NATURAL GAS SAFETY AND THE WEST VIRGINIA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION'S PIPELINE SAFETY SECTION

Since 1967, inspectors on the Commission's Staff have been performing gas safety Inspections on a regular basis to ensure that the gas companies under the jurisdiction of the Commission are in compliance with the Commission's gas pipeline safety regulations.
The Commission's regulations require your gas company to educate you about the possible hazards associated with natural gas and about the importance of reporting escaping gas and gas odors. Your gas company provides you with gas safety information by including inserts with your gas bills. Unfortunately often times these inserts are discarded without first being reviewed.
Because of certain natural gas related incidents which have occurred elsewhere in the country, the Commission, In cooperation with your local gas distribution company, has prepared this brochure to make you and your family aware of certain natural gas safety tips and the steps you should take to ensure your safety and the safety of those around your when dealing with natural gas. The Commission also strongly encourages you to read and be familiar with all gas safety-related reminders provided by your gas company.

WV811

A maze of underground pipes, wires and cables exists under our yards, sidewalks and streets to bring us our gas, electricity, water, telephone and cable TV. If you are planning to dig to install a fence or plant a tree, etc., you run the risk of hitting one of these lines or cables.

This can be very dangerous and costly.

Be sure to call Miss Utility or WV811 in your area at least 48 hours before digging to have these lines marked free of charge. This way you will ensure your safety and at the same time comply with West Virginia law.

IF YOU SMELL OR HEAR GAS INSIDE AND AROUND YOUR HOME

if you smell gas and the odor is very weak, most likely a pilot light is out and should be relit. Use the manufacturer's instruction manual to re-light the pilot. If the odor is strong, or if you hear a hissing or blowing sound, leave your house immediately and on the way out:

• Do not light a match or a cigarette lighter.
• Do not attempt to light any appliance.
• Do not use your phone.
• Do not use a flashlight.

Warn others to stay away from what you believe to be the source of gas. Call the fire department and the gas company from a neighbor's house. Be ready to give the fire department and gas company the information they need such as:

• Your name and address
• The address and phone number from where you are calling
• The severity and nature of the leak
• Whether the odor or hissing sound is inside or outside the house

Agree on a location to meet with the fire department and gas company representative(s) and wait there until they arrive.

HOW TO RECOGNIZE A GAS LEAK

Common signs of a gas leak include:

• A gas odor (which can best be described as the smell of rotten eggs);
• A blowing or hissing sound;
• Water bubbling or being blown into air at a pond, creek or river;
• Dirt being blown or thrown into the air;
• Fire coming from the ground or burning above the ground;
• Unusual brown or dead patches of vegetation on or near a pipeline location; and a dry spot in a moist field.

APPLIANCE SAFETY

Natural gas appliances must be correctly installed and maintained. Purchase only natural gas burning equipment that is designed to meet national safety standards. Check for the nationally recognized label on the equipment and be sure all installation and service work is performed by a qualified professional. Also be sure the flame burning on your natural gas equipment is bright blue; if the flame is yellow, you may have a problem. Call a qualified service contractor to have the equipment checked. If a pilot light goes out, use the instructions on the equipment or the Equipment Nanufacturers Instruction Manual to re-light; if the pilot light does not light properly, call your gas company. Equipment that requires venting to the outside must have properly installed and unobstructed vents and/or chimneys to prevent a carbon monoxide hazard.

CARBON MONOXIDE: A TOXIC GAS

Incomplete combustion of any fuel including natural gas products produces carbon monoxide, a toxin. It is very important to recognize the flu-like symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning:

1. Dizziness
2. Fatigue
3. Nausea and Vomiting
4. Headaches
5. Ringing in the ears
6. Blurred vision

If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, take these steps:

• Get yourself or the victim out of the house and into fresh air.
• Get medical attention right away.
• Give CPR if the victim is not breathing.
• Call the fire department and your gas company. They will help you find the problem.