How to Detect Gas Leak in Your Business Premise

Gas leaks are common problems facing many business premises. Businesses lose over than 3 billion tons of gas every month, and when it happens, some business owners can’t explain how it happened. This is why as a business owner, you have to detect and fix gas leaks on time.

What Are Gas Leaks?

In normal situations, gas must be confined in appliances or pipework. Normally, it should stay there but when parts of pipework weakens for some reasons, like corrosions, gas can start to leak. Gas can also leak from loose joints, most especially from those that connect a gas appliance with main supply lines. This happens because of wrong or faulty installation of an appliance. Anytime, a gas appliance can be damaged, leading to a gas leak. Another apparent reason can be from the mistakes you make. Probably, it might have snapped out of your mind to shut off your appliance or left the valve open. Other reasons may include the following:

• Faulty installation
• Corroded pipelines

Is It Dangerous?

By now, you could be asking – what is all that fuss about gas leaks? The truth is that, a gas leak is dangerous. A competent plumber can help you safely and quickly repair a natural gas leak. But unchecked gas leak, including carbon monoxide poisoning, may pose a risk to the people nearby. In addition, a gas leak may cause several physical symptoms, which can be dangerous to your health. These symptoms, resulting from carbon monoxide, may include confusion, nausea, and headaches. To some extent, this hazardous gas may result in death. Apart from physical illnesses, natural gas is very flammable. This is why you should avoid starting your vehicle or using an electrical appliance when there is a gas leak.

Why Detect Gas Leaks?

Inhaling gas is a silent yet a potent threat, which you may overlook. Even a minor exposure may result in immediate symptoms, like nausea and dizziness. These symptoms show how your body is reacting to a gas leak. But in prolonged exposure or more concentrated amount, the risks can increase dramatically. For instance, asphyxiation, which is a condition where your body gets insufficient oxygen, may happen when a gas leaks out. Without immediate medical help, your life will be threatened.

Key Tools for Detecting Gas Leaks

If you have a gas line and appliances in your commercial building, ensure you are equipped with the right tools. You will need these tools to detect a gas leak and determine the extent of the problem. A good example of tools you will need are infrared imaging devices and gas detectors, like the following:

• Natural gas detector – Carbon monoxide is commonly known for being a silent killer but natural gas lacks the same title of being lethal. That is because it isn’t poisonous and often gives off a sulfuric smell. However, in your daily activities, it will not be easy to notice that smell. That is why you need a natural gas detector to help you detect a leak especially if there is other sweet aromas competing for your attention.
• Carbon monoxide detector – Because carbon monoxide (CO) doesn’t have taste, color, or smell, it will be difficult to spot it. Exposure to carbon monoxide is deadly because it prevents red blood cells from absorbing oxygen. This is why it is important to invest in a carbon monoxide detector and deploy it in the facility.
• Chlorine gas detector – In most industries, a chlorine gas leak is dangerous. If your company deals with chlorine gas, you will have to invest in a detector to detect presence of a leak
• Radon gas detector – Similar to CO, radon gas lacks the odor or color, making it more difficult to detect the problem without proper tools. However, it is denser – meaning it often sinks to the lowest level of business properties. The excess amount of radon gas is an indication that there is a gas leak but through a detector, you can detect the problem.

Detecting a Gas Leak

A gas leak is a silent saboteur that triggers grave health risks, devastating fires, and other serious scenarios. This is why we advise that you detect gas leaks in your commercial building and contact an expert to help you fix the problem. Here are some of the signs that can help you detect a gas leak in the premise:

• Bubbles or Dead Patches in Landscaping

It is not easy to detect underground leaks. But fortunately, there are several ways that can help you identify an underground gas leak. One way is to look at the patches of dead, wilted, and browned plants. Another effective way is to look at the presence of bubbles in a pool of water after a recent rainfall.

• Rotten Egg or Sulfur Smell

Presence of a rotten egg or sulfuric smell in the building is a clear indication that you have a gas leak. Naturally, gas is odorless and colorless but as a measure, oil and gas companies add mercaptan, a harmless chemical, to produce an odor, making it recognizable.

• Skin Irritations

If you and your team start to experience a sudden skin irritation, then it means you have a symptom of a hidden leaked gas, which could be in the ceilings or behind the walls. The skin irritation may appear as numbness, a rash, or blisters. And if carbon monoxide poisoning is involved, you can have a discolored skin, too.

• Odd Sounds

At times, a gas leak can produce a whistling or hissing sound near sources of that leak. If you start hearing odd sounds, investigate further and act immediately. But if you are unsure what the source of the sound is, contact a professional. The expert will not only assess the problem but also do a comprehensive repair.

Gas leaks are major causes of accidents in commercial buildings. They lead to explosions and fire incidents, causing deaths, injuries, and a lot of financial losses. This is why we still recommend that you contact an expert to assess the situation and fix the problem after detecting any signs of a gas leak.