In common usage, a gas leak refers to a leak of natural gas, from a pipe or other containment, into a living area or any other area where the gas should not be. As natural gas may explode when exposed to flame or sparks, this situation is rather dangerous.[1]
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Although natural gas is by nature colorless and odorless, scents in the form of traces of mercaptans are usually added, to assist in identifying leaks. This odour commonly takes the form of rotting eggs. If this scent is detected, it is recommended to evacuate the area immediately, usually to the outside. Do not light fires/cigarettes, and do not operate electrical appliances/light switches/phones, as these may act as points of ignition. Once in a safe area, contact your natural gas provider.
As a result of the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act[2] of 2002 passed in the United States, Federal Safety Standards require companies providing natural gas to conduct safety inspections for gas leaks in homes and other buildings receiving natural gas. The gas company is required to inspect gas meters and inside gas piping from the point of entry into the building to the outlet side of the gas meter for gas leaks. This requires entry into private homes by the natural gas companies in many cases.
Most state and federal agencies have adopted the Gas Piping and Technology Committee (GPRTC) standards for grading natural gas leaks
A Grade 1 leak is a leak that represents an existing or probable hazard to persons or property, and requires immediate repair or continuous action until the conditions are no longer hazardous. Examples of a Grade 1 Leak are:
A Grade 2 Leak is a leak that is recognized as being non-hazardous at the time of detection, but justifies scheduled repair based on probable future hazard.
Examples of a Grade 2 Leak are:
A. Leaks Requiring Action Ahead of Ground Freezing or Other Adverse Changes in Venting Conditions. Any leak which, under frozen or other adverse soil conditions, would likely migrate to the outside wall of a building.
B. Leaks Requiring Action Within Six Months
A Grade 3 Leak is a leak that is non-hazardous at the time of detection and can be reasonably expected to remain non-hazardous.
Examples of a Grade 3 Leak are:
If working with other dangerous gases (such as in a lab or industrial setting), a gas leak can refer to a leak of some other gas. The identity of the gas in question is usually obvious from context, and requires the same response: evacuate, and seek help from someone equipped to deal with that particular gas. Other details depend on the gas in question.