Facility Managers - If you suspect a gas leak at your site, what is your next step? Do you know how to identify a Gas Leak?

​Not everyone is equipped to manage gas leaks! Smart facility managers know when it’s time to call in a specialist.
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At MBS Engineering, we’ve invested $150,000 in gas leak detecting equipment, and spent hundreds of hours training our team to become certified. MBS is your gas system specialist; we provide the best gas system surveys and repairs in the industry.
The need to maintain the health of your natural gas systems even during this unprecedented time, remains essential.
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Safety is paramount -
There are a few common problems that gas systems present that Facilities Managers should be aware of, and if left unchecked can lead to hazardous conditions.

Common Gas System Problem No 1 - Gas Leaks
Gas Leaks are serious business, even the tiniest leak can grow over time. Combustible gases such as methane, pentane, and hydrogen are serious hazards and when present in sufficient quantities, can pose the threat of fire or explosion. Though not always easy to detect, there are a few common methods of leak detection a Facility Manager can use:
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1. Odor – if you smell it (gas), investigate it!
2. Vegetation – gas leaks can kill grass and vegetation
3. Sound – hissing sound
4. Insects – some are attracted to the components of natural gas or to the odorant added that makes gas smell
5. Gas Bills – unexpected high gas bills could indicate a leak in the system

The most effective way to find and detect gas leaks is to perform a Gas Leak Detection Survey. MBS Engineering is a natural gas contractor, we’ve performed thousands of gas leak surveys! We have the credentials and we are a trusted resource to many businesses including schools, hospitals, hotels, and commercial businesses.

Common Gas System Problem No 2 - Maintenance

Neglected Maintenance is a common problem with gas systems. Proper maintenance is key, the health and safety of everyone is at risk if the equipment is not properly maintained. A good maintenance plan should include routine annual inspections and service. Many Facility Managers are busy and may lack the bandwidth to stay on top of regular maintenance.

MBS can set you up with an Annual Gas Maintenance Service freeing up your time, allowing  you to check that box off of your list. Our tailor-made Maintenance Programs includes: Auditing, Testing and Reporting on your gas systems. We will test, identify and prevent gas related issues insuring the reliability of your systems operations.

During the inspection, our technicians will inspect the following for gas leaks, signs of corrosion or wear and tear -

Gas Pressure Regulators – over time faulty regulators can venting gas out of relief vents, lock up and drop in regulator set point
Manual shut off valves – Can become corroded and frozen over time.
Seismic Shut-off Valves - inspection
Training – as part of our Gas Maintenance program, we also offer 2 hour of gas safety training for your team.

By managing repairs and maintenance on an ongoing basis MBS can provide consistency by developing an intimate knowledge of your equipment. We will repair or replace items before they cause any major problems.
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For more information on either of these services or to answer any questions, please call us at 925-334-7200 or email [email protected].