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| Eliminating Spark Hazards |
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| Even the tiniest spark can ignite leaking natural gas when the gas-to-air ratio is between 5 and 15 percent. Responders who are first on the scene can reduce the risk of ignition by eliminating spark hazards in the vicinity of any known or suspected gas leak. |
Earn a Certificate of Completion in natural gas safety FREE on the First Responder Beware® website.
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| Spark Hazards Are Everywhere! |
| You may be aware of common spark hazards, such as matches and electrical switches. But did you know that doorbells and even your boots shuffling on a doormat can create a spark that could ignite a gas leak? |
| Make sure everyone at the scene of a confirmed or suspected gas leak follows these precautions to avoid creating a spark: |
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Do not ring doorbells or use garage door openers. Knock instead. |
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Do not operate light switches, turn on or off any appliance or device, or use any type of remote controller. |
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Do not use telephones, cell phones or pagers. |
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Do not use a flashlight (unless it is intrinsically safe), light a match, use a lighter or smoke cigarettes, e-cigarettes or vape pens. |
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Do not step on doormats or shuffle across carpet. |
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Do not use any form of electronic ignition. |
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| Be Alert for Gas Leak Ignition or Explosion |
| Even after securing the area and eliminating potential spark hazards, you must continue to anticipate gas leak ignition or explosion and take these precautions: |
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Park emergency vehicles away and upwind from the area—never park over manholes or storm drains. |
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Always wear PPE and SCBA. |
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Use intrinsically safe radios and flashlights. |
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When possible, identify the source of the leak, and if it is safe to do so, shut off the fuel source at the aboveground meter valve or appliance piping. |
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Never enter a building unless gas concentrations are well below the lower flammable limit of 5 percent gas in air, which will read “100%” on most combustible gas indicators (CGIs). |
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| Would You Like to Know More? |
| Additional utility safety tips, case studies, instructional videos and educational tools can all be found, at no charge to you, on NIPSCO's First Responder Beware website. |
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