Safe Fuel Handling Practices (Natural Gas)

Fire

• Report all fires to proper authorities.
• Flames from natural gas have a Yellow and/or Blue color.
• Know locations of portable fire extinguisher, fire blankets, and fire alarms and learn how to use them.
• Use an ABC rated/certified fire extinguisher or fire blanket to fight flammable gas fires.

First Aid

• If overcome by vapors, if safe, move victim to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration or CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) as appropriate. Seek medical attention immediately.
• For irritated eyes, flush with large amounts of water for 15 minutes. Remove contact lenses, if worn and seek medical attention.

Health

• Natural gas (and all other fuel vapors) can be harmful if inhaled.
• All fuels can be harmful or fatal if swallowed.
• Fuels and products containing methanol (e.g. windshield washer fluid) can cause blindness if swallowed.
• All fuels are irritating to eyes and respiratory system.

Handling

• Be aware of Mercurous Mercaptan "Rotten egg" smell of natural gas.
• Use flammable gas handling precautions.
• Keep flammable gases in approved, labeled containers.
• Use in well ventilated areas and control vapors. Be aware that natural gas is not visible, is lighter than air, can travel along the ceiling, and may collect in high hollows.
• When transferring flammable gases, connect vent stack to source, and ground source to earth.
• DO NOT smoke, or use heat/spark producing equipment near natural gas.
• DO NOT eat, drink or smoke where fuels are handled, processed or stored.
• Wash hands thoroughly after handling any fuel.

Leakage

• Notify proper authorities in event of any leakage you have not been trained to address.
• Stop, and allow fuel to ventilate to outside atmosphere after any fuel escape.