking for the occupants. This kind of gas is very useful but when a leakage occurs and accumulates without notice, it can be very dangerous, and lead to an explosion, causing damage to buildings, and even loss of life. 
 

LEGAL REQUIREMENTS 

Nowadays, it required by U.K. law that all gas installations installed by qualified  professionals. Similar requirements apply in many other countries. Regular maintenance and safety checks are recommended for all users. Some countries such as the U.S. require all property owners with under or above ground gas piping systems to undertake the responsibility for maintenance of their own gas distribution facilities. A leakage survey must be conducted at least once a year. There is no doubt that such actions can significantly improve the safety of  gas equipment and reduce the chance of potential gas leaks. 
 

GROUP’S DECISION

Our group has decided that there is no significant threat to justify the need for the existence of a “natural gas” sensor since the accidents are not frequent and the detection of increased natural gas density by the human senses is adequate. As long as the guidelines for appliance maintenance are met, the cost of additional measures is not cost effective. 

However, there are certain helpful hints that should be followed in the case that increased concentrations of natural gas is detected and are as follows:
 
· DO NOT smoke or light matches.
· DO NOT turn lights or any electric appliances on or off.
· DO NOT operate a flashlight.
· DO NOT use your telephone.
· DO open doors and windows to increase ventilation.
· DO tell everyone to leave the house immediately.
· DO NOT reenter your home until the gas company has told you it is safe to do so.