Physical Plant shares steps for reporting gas odors
The Regis Physical Plant has shared the Emergency Preparedness Guide and steps for reporting gas odors. The Emergency Preparedness Guide advises the public to do the following if they smell gas:
- Natural Gas (Methane), Natural Gas is the most commonly used type of gas in homes, businesses, and industries across the USA. It is composed mainly of methane, which is the most basic form of the hydrocarbon family of molecules, consisting of one carbon atom bonded to four hydrogen atoms. As methane is often produced by animal digestion and the decomposition of matter, it is often assumed that it has a strong smell. In fact, methane by itself is odorless. If your are using methane in the form of natural gas, however, it will have a scent. This is typical “gas” odor that most of us will recognize from when we turn on a gas stove at home before we light the burner. The odor is caused by an intentionally added chemicals containing tert-Butylthoil (or smelling like rotten eggs)
- If you detect an unusual odor of persistent natural gas, get to a safe place at least 500 feet from the location of the suspected leak. Call 911 immediately and request the fire department. Then call Campus Safety.
- Be prepared to provide details including: - Location of the odor - Strength of the odor - Any symptoms you or others in the immediate area might be feeling - Known or suspected sources of the odor
- Avoid turning lights on or off.
- When evacuating, move away from any apparent source and stay upwind of the leak. Do not return to the building until RU Alert or emergency personnel say it is safe to do so.
- DO NOT smoke, turn on light switch or use handset desk telephone.