Know and understand the properties, uses, and safety precautions before using any gas or gas mixture. Example of a label on an Acetylene gas cylinder. Acetylene (C2H2) is a colorless, highly flammable gas. The most common compressed gases used at SNC are Carbon Dioxide, Helium, Nitrogen, and Oxygen.
Cylinder Storage Room

Gas Emergencies

Compressed Gas leaks can cause rapid asphyiation by displacing the amount of oxygen in a room.

Carbon Dioxide	(CO2)	Is a Tasteless, colorless, odorless, nonflammable gas,
Nitrogen	(N2)	Is a diatomic gas which comprises 78% of the earth's atmosphere, it is colorless, odorless, tasteless, nontoxic,
Helium	(He)	Is colorless, odorless, tasteless, nontoxic and chemically inert,
Oxygen	(O2)	Comprises 21 percent of the earth's atmoshere and supports life, it is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. The presence of oxygen makes combustion possible.

What is an emergency?

An emergency is any actual or potential release of a hazardous material that cannot be stopped by closing the product's cylinder or container valve.

Compressed Gas Leaks - What to Do

Take corrective action to minimize the leak or at least minimize exposure to people and equipment.

Evacuate the building.

Alert all personnel as you evacuate the building.

Assuring that all necessary resources are available for the final resolution of the situation; deployment of police, fire department, and supplier assistance.

The Fire Department will rescue injured people, they are equipped with the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE).

Laboratory Gas leak from Workbench Gas Connections

If you smell gas during your experiment, shut-off the gas valve, and notify your professor, if the shut valve still leaks the professor can shut off the gas by pulling of the plastic cover and closing the main valve by the exit door.

Natural gas leaks - What to do

If you suspect that your home or business has a natural gas leak, it's important to act quickly. Follow these tips to prevent harm to yourself or others.

If you detect or even suspect that you have a natural gas leak:

Leave the area immediately. If you're indoors, evacuate the building.
Once outside call 9.1.1
Don't do anything else that might create a spark, including flipping any switches.

What is natural gas?

Natural gas is formed deep underground, usually in areas around coal and oil. The raw form of natural gas that we use for energy is called methane. Other substances found in natural gas, such as butane, propane, and ethane, are removed before we use the methane gas that we call natural gas in appliances or equipment.

Using natural gas in laboratories

Securely attach hose to the nozzle flange, attach Bunsen burner, and light burner, adjust the flame, and listen for any leaking sound. If you smell gas during your experiment, shut-off the gas valve, and notify your professor, if the shut valve still leaks the professor can shut off the gas at the main valve by the exit door.

Is natural gas safe?

Yes! Natural gas has a very limited range of flammability. This means that it takes just the right mixture of air and natural gas before it can burn. Also, natural gas is lighter than air, so it usually will safely rise and disperse into the air if it is allowed to vent freely. Even with this in mind, it is very important to understand natural gas and to be aware of safety tips concerning its use. Most accidents occur because of lack of knowledge that leads to unsafe equipment or appliances, not because natural gas itself is unsafe.

What is mercaptan?

Your nose knows—the smell of mercaptan is unmistakable. And that’s exactly why it is added to natural gas, helping you detect even the smallest amount of natural gas leaking into the air. In its native state, natural gas is odorless, colorless and tasteless. Mercaptan, the harmless chemical that is added to natural gas, contains sulfur, which makes it smell. Many people describe the odor of mercaptan as similar to rotten eggs. When mercaptan is added to natural gas, it rises and dissipates much like the gas itself, making the two substances ideal companions.

IT’S BEST TO BE SAFE: If you smell gas RIGHT NOW—don't touch or turn off your computer—leave the area! After you go someplace away from the odor, call your natural gas provider. If you don't know that number, dial emergency services, 9-1-1.