How gas-safe is your building?
Gas detection safety should be a top priority for building managers and homeowners.
With millions of homes and office spaces across Canada relying on natural gas for energy, the potential for gas leaks is ever-present. This is a major reason why it’s imperative that property managers do all they can to put in place full-proof gas detection measures.
In this post, we dive deep into the necessity of gas detection safety in residential and commercial buildings and discuss key ways to improve building safety so as to prevent gas leaks.
But first, a look at the necessity of gas detection safety in buildings.
Why is Gas Detection Safety in Buildings Important?
Modern buildings rely on gas to meet energy demands. This creates vulnerability, opening up these properties to potential gas leaks from a variety of sources including heating systems, gas pipelines, and gas appliances.
The seriousness of this issue can be seen in statistics published by researchers. For example, each year at least 300 people die in Canada because of carbon monoxide poisoning. In addition, there are also more than 200 hospitalizations on account of CO gas leaks.
Apart from death, gas leaks can lead to memory problems, nausea, and loss of consciousness. Explosions or fires may also result if the leaks aren’t addressed on time. Hence the need for gas detection safety measures that alert building authorities as soon as a leak occurs to prevent disastrous outcomes.
And speaking of safety measures, how exactly do gas detection safety systems work?
The Mechanisms Behind Gas Detection Safety
The majority of gas detection safety systems rely on sensors to detect gas leaks. They’re designed to recognize noxious gas in the atmosphere. They come equipped with a range of sophisticated sensors that can ascertain the presence of harmful gases and immediately notify building tenants of imminent danger.
In most Canadian homes and workplaces, one of the following gas detection systems is employed:
· portable gas detectors
· fixed gas detectors
· area gas monitors
Let’s look at each one in turn.
1. Portable Gas Detectors
When it comes to dealing with a gas leak, you want to quickly locate the source. That’s where portable gas detectors come in. These handheld, practical and often-times battery-operated devices can be used to conduct a swift gas leak check.
Building managers, maintenance workers, and first responders rely on these gas detectors because they are easy to use and also allow for rapid confirmation of a gas leak.
2. Fixed Gas Detectors
If you wish to place a gas detector in a specific area such as a kitchen or a gas storage facility, then you’ll need to install fixed gas detectors.
They are commonplace in industrial settings like factories and manufacturing plants where gas leaks are most likely to occur.
Fire safety professionals like Nutech Fire Prevention are able to wire the fixed gas detectors to the building’s alarm system, making it possible for building occupants to be alerted of any gas leaks.
3. Area Gas Monitors
Area gas monitors and fixed gas detectors work in a similar fashion. The major difference is that area gas monitors are able to check for gas leaks over a wider expanse, unlike fixed gas detectors which detect in a specific location.
Area gas monitors are convenient if maintenance workers have a large area to cover. This is also the reason they’re typically deployed for use in large workplaces and buildings such as shopping centers, hospitals and schools.
If you’ve got a range of locations to check and limited manpower, this is the gas detection safety solution to opt for.
3 Steps to Ensure Your Building is Correctly Equipped for Gas Detection Safety
Now, here are steps you can take to ensure that your building is properly equipped for gas detection safety.
Step #1 Schedule routine maintenance for gas appliances
All gas appliances and heating systems in the building should be serviced whenever a problem occurs. However, there should also be monthly inspections by a qualified gas detection technician. This measure can help prevent gas leaks.
Step #2 Hire Licensed Gas Installation Experts to Install Your Safety Systems
Installation of your gas detection safety systems is a serious affair and as such should only be handled by professionals.
Do not cut corners by having amateur installation technicians carry out such a critical component of building fire safety.
Step #3 Install the Correct Gas Detection Safety Systems
How do you know which gas detection safety systems to install?
When you work with an experienced gas detection safety system professional like Nutech Fire Prevention, qualified engineers will assess your building requirements and recommend suitable systems to match the size of the building.
You want to make sure that every corner of the building is covered and that there are no blind spots.
The Bottom Line
Gas detection systems, much like smoke alarms, are a very important aspect of overall building safety. The potentially disastrous results of a gas leak warrant professionally installed gas detection safety measures.
To strengthen building gas safety measures, property managers and maintenance workers can make use of portable gas detectors, fixed gas detectors, and area gas monitors. They’re all very effective in helping detect gas leaks.
Finally, to ensure that your property is comprehensively equipped to tackle gas-related issues, it’s imperative that preventative steps such as routine checks and maintenance of gas appliances be carried out.
By implementing and following all this advice, you’re helping to protect tenants of the building from the harmful effects of gas leaks.
Work With Hamilton’s Premier Gas Detection Specialist
Homeowners and property managers in Hamilton, Ontario can reach out to Nutech Fire Prevention for all gas detection services.
In addition we offer fire safety training, fire safety recommendations, development of fire safety plans, and routine checks and maintenance of your fire equipment.
That’s not all we do as we also offer and install a comprehensive line of emergency backup generators, fire alarm systems, fire warning systems, fire extinguishers, emergency lighting, exit lighting, and sprinkler systems.
Request a free quote today.
Looking for more insight? Check out these previous posts:
- How to Plan a Fire Evacuation Plan for Your Business
- How to Quickly Stop a Fire in the Workplace
- Fire Safety Training Courses for Canada Businesses
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