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How to Detect a Natural Gas Leak and What to Do If There is One
HOW TO DETECT A NATURAL GAS LEAK
Smell
Transmission natural gas has a stale petroleum/hydrocarbon smell.
Before it is delivered to your home, natural gas has mercaptan added
which gives the gas a sulphur or “rotten egg” smell to help detect
leaks.
Sight
Natural gas is colourless, but vapour and “ground frosting” may be
visible at high pressures. A gas leak may also be indicated by
bubbles in wet or flooded areas, distinct patches of dead
vegetation, dust blowing from a hole in the ground or flames if the
leak has ignited.
Sound
A hissing or roaring noise along the right-of-way of a pipeline
could also indicate a natural gas leak.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU SUSPECT A LEAK INSIDE
Evacuate your premises.
Open all doors and windows if you can do so safely.
Don’t use electrical switches, telephones, appliances, garage door opener, etc.
Call Union Gas immediately from a neighbour’s home.
Don’t use lighters or matches and do not smoke.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU SUSPECT A LEAK OUTSIDE
Call Union Gas immediately.
Keep clear of the area.
Don’t start any motors or motor vehicles near the area of the gas odour.
Don’t use lighters or matches and do not smoke.
If you smell natural gas, call 1-877-969-0999 from a neighbour's home immediately!
HOW UNION GAS WILL RESPOND
In the event of a natural gas emergency, the Union Gas emergency response team or local community authority will:
Respond to the incident site
Identify the source of the problem and ensure the emergency site has been cleared of anyone whose safety may be at risk
Make the situation safe
Advise the customer of their options with respect to the piping system or appliance repair
