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When preparing gas pipes, regulators, appliances, equipment and apparatus for service or returning them to service, do not purge their contents into a confined space. Any purging of gas should only be done in a well-ventilated area or by venting the contents into the outside atmosphere. Before purging, make sure you identify and eliminate all sources of ignition, including but not limited to standing pilots, open flames, cigarettes, appliances and equipment. Consult the Plumbing Code, Mechanical Code, Fuel Gas Code, appliance and equipment manufacturer’s instructions and/or your local Building and Safety Department for more information.
Natural gas has a distinctive odor added that aids in the detection of the gas. However, you should not rely on your sense of smell alone to determine if gas is present. Some persons may not be able to smell the odor because they have a diminished sense of smell or because the odor is being masked by other odors in the area. In addition, certain conditions, such as odorant fade, (Loss of Odorant) may cause the odor to fade so that it is not detectible.
Always use gas detection devices during purging operations and DO NOT rely on your sense of smell alone to detect the presence of natural gas.
January 20, 2009
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