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Federation of Alberta Gas Co-op

Federation of Alberta Gas Co-op

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Gas LeaksCarbon MonoxideEmergenciesClick Before You Dig

Gas Leaks

On its own, natural gas is colourless and odorless. 

For safety reasons, all utilities add Mercaptan to natural gas. This chemical, also known as Odorant, gives natural gas its very distinctive skunky smell. This is an early warning system to alert you to the possibility of a gas leak.

*Utilities do not charge for reporting a leak.

If you smell or hear a gas leak indoors
  • Do not smoke, light matches, or operate anything that may cause a spark – including your house lights or flashlights!
  • Leave the building immediately, and DO NOT close the door behind you!
  • If able, turn off your gas meter to prevent more gas entering the building.
  • Call your natural gas distributor to report the smell
If outdoors and you smell or hear a gas leak
  • Do not operate anything that may cause a spark or flame near the suspected gas leak.
  • Call your natural gas distributor to report the smell

Furnace burners

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odorless gas that in high concentrations may be deadly.

Faulty venting, parts, or plugged appliances can lead to the release of this gas. Your best prevention is proper maintenance of your natural gas appliances, and installation of Carbon Monoxide detectors on all levels.

Warning signs
  • You may notice the air to be stale or stuffy, and moisture build-up on windows and walls.
  • Natural gas flames are blue. A yellow flame may indicate a problem.
Common Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning include
  • Headache and Dizziness
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Watery and burning eyes
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Loss of muscle control
What to do
Prevent Carbon Monoxide
  • Properly maintain all natural gas burning appliances. Have them checked by a qualified technician according to manufacturer specifications.
  • Check furnace filters monthly and replace if necessary.
  • Keep laundry or ventilation vents and chimneys clear of debris, snow or ice
  • Remove clutter near gas burning appliances, and allow adequate air supply.
  • Do not idle vehicles in garages, even with the overhead door open
  • Carbon Monoxide detectors installed on all levels and properly maintained. Write their expiry date on the detector in marker. Replace batteries annually.

A couple installing a carbon monoxide detector

Whether planting a tree or building a barn, always practice Safe Digging. Even a small hit on a buried natural gas line could result in property damage, serious injury, or death. You may be responsible for these costs.

Click Before You Dig

Natural gas lines may be much shallower than you think. Over time, soil moves or erodes, so what you thought was three feet below may now just be a few inches below the surface. Gas lines are very easy to puncture. Most pipelines going to homes and business today are made out of a durable plastic called polyethelene. While great for transporting gas, they don’t fare so well against digging machinery


Stay Safe with these simple steps:

  • Click Before You Dig: This is a FREE service for homeowners and most businesses. Request the location of underground utilities by simply going to clickbeforeyoudig.com three to five working days prior to digging. The location of your underground utilities will be marked by flags or temporary paint. In the case of natural gas, yellow flags or paint is used.
  • Other ways of submitting a locate request: Call 1-800-242-3447
  • Plan your dig site: Locate markings only show the approximate location of buried utilities. Avoid digging within 1 metre of either side if possible.
  • Manually Expose the Line: If you have to dig near a buried utility, do it by hand. With a shovel, carefully and gradually expose the line. Once exposed, remove the nearby soil by hand.

Emergencies

Be prepared for unexpected events such as gas leaks, heat loss and other outages

Faulty venting, parts, or plugged appliances can lead to the release of this gas. Your best prevention is proper maintenance of your natural gas appliances, and installation of Carbon Monoxide detectors on all levels.

Are you Prepared?

Emergencies, including natural gas outages can happen. Be ready with an emergency preparedness kit:

  • Three day supply of ready-to-eat foods
  • Bottled water – approximately 12 litres per person
  • Manual can opener
  • Flashlights
  • Blankets
  • Warm clothing
  • Batteries
  • Battery-operated radio
  • First Aid kit and any needed medications
  • Alternative heating source if possible
Hit a Gas Line
  • DO NOT try to repair it yourself.
  • Whether or not you smell or hear a gas leak, evacuate the area and call 911 or your natural gas distributor
Gas Leak or Potential Carbon Monoxide
No Heat
  • Call you natural gas distributor
  • Electric heat appliances may be used
  • Avoid barbeques, outdoor camping or kerosene heaters as these produce carbon monoxide
  • Close blinds and drapes to help trap indoor heat

Cooking with natural gas