Slighter or more noticeable, the sense of smell identifies it instantly: there is a "
gas smell
".
That implies that at any moment an explosion could occur.
And that we should
act fast
to try to avoid it.
However, sometimes people are slow to react or ignore the signs, either because
they underestimate
the danger
they are running or fear that their supply will be cut off.
The consequences can be from
very serious material damage
to
irreparable
human losses .
The
destructive capacity
of incidents due to gas leaks was once again revealed this Saturday at noon, when a terrible explosion in Villa Devoto left
two houses
practically reduced to rubble, causing the
death of a 76-year-old neighbor
, injuring a gas operator Metrogas and significant damage in the surroundings.
In the place they had
reported the smell of gas
.
The houses on Pedro Morán street, in Villa Devoto, destroyed after the explosion on Saturday.
Photo: Enrique Garcia Medina.
Given the commotion caused by this episode, the causes of which are still being investigated, many began to think about
what exactly they should do
if
they smell gas
in their home, to avoid a similar disaster.
And also what mistakes should not be made.
Clarín
consulted the AMBA gas distributors -
Metrogas
and
Naturgy
and the National Gas Regulatory Entity (Enargas).
He also reviewed what was indicated for these cases by the Council of Volunteer Firefighters Federations of the Argentine Republic.
Below are the main recommendations, summarized in a
practical guide
.
Gas leaks: causes and consequences
Gas leaks can occur for
different reasons
, among which are mentioned from
carelessness
from misuse to
damaged artifacts
and
facilities
in poor condition due to age, lack of maintenance or having inadequate materials.
They are also sometimes produced by errors of those who carry out
works on public roads
.
Natural gas, a hydrocarbon made up of a mixture of gases, originally has no odor.
But the companies, before sending it to homes, add what we recognize as a "gas smell" - an
odorant
- precisely so that users can
warn if there are leaks
.
Gas leaks can also create a
hissing
or
puffing noise
that should also be a warning sign.
The consequences can range from
fires
and
explosions
to
suffocation
, since in closed places natural gas begins to displace oxygen.
They add a characteristic aroma to the gas so that people can notice the leaks.
Photo: Martin Bonetto.
Step by step, what should you do if you smell gas at home: 5 urgent measures
In the event of a
minor gas leak
, which generates only a
slight odor
, it is recommended:
1
.
Close the gas
stopcock and verify that each device is turned off and closed.
2
.
Ventilate the rooms
by opening doors and windows, so that the air circulates.
3
.
Turn off electrical appliances
.
It is convenient not to use the elevators either.
4
.
Do not smoke
or put on fire, even if the smell seems to have diminished.
Keep in mind that even a small spark can cause an explosion.
5
.
Call a
registered gas fitter as soon as possible to locate the leak and fix it.
For its part, if there is
a strong gas smell or a
blow
is heard
, it may be a very dangerous leak.
In this case, the indication is to directly
evacuate the home
quickly
(without turning on the lights),
call the
distribution company and not re-enter the home until the technicians confirm that it is safe to do so.
In the face of these emergencies, on any day and at any time, Metrogas
customers
should call
0800-999-1050
.
Naturgy
users have the free line
0800-888-1137
or 11-4754-1137
available .
The Enargas, for its part, attends at
0800-333-4444
to advise or intervene if the claim is not adequately answered.
Basic advice to prevent incidents due to gas leaks
-Make an annual review of the home's gas installation and all appliances.
-Hire only
registered gas fitters
to install appliances and do maintenance.
-Always prefer balanced draft
devices
(mandatory in bedrooms) instead of those that lack access to the outside.
-Install detectors that alert to the presence of natural gas and carbon monoxide.
-Place
permanent openings
(grids) that ensure the entry of air.
-When
leaving on a trip
, close the stopcock.
-Before any
excavation
on public roads, ask that the location of the gas pipes be verified with the distribution company.
If the gas is released into the environment and is not ignited, it can be very dangerous.
Photo: Andrés D'Elia.
Carbon monoxide leaks, the other threat
Gas users should also be very vigilant to prevent another serious problem: carbon monoxide
leaks
, a
poisonous gas
that—unlike natural gas—
has no odor
.
It is imperceptible and does not generate explosions or fires, but it can cause very severe poisoning or even death.
This is why he is known as the "
invisible assassin
".
Carbon monoxide invades the home by surprise when devices such as stoves, water heaters or kitchens begin to have
poor
(incomplete) combustion, this is not repaired in time and, on top of that, the house does not offer this poison any escape route to the outside .
What are the
warning symptoms
, what to do if they appear and the main prevention tips can be read in this note.
MDG
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