When you go on a long trip, remember to turn off the gas!

□ Popular Science Times reporter Zhang Yingxian

Recently, safety accidents caused by gas leaks have occurred in many places. Gas safety is of great importance and should not be taken lightly. How to determine whether there is a gas leak? How to deal with a gas leak? In response to these issues of public concern, a reporter from Science Popularization Times interviewed Jiang Bo, a senior engineer of the Jiangsu Provincial Fire Rescue Corps.

Three factors cause gas safety accidents

Gas is a general term for gaseous fuels, which are divided into natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, artificial gas, biogas, etc. In daily life, the gas that the public uses more is mainly natural gas and liquefied gas. Jiang Bo introduced: "The main component of natural gas is methane, which is colorless, odorless, non-toxic and non-corrosive. Its density is less than that of air. When it leaks, it will rise rapidly and the gas is easy to disperse. It is a relatively safe fuel." Liquefied gas is stored in liquid form in steel cylinders, with a higher density. Once it leaks, it will accumulate in low-lying areas on the ground and is not easy to disperse.

Generally speaking, a gas safety accident is likely to occur only when three factors are present at the same time: first, a gas leak occurs; second, the gas is in a relatively closed space and the leaked gas is not easy to disperse, causing the gas concentration in the air to reach the explosion limit; third, it encounters ignition energy, such as open flames, electric sparks caused by switching electrical appliances, and metal friction when a key opens a door.

Applying soapy water can determine whether there is a gas leak

Jiang Bo introduced that there are four methods that can be used to determine whether there is a gas leak.

Smell: Gas companies will add a certain amount of odorizer to the gas so that the public can detect gas leaks in time. If you smell a rotten egg odor at home, there may be a gas leak.

Second check: If you observe that the pointer of the gas meter is still moving when there is no gas, you can also determine that there is a gas leak.

Three coats: Mix soap or detergent with water to make soap solution, and apply it to gas hoses, joints, valves and other parts prone to leakage. If small bubbles are produced, it indicates that there is a gas leak.

Fourth inspection: For some extremely small leaks, ask the gas company to use professional testing tools to conduct inspections.

How to deal with a gas leak

The most important thing to maintain gas safety is to prevent gas leaks by regularly checking gas hoses and replacing aging lines, so as to prevent problems before they "ignite". When using a gas stove for cooking, it is important to "keep the fire with you" to prevent soup from overflowing and extinguishing the flame of the gas stove, causing leakage. If you find that the gas stove cannot be ignited, you should pause for a while before trying again. Continuous ignition may cause the ejected gas to condense in the air.

It is particularly important to note that other gas sources and fire sources cannot be used in rooms using natural gas. If bottled liquefied gas is used, the cylinder must be kept upright and not placed horizontally or upside down. It must also be avoided from exposure to sunlight, collision, or heating.

Jiang Bo said that if a gas leak has occurred, the public should remember “one turn off, two turn on, three prohibit, and four report.”

One off: Quickly close the main valve of the gas pipe.

Second opening: Open doors and windows for ventilation. If the windows are made of iron, open them very gently to avoid sparks and explosions.

Three prohibitions: It is strictly forbidden to open or close any electrical appliances and switches, and do not use the phone to eliminate any possibility of sparks.

Four reports: After moving away from the danger zone, call the police and evacuate nearby people.

"The May Day holiday is coming, and we recommend that you turn off the gas switch before going on a long trip. You can also install a combustible gas detection alarm to facilitate early detection of dangerous situations and timely disposal." Jiang Bo said.