Union Gas Limited

February 2012

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Make the Right Call | Keep Your Meter Clear and Clean

Make the Right Call

Union Gas wants to protect you and your loved ones from the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO). Malfunctioning fuel-burning appliances, blocked vents and improperly installed, used or maintained chimneys are the leading causes for CO leaks and build-ups that can lead to poisoning or death. Signs of exposure can include dizziness, headaches, sleepiness and flu-like symptoms.

As a first line of defence, have all appliances that are fuelled by natural gas, kerosene, propane, wood, wood pellets or solid fuel inspected annually and, if necessary, serviced by a Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) registered heating contractor. Next, install CO alarms, widely available at hardware and department stores, on every level of your home. If the alarm sounds and anyone is showing symptoms, leave immediately and get medical attention.

To know when and where to call, follow these guidelines:

For Peace of Mind
Call a TSSA registered heating contractor to inspect all fuel-burning appliances annually even if there's no evidence of CO in your home.

For Concern about CO Levels
Call a TSSA registered heating contractor to inspect fuel-burning appliances if you're concerned about CO due to a specific issue with your equipment and no one is experiencing symptoms of CO poisoning.

For Signs of CO Poisoning
Call 911 if you or anyone in your home is showing signs of CO poisoning. Also call a TSSA registered heating contractor or Union Gas to inspect all fuel-burning appliances.

For Natural Gas Leaks
Call Union Gas toll-free at 1 877 969-0999 from a safe location if you smell or suspect a natural gas leak in or around your home (CO alarms don't detect natural gas – only natural gas or combined CO/natural gas alarms do).

Visit uniongas.com/safety for more information about natural gas and gas appliance safety.

Keep Your Meter Clear and Clean

It's easy to forget how important it is for your safety and the safety of natural gas meter readers to keep all your appliance vents clear and the path to your gas meter clear of ice and snow. The meter itself needs to be clear of ice too, so it can be read, inspected or repaired by Union Gas employees.

After each snowfall, when you're shoveling your walkway, check that vents are not blocked and ensure there is a clear pathway to your natural gas meter. Remember that sunny days often melt some snow that forms ice on meters and pathways once the sun goes down. Brush snow from meters and carefully remove any ice without using sharp objects to chip the ice.

For safety, please do not blow, pile or plow snow up against any natural gas meter and ensure the meter is visible to any snow-removal equipment operators to prevent damage.