Natural gas and propane are common fuel sources in long term care facilities. These gases are widely used to power heating systems, cooking equipment, fireplaces, and emergency generators. As part of your organization’s annual Hazard Vulnerability Assessment (HVA), the use of and reliance on natural gas or propane is typically evaluated.
That assessment should address not only the operational impact of a gas service interruption, but also the risks associated with a gas leak. While the likelihood of a significant gas leak is generally low, the consequences can be severe. Certain concentrations of gas mixed with air can create an explosive atmosphere, where even a small ignition source may result in a serious explosion.
Recognizing the Signs of a Gas Leak
Early recognition of a gas leak is critical to minimizing risk. Staff should be trained to recognize the following warning signs:
- Smell: Natural gas and propane are odorized with mercaptan, which creates a strong rotten-egg or sulfur-like smell to make leaks easier to detect.
- Sound: Escaping gas may produce a hissing or whistling sound. Larger leaks may sound like a roaring noise.
- Sight: Although gas is invisible, leaks may produce a white mist, fog, or cloud. Underground leaks may cause bubbling in standing water or result in dead or discolored vegetation.
Response Actions When a Gas Leak Is Suspected
When a gas leak is identified or suspected, staff should immediately initiate the facility’s gas emergency procedures. These procedures should include the following actions:
- Move People to Safety
- For interior leaks, relocate residents and staff away from the affected area. This may involve moving residents to a remote section of the building or evacuating to a safe distance outdoors.
- For exterior leaks, it may be safer to bring residents indoors and close doors and windows to limit gas infiltration.
- Eliminate Potential Ignition Sources
- Extinguish all open flames and prohibit smoking.
- Dietary staff should turn off pilot lights and shut down gas-fired cooking equipment if the leak is in or near the kitchen.
- Do not operate light switches, phones, or other electrical devices in the affected area.
- Do not unplug electrical equipment, as unplugging can create a spark.
- Notify Emergency Services and the Gas Utility
- Call 911 and notify the gas company immediately.
- Fire department responders and gas utility personnel have specialized equipment to locate leaks and secure gas service.
- Follow all instructions provided by emergency responders, as additional evacuation may be required.
- Notify Maintenance
- Maintenance personnel should be trained to shut off gas service to individual appliances or the entire building.
- For exterior leaks, Maintenance should shut down or adjust HVAC systems, through-the-wall units, and window units to reduce the intake of outside air.
Preparing in Advance
Gas emergencies can occur at any time, including when maintenance staff may not be immediately available. Facilities should consider developing clear, easy-to-read diagrams that identify all utility shut-off locations, including gas valves, and include step-by-step shut-off instructions.
Keeping appropriate tools, such as a gas shut-off wrench, secured near shut-off valves can be helpful. Ensure that diagrams and instructions are accessible to staff on all shifts so they can provide them to emergency responders or initiate shut-down procedures themselves if responders are delayed.
Additional Resources
Most gas utility companies offer online education and emergency preparedness resources related to gas safety. These materials can be valuable when reviewing and updating your facility’s gas leak emergency procedures. Additional emergency preparedness tools and resources are also available through AHCA’s emergency preparedness webpage.