|
VALLEY ENERGY SAFETY INFORMATION
Whether you use it for cooking, heating your hot water, drying your clothes or heating your home, natural gas is a marvelous servant, especially when conserved and used safely. Natural gas has a safety record that is outstanding. As with any energy source, there are things you need to know to properly use it.
If you detect a gas odor there are things you SHOULD NOT do and things you SHOULD do.
DON’T:
- Operate any light switches, fans, or other electrical switches
- Light any matches or candle
- Use the telephone or cell phone
DO:
- Extinguish any cigarettes
- Open doors and windows to ventilate (do not operate fans)
- GET OUT. Even if it is a faint smell of gas, leave the building immediately
- Use a neighbor’s phone or cell phone to call Valley Energy’s 24 hour emergency number. CALL 570-888-9664 or 1-800-998-4427
- Wait for a Valley Energy representative to arrive. He or she will need to enter you home to determine the source of the odor and inspect your gas equipment. Do not return to the building until we indicate that it is safe.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless and dangerous gas produced when fuel (heating oil, propane, kerosene, charcoal gasoline, wood or natural gas) is burned without complete combustion. Carbon monoxide from these sources can build up in enclosed or partially enclosed spaces and can cause unconsciousness or death.
RECOGNIZE SYMPTOMS OF CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Coughing
- Headache
- Nausea
- Paleness
- Cherry red lips and ears
- Irregular breathing
If you or anyone in your home or business experiences these symptoms, immediately open doors and windows to ventilate the building. Then move outside into fresh air and call 911.
PRECAUTIONS AND SAFETY MEASURES
- Never use a gas oven or stove top for heating your home.
- Have your chimney, appliances and furnace inspected and tested by a qualified professional.
- During winter months, clear all snow and ice from exhaust and combustion air vents for all gas equipment and appliances.
- Never use a portable charcoal or propane grill indoors.
- Never run an automobile or gasoline engine in an enclosed space.
- Install a carbon monoxide detector.
Excavating, installing fence posts, sidewalks and mailboxes, planting trees, etc. can damage a pipeline. If you damage an underground utility line while digging, you could harm yourself or those around you and disrupt service to entire neighborhood and potentially be responsible for fines and repair costs. The law requires that you call 8-1-1 “One Call” system at least three days before digging in PA and at least 2 days prior to digging in NY. Call-before-you-dig information can be found in that section of this web site or by contacting the appropriate state’s one call web site that can be linked from this site. Valley Energy will locate its underground pipelines at no cost. Always hand-dig in the area of a pipeline.
- GAS APPLIANCES, EQUIPMENT AND PIPING
Everyone in your household or business is encouraged to learn how to properly operate natural gas appliances and to become familiar with safety precautions. It is important to install, operate and maintain you appliances and equipment in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Valley Energy has guidelines, codes and regulations that all customers must follow. These include allowing access to our meter installations and equipment, internal piping regulations, locations of buildings next to a pipeline, venting regulations, proper installation of piping and appliances, etc. Many regulations are found in the National Fuel Gas Code, Z223, NFPA. For information about this code or any Valley Energy regulation, call or visit our office.
APPLIANCE CONNECTORS: Gas connectors are the corrugated metal pipes that connect your appliances to gas supply pipes. Some older connectors can crack or come apart, causing a gas leak. Any uncoated brass connector should be replaced immediately with a new connector.
Please keep your meter installation clear of snow and ice. Many installations have a pressure regulator with a small vent that may not function properly if frozen or covered with snow. Take care when mowing or operating power equipment around a gas meter. Many meter installations have a wire extending from the ground that is used for locating the pipeline or providing corrosion control and care should be taken not to break or bury the line. Every installation has a valve near the ground level that should never be buried with dirt or mulch.
Valley Energy maintains the gas pipe up to and including the meter installation. All above ground and below ground piping after the meter is the responsibility of the property owner. If underground piping is not maintained, it may corrode and leak, causing a potential safety hazard. The pipe should periodically be inspected for leaks and for corrosion if it is a metal pipe. Any unsafe condition should be repaired promptly. Instances where customer owned piping may exist include: single metered commercial or multiple unit residential property, lines to industrial sites, outside gas lighting, gas heaters for pool/hot tub, gas barbeque, and detached structures with gas equipment.
This is only a partial list. Many plumbers and heating contractors can assist with locating, inspecting and repairing buried pipelines. Contact Valley Energy with any questions.
Every Valley Energy employee carries an identification badge. If you do not see this badge when our employee visits your home or business, ask to see it. If you are suspicious or have any questions, contact us at 1-570-888-9664 or 1-800-998-4427.
|
