Smell of gas in the apartment - what to do? Where to call?

The smell of gas in an apartment is not a joke, but very dangerous. To avoid tragedy, you must strictly follow the instructions of the Ministry of Emergency Situations.

What to do if there is a strong smell of gas?

Many natural gases become a source of danger to humans. The greatest danger is posed by city main gas methane and liquefied petroleum gas in cylinders. If leaked, they cause suffocation, headaches, nausea, poisoning and can lead to explosion.

Other signs of a gas leak:

• hissing sound from the pipe;
• burner turned on without flame;
• orange flame instead of blue;
• separation of the flame from the burner.

Instructions

If you smell a strong gas odor in the room, you should immediately:

1. Shut off the gas supply by tightening the valve on the pipe.
2. If the container emits a smell, cover it with a wet cloth.
3. Open windows and doors indoors.
4. Go outside.
5. Warn neighbors.
6. Call the emergency gas service team.

It is strictly prohibited:

1. It takes a long time to try to determine why there is a smell of gas in the apartment.
2. Perform actions that cause sparks: turn on and off lights, electrical equipment, use a telephone (landline or mobile) near gas equipment.
3. Light matches, smoke.
4. Extinguish the flame if gas ignites. As long as the blue fuel burns, it will not explode.

The slightest spark can start an explosion or fire. Do not turn equipment on or off. It is better to de-energize the apartment by turning off the power supply at the distribution panel in the entrance.

Where to call?

To the emergency dispatch service of the gas distribution organization. Phone numbers in Russia:

• 104 - gas service;
• 112 – unified rescue service (to connect to the gas service you must dial the number “4”).

A call to the gas service is free and possible even with a negative balance and no SIM card in the phone.

What to do if there is a faint smell of gas?

If you notice a subtle smell of gas, you can try to determine the cause of its occurrence yourself. For safety reasons, you should open the windows for ventilation.

Did you know that natural gas is odorless? Gas processing companies specifically add “odorous” substances ethanethiol and ethyl mercaptan to it so that people can sense a leak in time.

How to determine the cause?

To determine gas leaks, specialists use a gas analyzer. But professional equipment is quite expensive and is usually not used at home.

The average person can check for leaks using water and soap (dishwashing detergent, shampoo). This is the only method approved by gas services.

Your actions:

1. In a small bowl, mix 50 ml of water and 1 teaspoon of soap.
2. Beat the solution into a stable foam with a brush or shaving brush.
3. Apply foam to the joints of gas pipes, hoses, and places where you suspect a leak.
4. Take a closer look to see if bubbles are inflating in any place. Bubbling indicates a leak.

Sometimes a characteristic smell appears during cooking. As a rule, it is produced by one of the burners. Together with other signs, such as a change in flame color and the appearance of soot, this indicates a malfunction of the stove. It cannot be used!

Eliminating gas odor

Repair of gas equipment can only be carried out by a gas service specialist or a specialist with a special permit.

After repairs, replacement of parts or all equipment, the owner of the apartment must be given a document certifying that the work was performed in accordance with technical standards and safety rules.

You can eliminate the smell of gas yourself only in two cases:

1. Cooking food accidentally flooded the burner and extinguished the flame. What to do: turn off the burner and ventilate all rooms in the apartment.
2. The nut at the gas hose fastening point is loose. Your action: tighten it with a wrench, and then check to see if the leak is fixed.

Memo

According to Art. 210 Civil and Art. 30, 67 of the Housing Code of the Russian Federation, responsibility for the safe use of gas equipment and maintaining its serviceability lies with the apartment owner (tenant).

Follow the rules:

1. Do not leave gas appliances running unattended.
2. Do not allow children to use gas.
3. First light a match, and only then turn on the gas supply.
4. Do not use gas appliances if there is no ventilation draft.
5. Do not rest or sleep in the area where the equipment is installed.
6. Do not dry things near the stove and do not use it for heating.
7. Do not store gas cylinders in a garage, storage room or balcony.
8. Monitor the serviceability of the equipment and make timely repairs.

By violating the rules for using gas equipment, you endanger not only yourself, but also others!

The smell of gas in the apartment cannot be ignored. This is an alarming signal that a leak has occurred. Even a minute's delay in such a situation can cost your life. If it is detected, it is necessary to act quickly and harmoniously. It is strictly forbidden to try to fix the problem yourself. All you can do is turn off the gas equipment, open the windows and go outside to call the gas workers.