5 flammable gases and how to mitigate their dangers
Flammable gases are highly combustible and pose a significant risk to people, property, and the environment. If you’re a business owner, you’ll already have a solid understanding of the dangers they can pose, regardless of what sector you work in. So, in order to properly equip your business for the risks presented by flammable gases, it’s always worth getting a quick refresher on their characteristics and how to mitigate their dangers. We can help you with that here at Gas Alarm Systems – we use our extensive in-house expertise to deliver reliable, cost-effective fixed gas detection systems that are tailored to meet the specific hazards of your industry. So, here’s what you need to know!
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Key flammable gases to be aware of
There are a number of flammable gases worth keeping in mind if you want to keep your business safe, particularly if you work in the industrial or laboratory sectors.
- Natural gas – a highly flammable gas composed primarily of methane. It’s used for heating and cooking and generally transported through pipelines. To mitigate the dangers of natural gas, it’s essential to ensure that all gas lines are correctly installed and maintained. Additionally, fixed gas detectors should be installed in buildings to detect any leaks.
- Propane – a colourless, odourless, highly flammable gas commonly used for heating and cooking. Propane cylinders should always be stored in a well-ventilated area and away from heat sources. Additionally, all propane appliances should be installed and maintained by a licensed professional.
- Hydrogen – an odourless, colourless, highly flammable gas that’s integral in industrial processes, fuel cells, and as a fuel for vehicles. Just as with natural gases, it’s crucial to ensure that all storage tanks and pipes are adequately maintained and inspected regularly to ensure that the gas is well contained at all times.
- Methane – a highly flammable gas that is commonly used in industrial processes and as a fuel. It is also the primary component of natural gas. To mitigate the dangers of methane, it is essential to ensure that all storage tanks and pipes are adequately maintained and inspected regularly.
- Butane – a fuel for lighters and portable stoves. Butane cylinders should always be stored in a well-ventilated area and away from heat sources.
How to mitigate the dangers of flammable gases
There are a number of effective ways you can protect your business from the dangers posed by flammable gases.
- Ensure that all gas lines, tanks, and pipes are adequately maintained and inspected regularly.
- Store gas cylinders in a well-ventilated area and away from heat sources.
- Install and maintain all gas appliances by a licensed professional.
- Never use flammable gases near an open flame or heat source.
- In case of a gas leak, immediately turn off the gas supply, evacuate the area, and call emergency services.
- Install some reliable gas detectors.
How can gas detectors protect you from flammable gas exposure?
Our gas detectors are one of the safest ways to reduce the chances of exposure. Depending on the size of your premises, you can install one or multiple gas alarms in your workplace – we’d always advise placing them in key areas where the risk of leakage is at its highest, such as near containment tanks. Our detectors are designed to pick up on trace amounts of fumes, so you can rely on them to alert your staff to the danger and give them plenty of time to vacate the area until it can be made safe.
Our gas detectors can be purchased as either fixed or portable devices, and provide comprehensive protection from the risks posed by asphyxiate, toxic and flammable gases, by giving you early warning of a potential leak.
Our in-house experts take care to provide reliable, cost-effective solutions tailored to meet the specific hazards of your industry. Feel free to take a look at our range of fixed gas detection systems or portable gas detection monitors, including carbon monoxide systems and carbon dioxide systems, or if you have any questions or need any advice, by all means call us on 01423 862240, and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have.
