Actions for the smell of gas in the boiler room: what to do if a characteristic odor is detected

The reasons

The gas in the pipes is under pressure, and therefore, with any crack or a small hole, it breaks out and spreads throughout the room (you can learn more about which pressure in the gas pipeline is considered low, and which is medium and high, here). It is a volatile substance that has no odor in its pure form. In order for users to smell, characteristic vents are added to the gas.

They have the "aroma" of a rotten egg and immediately attract attention.

There can be several reasons for a leak:

• the user forgot to turn off the gas burner, which is often the case with elderly or sick people;
• errors during installation of equipment or self-repair;
• weak fastening of the gas hose;
• improper installation and transportation of cylinders, without the use of special machines;
• inconsistent and erroneous redevelopment of premises where methane is used;
• equipment is out of order or has expired.

The first signs of a leak include the appearance of a sharp specific smell in the apartment. Measures must be taken urgently, without waiting for dangerous consequences in the form of poisoning.

Determination of a leaky place

The method for determining the location of a leak is extremely simple. You just need to dissolve the soap in water and make foam. A brush is taken, the solution is applied to the alleged problem areas. First of all, the gas pipes, the faucet and the connections between the boiler and the meter are checked.

The solution will begin to foam at the site of the leak. With a strong leak, there will be a lot of bubbles. If the bubbles inflate slowly and they are small, look for other gas leaks. Yes, there was a depressurization here, but we need to check all the equipment. A characteristic whistle may be present at the site of depressurization.

At the point of leakage, the gas can ignite from the slightest spark. You can’t strike matches or a lighter, even turn on the lights or just a flashlight - the gas will explode. If it is not possible to shut off the fuel supply, leave the premises immediately and call the emergency service

If there is a smell in the boiler room, it is imperative to identify a malfunction of the gas boiler. If the pungent smell comes from the boiler itself, you will have to find out what is out of order.

If there is a strong smell at the back of the boiler, there may be a problem with the shut-off valve. If the boiler is turned off, but the smell is present, the source is most likely the hose and its connection.

If the smell intensified when the boiler casing was removed, then the problem is a possible depressurization of the internal gas pipeline.

What to do if you notice an odor

Open all windows to allow air flow and reduce gas odor in the room.
Try to find the source of the leak. Most likely, the gas source was not blocked in the apartment of one of the residents. You should walk around the neighbors and ask everyone to turn off the valve or turn off the gas stove, then trouble can be avoided.
If the concentration of gas in the air is too high, a quick evacuation from the house is required. Do not use the elevator, it is safer to use the stairs.
On the way to the exit, inform all residents about the threat by any means available.
Once outside, call the gas service by dialing 04

Please note that the number may vary depending on the mobile operator.
While the gas workers are on the way, do not allow cars to the house, except for the response team. The fact is that cars are potential sources of sparks that can provoke an explosion.
When the emergency team is on site, show them the place where you think the source of the gas leak may be. Follow the instructions and recommendations of emergency personnel.

Follow the instructions and recommendations of emergency personnel.

Since gas is much lighter than air, finding the source of a leak is not easy. You should be aware that if an odor is found on the upper floors, the source is located below.

Read with it

Actions when a gas leak is detected

If you suddenly smell gas in a room (in your private house, apartment), you should immediately follow a certain list of actions below:

1. It is urgent to close the valves on all gas appliances, as well as tighten the gas supply valves that are located in front of them.
2. It is necessary urgently, but calmly, to organize the withdrawal of people from the polluted premises, as well as those that are next to them.
3. Open windows and doors for ventilation.
4. By calling "104" you should call the emergency gas service.
5. Upon arrival of the emergency gas service brigade, you should act strictly according to their instructions.

Personnel actions in case of gas leakage

If there is a strong smell of gas in a room full of people (office, restaurant, club, etc.):

1. First of all, all people inside should be notified that they need to leave the room quickly and calmly.
2. By calling "104" you should call the emergency gas service.
3. Open windows and doors for ventilation.
4. Entry of people into gas-polluted premises should be prohibited.
5. Prior to the arrival of the emergency gas service brigade, watch should be organized at the entrances so that no one enters the gassed room.
6. Upon arrival of the emergency gas service brigade, you should act strictly according to their instructions.

Actions in case of leakage of domestic gas

If you feel a strong smell of gas in the entrance or in the basement of a residential building, you should follow these steps for the safety of the residents of the house:

1. By calling "104" you should call the emergency gas service.
2. It is urgent to organize, if possible, the maximum ventilation of the entrance or basement, opening all possible doors and windows.
3. It is necessary to organize the protection of the gassed area until the arrival of the called gas service brigade.
4. People should be prohibited from entering entrances or basements where the smell of household gas is felt.
5. Prior to the arrival of the emergency gas service brigade, watch should be organized at the entrances so that no one enters the gassed room.
6. Upon arrival of the emergency gas service team, you should act strictly according to their instructions.

If you smell gas on the street (at the gas well), at the gas-cylinder installation or at the gas distribution point, you should act according to the plan below:

1. By calling "104" you should call the emergency gas service.
2. It is necessary to organize the protection of the gassed area until the arrival of the called gas service brigade.
3. People should be prohibited from entering entrances or basements where the smell of household gas is felt.

Domestic gas leakage prevention

This information should be remembered necessarily, everyone should know it.

• The rules for the use of gas appliances must be strictly observed.
• Gas appliances must always be clean and in good working order.
• As a systematic ventilation of the room, you can use ordinary window vents, periodically opening them for ventilation.
• It should be checked whether there is good draft in the chimneys of heating stoves before they are kindled and during the operation of these devices.
• The correct operation of the supply and exhaust ventilation should be checked.
• It is necessary to demand from the heads of housing departments (housing and maintenance offices) that specialists check ventilation and chimneys at least once a quarter.
• If there is no draft, it is forbidden to use heating and hot water boilers, gas water heaters and stoves.
• Large dishes with a wide bottom should not be placed directly on the burners of gas stoves, but on burners special for them with high ribs.
• Do not allow children to use any gas appliances on their own.
• Use gas sparingly.
• Gas appliances must not be left unattended, even for a very short time.
• Always turn off gas, electricity, water, unplug household appliances before leaving the house.

It is strictly forbidden:

• Independently carry out gasification of an apartment, house, garden house, as well as repair, replace and rearrange gas equipment.
• Carry out redevelopment of premises where various gas appliances were installed.
• It is also forbidden to make any changes to the design of gas appliances, it is also forbidden to change the arrangement of smoke and ventilation systems (ducts). It is forbidden to seal the ventilation ducts, wall up the "pocket" and hatches that are necessary for cleaning the chimneys.
• Turn off safety and control devices.
• It is forbidden to use gas with faulty gas appliances, as well as faulty automation devices, fittings and gas cylinders.

Always be extremely careful when using gas in an apartment and house, because this is the guarantee of your safety and the safety and health of your relatives, friends, neighbors!

What are the consequences if there is a smell of gas in the entrance

In the event of a similar situation, persons living in MKD should react immediately, otherwise the likelihood of fire and explosion increases.Depending on where the hearth is located, what design features are inherent in the building, the power of explosive force, fires of local and large-scale significance can occur. In addition, partial or complete collapse of buildings often occurs.

The consequences of the explosion are manifested in:

• blocking the paths leading to the exit from the house;
• smoke, which entails the formation of a large number of human victims.

To ensure the maximum degree of security, a citizen needs to pay attention to the condition of the apartment building, including its entrances

Actions when a leak is detected

• If there is a smell of gas, the color of the flame has changed, a whistle is heard, you must immediately turn off all working gas appliances and turn off the methane supply valve.
• If the whistle appeared near the tap itself and the strongest smell is felt there, cover this part of the pipe with a wet rag.
• If the gas coming out of the pipe catches fire, it cannot be extinguished. As long as it burns, there is no danger of an explosion. Turn off the faucet and open the windows.
• Open windows and doors immediately to create a strong draft. The faster the methane is vented out of the room, the lower the risk of fire. Open windows in the kitchen and in all other rooms.
• Do not use electrical appliances or turn on lights if a leak is detected. Power must be turned off at the switchboard. This is the best way to prevent accidental sparks.
• It is strictly forbidden to use matches or a lighter in a gassed room and on the site.
• After turning off the appliances, they call the emergency gas service - 104 or 04. It is recommended to call the fire department. You need to call the floor below, where the smell of gas is not felt.It is best to do this outside.
• Neighbors should be warned about the leak. You can't ring the doorbell - you have to knock.

It is not uncommon for the smell of ethyl mercaptan to be confused with the smell of alcohol, ammonia, and others. According to statistics in Moscow last year, only 5% of calls were justified.

Important Safety Precautions

• It is necessary to strictly adhere to the relevant instructions and at the same time economically consume gas fuel.
• Remind the head of the housing office of the need to check ventilation and chimneys every three months.
• Cleanliness and serviceability of gas equipment must be maintained at all times. If a large container is placed on the burner, then the ribs of the stand should be high.
• The ventilation system must be checked regularly.
• Forbid children and persons who are not familiar with the rules of working with gas equipment to handle them.
• Do not use garages, storerooms and balconies to store gas cylinders.
• Refueling of gas cylinders should be carried out only at designated points.
• Do not engage in independent connection and disconnection of home gas stoves.
• In no case should you heat living quarters with gas stoves.
• Do not violate the sequence of ignition of gas appliances: first a match is lit and only then the gas supply is opened.
• Before leaving the house, turn off gas appliances and shut off the supply of gas fuel stored in a cylinder using a valve.

Possible consequences

A leak is detected if the apartment smells of gas. This threatens with a possible explosion, fire. Cases have been recorded when apartment buildings were destroyed due to gas leaks. A high concentration of gas in the air can lead to poisoning of people.

You can avoid fire, poisoning and other undesirable consequences by taking reasonable preventive actions:

• use appliances for their intended purpose - do not heat the room with a gas stove, do not dry washed laundry over lit burners;
• regularly, with the established frequency, call specialists for equipment maintenance;
• keep the stove and other gas appliances clean;
• constantly ventilate the room, ensure proper ventilation;
• do not leave the apartment when the gas stove is on;
• instruct children on compliance with safety requirements when using household gas;
• operate serviceable devices, when purchasing equipment, require certificates confirming the quality of products, compliance with established standards;
• Keep gas cylinders in a place specially designed for this, separate from appliances, excluding high levels of humidity and exposure to open sunlight.

The design of modern equipment takes into account safety requirements: the fuel supply is turned off in the event of a malfunction, which prevents a possible accident.

The frequency of maintenance of gas appliances by representatives of the gas supply organization is at least once every five years for houses with a centralized delivery of blue fuel, when using gas heating - every three years.

But, if necessary, you should call specialists at any time - the emergency service works around the clock.

Remember that the appearance of malfunctions during the operation of gas appliances threatens not only those living in a separate apartment, but the whole house. The life and health of other people nearby depend on the correctness of actions in case of a leak and the timely response to a dangerous situation.

Actions when a leak is detected

The duties of the gas service include inspection and repair of gas appliances pipes and prevention of accidents. To this end, service employees explain what to do if the apartment smells of gas, what actions should not be taken so as not to cause a fire or explosion.

• If there is a smell of gas, the color of the flame has changed, a whistle is heard, you must immediately turn off all working gas appliances and turn off the methane supply valve.
• If the whistle appeared near the tap itself and the strongest smell is felt there, cover this part of the pipe with a wet rag.
• If the gas coming out of the pipe catches fire, it cannot be extinguished. As long as it burns, there is no danger of an explosion. Turn off the faucet and open the windows.
• Open windows and doors immediately to create a strong draft. The faster the methane is vented out of the room, the lower the risk of fire. Open windows in the kitchen and in all other rooms.
• Do not use electrical appliances or turn on lights if a leak is detected. Power must be turned off at the switchboard. This is the best way to prevent accidental sparks.
• It is strictly forbidden to use matches or a lighter in a gassed room and on the site.
• After turning off the appliances, they call the emergency gas service - 104 or 04. It is recommended to call the fire department. You need to call the floor below, where the smell of gas is not felt. It is best to do this outside.
• Neighbors should be warned about the leak. You can't ring the doorbell - you have to knock.

It is not uncommon for the smell of ethyl mercaptan to be confused with the smell of alcohol, ammonia, and others. According to statistics in Moscow last year, only 5% of calls were justified.

The smell of gas

The appearance of the smell of gas is one of the most dangerous troubles that can lead to an explosion, fire, and poisoning. It indicates a depressurization of the fuel supply system and can occur both when the equipment is turned off, and when it is turned on or during operation.

The first thing to do in such a situation is to turn off the gas supply and ventilate the room! Only then can you start examining your stove. You may not be able to fix the breakdown on your own, but you can identify the source of the leak.

The smell of gas occurs when the stove is turned off

Soapy water will help to determine the place of depressurization. Apply it to all joints of pipes and hoses, both outside the stove and inside it. Where there is leakage, bubbles will appear.

To understand how to fix this type of failure, you need to determine the type of connection. If the threaded connection is depressurized:

• disassemble the damaged assembly, check the integrity of all parts by cleaning them from winding or old sealant;
• apply fresh sealant or make a new winding;
• collect all parts and recheck.

If the connection with the gasket is depressurized:

• disassemble the leaking assembly;
• install a new gasket;
• collect the parts and retest.

The smell of gas occurs during the operation of the stove

The most common cause of this type of malfunction is incorrect flame adjustment.Less commonly, the problem is a breakdown of the connections that connect when the stove is turned on:

• nozzle installation points;
• places of connection of tubes from taps to nozzles;
• joints between tubes and nozzle bodies.

In order to determine the leak in this case, it is necessary to remove the burners, remove the cover, reinstall the burners in their places (without the cover), apply soapy water to the joints and carefully light the burners in turn. Be careful: bubbles will appear at the leak point, indicating a depressurization. The cause of such a malfunction may be the destruction of the sealing washers on the nozzles, too loose tightening of the connections, a defect in the sealing ring in tube connection points

The reason for such a malfunction may be the destruction of the sealing washers on the nozzles, too loose tightening of the connections, a defect in the sealing ring at the points of attachment of the tubes.

If you inspect the stove and do not find a leak, the cause of the smell may be incorrect connection of the equipment to the gas source. In this case, do not try to fix the situation yourself. You need to call a specialist!

In case of carbon monoxide poisoning, what to do. What to do about carbon monoxide poisoning

Carbon monoxide or carbon monoxide poisoning is a common problem, especially during the winter months when people close their windows to keep the cold out and use heaters that may be faulty. Faulty appliances and improper ventilation contribute to the accumulation of high levels of this toxic gas in the room.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that results from the incomplete combustion of carbon-based fuels. Known as the "silent killer" as it cannot be seen or smelled. Small doses cause mild symptoms such as nausea and dizziness, while large doses cause brain damage and even death. Every year, carbon monoxide poisoning claims 500 lives.

Sources and causes of carbon monoxide poisoning

Carbon monoxide is created due to the combustion of certain fuels in the absence of proper oxygen levels. Common sources of this gas inside a home or building are faulty kitchen appliances, water heaters, clothes dryers, auxiliary heaters not working, oil, gas or coal stoves that are not properly maintained, etc. Lack of proper ventilation also increases the increase in the concentration of toxic gas in room. For example, not only does a clogged chimney reduce the supply of oxygen needed to produce carbon dioxide instead of carbon monoxide, it also traps carbon monoxide produced by incomplete combustion of the fuel.

Carbon monoxide poisoning - symptoms

Hemoglobin is the red pigment in red blood cells that carries oxygen to body tissues. However, carbon monoxide has a high affinity for iron in hemoglobin, to which oxygen molecules attach during their transport from the lungs to different parts of the body. When humans are exposed to high levels of carbon monoxide, this gas molecules attach to hemoglobin molecules more readily than oxygen due to their stronger affinity for hemoglobin molecules.The compound thus obtained is called carboxyhemoglobin. It is this compound that is the main cause of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Poisoning can be detected by these commonly occurring symptoms:

Headache
Dizziness
Nausea
chest pain
Confused breath
Vomit
Abdominal pain
Drowsiness
Fainting
Seizures

Treatment for carbon monoxide poisoning

If carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected, all affected persons should be evacuated to an area with sufficient fresh air. If someone stops breathing, CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is required. Each person should be examined and subjected to appropriate medical treatment.

Providing high doses of oxygen with a face mask. High oxygen levels help carbon monoxide to separate from hemoglobin. Consequently, hemoglobin is now free to carry oxygen to various cells in the body.

In case a person has severe poisoning, higher doses of oxygen can be given to him using a hyperbaric chamber. It is assumed that hyperbaric oxygen therapy accelerates the process of destruction of carboxyhemoglobin. Hyperbaric oxygen also directly provides oxygen to tissues.

There is no home remedy for carbon monoxide poisoning! The only way to protect your family from such danger is to keep all appliances in proper working order and maintain proper ventilation in the home.

What should be done first?

Gas stoves are very popular due to their ease of use, relatively uncomplicated design and many years of service life. However, regardless of the brand of the product, users face a number of problems: the flame goes out, the fire changes color to yellow, the oven does not heat up, when several burners are turned on, the flame intensity decreases. Among all these malfunctions, the most serious can be attributed to when an unpleasant odor appears when the burner is turned on. It is strictly forbidden to use household appliances in this state: it may lead to an explosion, fire or poisoning. The first thing to do is to turn off the valve on the riser, ensure constant ventilation of the room and call a service specialist.

Prevention of gas poisoning

Any situation is easier to prevent than to eliminate the consequences. For prevention purposes, the editors of the site recommend that you follow the general safety rules:

1. Regularly talk to children about what gas is, how it can be dangerous.
2. Purchase only serviceable gas appliances that have a warranty period and relevant certificates. At the same time, do not engage in self-installation, but invite professionals in this field who have special permits for such types of work.
3. Gas cylinders should only be stored in an upright position away from heating appliances. The cylinder should not be placed in a room with high humidity, as well as under direct sunlight. After replacing the cylinder, it is imperative to check the tightness of the connections.
4. Constantly monitor the position of the gas valves.
5. Prevent clogging of the burners and clean them regularly.
6. When leaving the apartment, it is recommended to close the gas valve and unplug all electrical appliances.
7. Stay away from the stove while cooking.

A specialized gas service should systematically inspect the functioning of the equipment. So in apartments with gas stoves, where a centralized gas supply is carried out, an inspection is carried out once every 5 years, and in houses where there is gas heating, once every 3 years.

Not all residents have modern equipment with gas control systems. The same applies to gas boilers and water heaters in private homes.

They should not be left unattended for more than a day. Before each use of such equipment, the presence of draft should be checked.

Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless. Its lethal concentration in the room is formed very quickly and imperceptibly for a person.

Another gross mistake of people is the use of the device after it has worked out all reasonable periods of operation and its operation fails. Even having received the order of the gasmen to replace it, the residents are in no hurry to change the obsolete device.

No need to be deceived by the external good condition of the stove - inside it is worn out. Often there are no spare parts for old devices.

A gas leak is a very dangerous situation that requires immediate elimination. Therefore, if you notice a characteristic smell, immediately call the emergency services.

Specialists should periodically remind all users of gas equipment about the safety rules for handling it. Such preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of gas explosions and fires in apartment buildings.

Everyone needs to know the rules of conduct and a list of actions or rules of conduct in case of a gas leak in order to save their life and health, as well as the life and health of their relatives and friends, friends, acquaintances, neighbors, everyone who is in a terrible situation.

We present you the rules of conduct and a list of necessary measures in case of detecting a domestic gas leak on the street, in an apartment, in an office.

Characteristic odors and signs of a leak

By itself, natural gas does not smell of anything, so if you use it in its pure form, you can get poisoned by a leak and not even notice the problem. In addition, it is highly flammable. In order to timely detect a leak, manufacturers add ethyl mercaptan (ethanethiol) to it. This liquid is also colorless, but it has a pungent odor. Since the water bonds of the substance are rather fragile, it quickly evaporates. It has a strong odor (even when present in the air in a ratio of 1 to 5 million), which is why it is used as an odorant for natural gas. People who smell "gas" smell just the smell of ethanethiol. However, it is especially toxic, causing initially severe headache, loss of coordination and nausea. Refers to potent poisons.

Leaks can be identified by smell. Everyone associates it with different sensations. Someone talks about garlic, some associate it with paintwork. But sometimes this smell is perceived as the smell of waste from the garbage chute. Sometimes manufacturers add a “rotten egg” flavor to household gas, which makes it possible to detect a leak. With a strong flow of gas, you can hear the corresponding sound, although this indicator is very rare. It is better not to do anything on your own to eliminate the leak.However, you can prepare a soapy solution and wash the joints, gas pipes and other components. Bubbles will form at the leaks. But with a strong current, this method will not work.

Gas leaks can be detected by smell

Some more experienced users may be able to detect a gas leak by a change in the color of the flame. If it has an even blue color, then the equipment is working properly and normally. If yellow flashes or a reddish tint appear, you should contact the master or another specialist.