Natural Gas Safety At K-12 Schools
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More US schools are turning to natural gas, away from dirty coal and expensive electricity. For many of them, budget squeezes and environmental concerns are the driving forces.
Using natural gas for electricity generation and heating is one of the few areas where schools can cut costs without adversely affecting quality. Natural gas is becoming part of the essential infrastructure necessary to keep schools in operation. |
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Keeping Natural Gas - An Indispensable Utility - Maximally Safe
But is it safe to have this much gas used in spaces where children meet to learn and play?
- During emergency situations, natural gas is usually the last utility to be shut off, while electricity is often the first; due to natural gas' relative safety compared to electricity.
- Natural gas weighs 70% as much as air, so in the event of leaks, it immediately disperses into the atmosphere.
- Moreover, natural gas pipes are buried deep in the ground and are not easily damaged.
Possible Dangers From Using Natural Gas
- Gas leakage due to faulty, burst pipes & loose joints, corrosion and vandalism
- Fire: If leaks occur in enclosed spaces, they can pose significant threat of fire
- Explosions: certain components of the system pose a potential explosion hazard
How To Get The Most Out Of Natural Gas Without Accidents
Most natural gas accidents result from mishandling and improper maintenance practices. By keeping a few simple rules, schools can get the most out of their systems, without endangering the lives of kids and adults in the environment.
Conduct audit of all gas infrastructure to ensure their functionality, including:
Make the installation and maintenance of these a priority:
- The boiler room is one of the areas with greatest potential for accidents. Keep boiler rooms aerated and do not use them as storage space.
- Institute proper and clear safety procedures/emergency guidelines; such as, what to do if someone detects a gas leak.
- Draw up clear communication guidelines between those who manage the energy systems and those who run the school.
- A proper maintenance schedule is the backbone of natural gas safety and most schools lack them. The following are the minimum schools need to do in this area:
Conduct audit of all gas infrastructure to ensure their functionality, including:
- Gas meter assessments
- Complete inspection of the systems for leaks, corrosion, mismatching equipment & fitting, etc.
Make the installation and maintenance of these a priority:
- Seismic Shutoff Valves: automatically shut gas supply when an earthquake of sufficient magnitude occurs.
- Excess flow valves: automatically closes or restricts natural gas flow if an underground pipe is damaged or there is unusual gas flow to the meter
- Smoke detectors: to catch fires before they go out of control
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Natural Gas Safety - K-12
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