Gas leaks and detector: why it is important
Why install a gas detector ? If the answer to this question is in itself obvious - to improve the safety of our home, to feel more protected - the perception of danger, or the awareness that gas leak is always "lurking", either due to distraction or due to problems related to the system.
A danger that should not be underestimated
According to the report CIG (Italian Gas Committee) In 2019, accidents related to gas for civil use increased compared to the previous year. The statistics report 157 events regarding channeled gas (104 of these concern carbon monoxide poisoning), while 113 events are linked to accidents involving gas distributed in LPG cylinders/small tanks. 1
It should be underlined that often, in the presence of explosions that occur in condominiums, multiple residential units may be involved, which should add to the concern for our safety, including that of those who live near us.
Accidents for gas leaks have various causes . Here are some of the most frequent:
- Incorrect use or malfunction of the devices
- Unsuitable or missing combustion product evacuation system
- Insufficient or missing ventilation of the room
- Defective materials
- Inattention
- Lack of maintenance
- Irregular installation
What to do in case of a gas leak in your home
In case there is a gas leak must leave the house as soon as possible. However, it is important do not cause flames or sparks , so for example avoid of:
- turn lights on or off
- ring bells
- activate electrical devices
If possible, open the windows to facilitate ventilation of the room, close the gas tap and disconnect the mains voltage, only if the meter is far from the place where the leak is perceived.
Once outdoors you can contact the fire brigade and have all the necessary checks carried out by professionals in the sector.
The role of the gas detector is precisely that of intervene to warn us before the quantity of gas present in the room reaches an explosive threshold by promptly interrupting the gas supply (if connected to a solenoid valve) and giving us time to safely carry out the operations just seen.
Gas detector: why it is important
A gas detector cannot be considered a substitute for the shortcomings that lead to accidents, but should be thought of as a integrative tool , capable of giving us greater peace of mind especially in the presence of elderly people and children , avoiding potentially fatal accidents.
Naturally, the degree of protection offered by the gas detector also varies depending on whether you opt for the simple alarm, or choose a system complete with gas solenoid valve activated in the event of a leak. If you are interested in learning more about the topic, you will certainly find our post How to choose a gas detector useful.
