Natural gas has been widely used since it became popular around 1950 and 1970 as a greener replacement for coal. It has gone through numerous developments that nowadays not only is it utilised for residential and commercial purposes, but also manufacture and electricity. Without a doubt, it plays a significant role in the daily lives of many people. However, in this article gas plumber Melbourne wants to remind you that there are certain drawbacks and risks that you need to bear in mind regarding gas utilisation.
Natural gas is well-known for being recognised as a non-poisonous substance, however, it is capable of triggering breathing difficulties that can lead to death if it replaces the oxygen in a small space. How is it possible? Read on to discover the answer.
Natural gas is usually lighter than oxygen, therefore it can easily make its way up into an enclosed area if there are leaks from the gas appliances. If over 10% gas is in the air, improper combustion may happen. This situation may affect an insufficient level of oxygen in the air to fully transform all carbons to carbon dioxide, and end up generating carbon monoxide. When the amount of carbon monoxide from these gases dominates the atmosphere in one room, anyone is likely to experience such consequences as below:
- 30% gas in the air
This level can cause buzzing ears, exhilaration, and unexpected changes in behaviours such as irritability and confusion. Reaching a 30% gas concentration could take anywhere from 15 minutes to a few hours. The exact timeframe depends on factors such as the size of the space, the rate of gas release, and the effectiveness of the ventilation system. For example, if there’s a gas leak from a malfunctioning appliance in a small kitchen with closed windows and doors. Within 15 to 30 minutes, the gas concentration in the kitchen could rise to around 30%, especially if the leak is significant and continuous.
- 50% gas concentration
One can be paralysed and deal with difficulties to move, which results in having no ability to escape and save themselves. In a moderately sized space with adequate ventilation, reaching 50% concentration might occur within 5 to 30 minutes after a substantial gas release. Consider a scenario where there’s a gas leak in a workshop with some ventilation but not enough to rapidly dissipate the gas. Within 10 to 20 minutes of the leak, the gas concentration in the workshop could climb to 50% or higher, especially if the leak is significant.
- 75% gas and above
One is quickly disabled and likely to die. Reaching 75% gas concentration or higher typically occurs very rapidly in situations involving massive gas releases or leaks. In a confined space with limited ventilation, such as a small room or basement, reaching 75% concentration might happen within a few minutes after a catastrophic gas release.
Those facts have explained why it is important to conduct gas leak detection Melbourne. Not only can gas leaks bring hazards to the human body in silence, but also cause disasters that can put your life at risk. When improper combustion occurs in the open air, it can trigger a flash fire. If it happens in an enclosed setting, it will cause an explosion.
Natural gas has no odour, colour, or taste. But when it is transformed for the purpose of gas utilities, it is generally mixed with mercaptan odorant to produce a unique rotten egg odour. This procedure has been taken as a preventive measure so that anyone with a normal sense of smell can easily recognise a gas leak and self-rescue. In situations where you suspect a gas leak but don’t smell any weird odour or have no idea how to address the problem, you can call for professional assistance from the gas plumber Melbourne. They have numerous experiences with gas leak detection Melbourne and have equipment to assess the condition of gas appliances as well as solve the gas leak issue.
Keep in mind that even though gas detectors and DIY approaches can be helpful in gas leak detection Melbourne, they cannot compete with the level of accuracy that a professional gas plumber Melbourne can guarantee in examining your gas appliances.
