Section 5 - SOG - 28.03 Natural Gas Emergencies

Question 1

SOG 28-03, Natural Gas Emergencies

Where should apparatus park

Answer 1

Upwind

Question 2

SOG 28-03, Natural Gas Emergencies

What are the things not to do

Answer 2

1. Do not re-open a closed natural gas shut off valve without authorization from gas company personnel.
2. Do not attempt to extinguish a natural gas fire unless there is an immediate threat to life or property. Exposure protection may be a better tactic.
3. Avoid entering excavations to attempt to control a natural gas leak.
4. Avoid attempting to stop a natural gas leak on a plastic pipe.
5. Do not spray water on the natural gas pipe.
6. Do not pressurize an area suspected of being contaminated

Question 3

SOG 28-03, Natural Gas Emergencies

How should ventilation be done

Answer 3

Naturally or with intrinsically safe equipment

Question 4

SOG 28-03, Natural Gas Emergencies

What is the procedure

Answer 4

1. If possible, apparatus should be parked upwind.
2. Personnel should confirm that they are dealing with a natural gas leak.
3. With a confirmed natural gas leak, personnel shall ensure that the gas company has been notified.
4. Personnel shall use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when in any area that may require it.
5. Personnel shall isolate/evacuate/protect-in-place any persons in immediate danger.
6. Personnel shall endeavour to eliminate open sources of ignition including not allowing the use of on/off switches, appliances, lights, phones or any other type of electrical equipment.
7. Consider using the outside shut-off valve. Be aware that shutting off valves that feed commercial or industrial buildings may interrupt important production process and may create further hazards.
8. Ensure escaping gas does not enter any other buildings, sewers or vaults.
9. Large scale or particularly dangerous gas emergencies may require a Hazmat response, police (traffic control and/or evacuations) and/or additional apparatus.
10. If possible, personnel should use a gas detector with a combustible gas sensor to determine the concentrations of natural gas and the evacuation perimeters. Smell cannot be used to determine the absence of natural gas.
11. Ventilation should be done naturally or with intrinsically safe equipment. Do not pressurize an area suspected of being contaminated.
12. Once the gas company is on scene, personnel shall work in coordination with the gas technician.