Natural Gas Safety
The natural gas delivery system has the best safety record of any energy delivery
system.
In the last 18 years, the
amount of natural gas traveling through distribution pipelines increased by one-third,
and more than 650,000 miles of pipeline were added across the country. Yet, the
number of reportable incidents on distribution pipelines decreased by 28 percent.
Midwest Energy and other natural gas utilities safely and reliably deliver natural
gas to customers throughout central and western Kansas. According to the National
Transportation Safety Board, in 2002 more than 42,000 transportation fatalities
occurred on the highways, while aviation, boating and railroads accounted for another
2,000 fatalities. In contrast, only 12 fatalities were associated with natural gas
pipelines. The safety record of natural gas utilities is outstanding - and it keeps
getting better.
IF YOU SUSPECT A NATURAL GAS LEAK IN YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS OR EVEN OUTSIDE,
FOLLOW THESE SAFETY STEPS:
- LEAVE the area IMMEDIATELY.
- CALL MIDWEST ENERGY from a safe distance or use your cell phone.
- DO NOT turn lights on or off, smoke or use a phone inside your location, or operate
any vehicle or equipment that could cause sparks.
- DO NOT attempt to turn natural gas valves on or off.
- Midwest Energy will send a trained service technician immediately to investigate
any emergency leak call.
Safety Information
How can I recognize a gas leak?
The natural gas industry has an excellent safety record, and Midwest Energy works
very hard to keep it that way. However, it is important that our customers and community
residents know what to do in the unlikely event of a natural gas leak. You can detect
the presence of natural gas a number of ways:
- LOOK: Blowing dirt, bubbling creeks or ponds, dry spots in moist areas or dead plants
surrounded by green live plants near gas lines.
- SMELL: A distinctive "rotten egg" odor added to make natural gas detectable.
- LISTEN: An unusual hissing sound near gas appliances or a blowing sound near gas
lines.
What is carbon monoxide?
Carbon monoxide, often referred to as CO, is a poisonous odorless, colorless, tasteless,
and non-irritating gas. CO is formed by the incomplete combustion of almost any
material, but particularly hydrocarbon fuels such as gasoline, kerosene, coal, propane,
natural gas, wood, charcoal, diesel fuel and heating oil.
When CO is inhaled, it combines with the body's blood and prevents it from absorbing
oxygen. A person exposed to high levels of CO may complain of dizziness, headache,
nausea, sleepiness or other flu-like symptoms without fever.
Stationary vehicles are the most common source of CO poisoning while natural gas
appliances account for a small percentage of all CO poisonings. The primary cause
of CO problems associated with natural gas appliances is space heating equipment
in which vents and chimneys are not properly installed or maintained. Other causes
include misuse of appliances such as improper use of ranges and ovens for space
heating.
How do I prevent exposure to carbon monoxide?
- Provide adequate ventilation when using a wood stove or fireplace, and be sure it
is in good working condition.
- Do not operate gasoline-powered motors or use charcoal grills in enclosed spaces,
such as an attached garage.
- Be certain that all flame-producing appliances are properly installed, adjusted
and operated. Check vented appliances periodically to be sure that the vent pipe
has a proper rise and is not blocked by debris. The vent pipe should have an approved
vent cap securely attached at the end.
- Special care must be taken with gas space heaters because many are installed unvented.
It is especially important to make sure that an adequate supply of fresh air is
available to ensure proper combustion. Proper combustion is normally indicated by
the presence of a clear, blue flame. A small amount of yellow or orange is normal
and is caused by flecks of dust in the air.
- Carbon monoxide detectors are commercially available and are relatively inexpensive.
The best precaution, of course, is to have an annual inspection by a qualified professional.
You are encouraged to install CO detectors that have been approved by a national
testing laboratory.
How can I find buried natural gas and other utility lines before excavating
around my property?
Call the Kansas toll-free One-Call number before digging or excavation begins to
have all buried gas, electrical, telephone, and cable lines
located
and marked. This is the law in all states. This service is provided at no expense
to you and it can save you time and money. It's also the SAFE thing to do when digging
around buried utility lines. You may have to call a plumber or electrician to mark
lines running across your property that are not maintained by the utilities.
Most states require two full business day's notice before excavation begins. The
One-Call number for Kansas is listed below:
Kansas One Call - 1-800-344-7233 or 811
Kansas One Call Website
Natural Gas Pipelines
The natural gas pipeline infrastructure, which includes 2.1 million miles of pipeline,
is the nation's safest energy delivery system, according to U.S. government statistics.
One reason may be that gas utilities and pipeline companies, including Midwest Energy,
spend close to $7 billion annually on safety measures. Experienced personnel routinely
inspect and maintain natural gas service lines, and service crews are available
to respond to emergencies 24 hours a day.
For more information, go to www.kpa-awareness.com.
A Commitment to Safety, Health and Environment
Midwest Energy's safety is key values focus on safety, continuous improvement, collaboration,
community focus and innovation. To this end, the company strives to foster a culture
of safety, maintain a competent, productive, well trained and dedicated work force
and serve our natural gas customers safely.
Pipeline Markers Midwest Energy and other companies install above-ground
markers to indicate the location of buried pipelines and gas lines. The markers
were developed by the gas industry and later incorporated into the federal regulations
for the industry.The natural gas industry is cooperating with other utilities to
standardize temporary marking of underground utilities to further enhance public
safety. Additionally, the pipeline markers have emergency contact numbers. The standard
marking color for natural gas facilities is yellow.
Public Education Programs The natural gas industry conducts a wide
range of information and education programs on natural gas safety, primarily focusing
on safety education and what to do if you smell gas. A secondary focus is the potential
danger of digging into buried lines. Almost all major media are employed in these
programs, including television, radio and print messages; direct mail; public presentations;
and school materials.
Natural gas utilities have joined together with other industries to determine the
best methods to improve safety around all buried facilities. The industry participates
in the Dig Safe campaign, a joint government-industry public education campaign
to alert the public to the importance of good safety practices around buried pipelines.
In addition, gas companies work with local emergency-response agencies, such as
police and fire departments, to coordinate responses in the unlikely event of a
pipeline accident and to educate them about pipeline operations.