 Safety
Gas Safety –
Appliances
Buy only gas appliances with the American Gas Association Blue Star Seal, an indication that the appliance meets industry safety standards. Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions. - Only qualified technicians should work on your gas appliance
- Check your gas flame periodically. It should have a bright blue appearance. A yellow or orange flame means the appliance needs service work.
- Don’t forget to replace or clean your heating system filter several times during each heating season.
- Combustion air is vital for gas appliances. Make sure no obstructions are blocking the appliance’s air intake and regularly check the venting of your gas furnace and water heater by touching the vent pipe (be careful…if operating properly, it will be hot)
- Never use your gas range as a heater. It has one purpose – to cook food. When your oven door is left open, it prevents the thermostat from cycling and periodically turning the gas off. This constant burning could create a situation that could cause asphyxiation or fire.
Gas Meter Knowing the location of your main shutoff valve will help you turn off the gas supply to your entire home or business quickly, if that’s every needed. In general, you don’t need to shut off a gas meter unless there is a strong odor or sound of escaping gas or if there is major damage to the building. - Know where your main shut-off valve is located
- Keep a wrench handy to turn off the gas
Appliance Shutoff Valve
Most gas appliances have a valve that lets you turn off the gas to that appliance only. - Know which of your appliances run on natural gas
- Know where their appliance shutoff valves are located. In most cases, turning off the gas at the appliance’s shutoff valve will suffice
Pilot Lights Many gas appliances have a small, continuously burning gas flame – the pilot light – that ignites the main burner. Newer models have electric igniters. - Know which, if any, of your appliances have a pilot light
- Keep the manufacturer’s relighting instructions within easy reach
|
