Gas supply disruption and risk of explosion

Both natural gas and LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) are used in many homes to provide heating, water heating or cooking, whether on a stove or a grill.

Preparing for a gas supply disruption Acting in the event of a gas accident

Natural gas is highly flammable, lighter than air, and dangerous to humans

The main component of natural gas, methane, is a colourless and odourless, extremely flammable gas – ignition can occur from flame, spark or heat. An explosion may occur when 5–15% of the room is filled with gas and it ignites. It must be remembered that natural gas is lighter than air and, in the event of a leak, it begins to rise higher when mixed with air and can also be carried to adjacent rooms by airflows. Natural gas mainly has a suffocating effect on humans. It is not particularly dangerous in terms of toxicity, but when about 10% of the room is filled with gas, it causes drowsiness, headaches and makes you feel unwell. When the amount of gas increases to 20–30%, it is accompanied by a dangerous lack of oxygen, which can lead to suffocation.

LPG is explosive, heavier than air, and dangerous to humans

The main component of LPG is propane. Like methane, propane is a colourless and odourless gas that is highly flammable and explosive. Propane is explosive when 2–11% of the room is filled with gas. An explosion can even be caused by a spark due to static electricity. Propane is not directly toxic, but when it gets into the air in large quantities, it can cause suffocation due to a decrease in the amount of oxygen. When inhaled, it can cause drowsiness, nausea, malaise, headache, and weakness. Propane is heavier than air and therefore, in the event of a leak, the gas sinks into lower places – the floor of the room, cavities, cellars, sewage wells, and similar places.Therefore, in the event of a leak, mainly apartments on lower floors and cellars are at risk.

Preparing for a gas supply disruption

Map the effects of a gas disruption in your home – which appliances use gas and what alternatives are available?
Check with the service provider or apartment association how the continuity of the service is ensured in your area.
Please note: For household customers and companies producing heat for residential heating, natural gas is guaranteed for up to 30 days even in the event of supply difficulties.
See the user manual on whether you can also use LPG for devices running on natural gas. If you have purchased a new gas stove, keep the set of LPG nozzles and add a small LPG cylinder to the emergency supplies.

When the supply of natural gas is disrupted

Close all gas taps in the dwelling and the main shut-off valves entering the premises.
Warn neighbours – it is important that no tap remains open, as this may lead to a risk of explosion when the gas supply is restored.
Use alternative solutions for heating, cooking, and water heating. Prefer safe and simple options and always follow the safety rules and user manuals of the equipment.
If you cannot cope safely at home, go to your loved ones or contact a resilience centre for help.

Gas accident in an appartment house, rescue worker in protective equiptment measuring gas levels

Acting in the event of a gas accident

The main hazards associated with natural gas and LPG are leaks, mechanical damage to pipes or equipment, sudden changes in gas pressure or sudden disruption of supply.

It is characteristic of a gas explosion that, at the moment of the explosion, the fire that caused the explosion also goes out. This means that there is usually no fire after a gas explosion. This is due to two things: first, the explosion takes place in a very short moment, the other objects in the room do not have time to ignite, and the burnt gas itself is immediately extinguished. Second, the explosion creates such high pressure in the room that it suppresses the flames. The resulting pressure is high enough to destroy the weakest structures, allowing the gases to escape.

If you suspect a gas leak or a gas accident has occurred:

If you suspect a gas leak or smell gas, call the emergency number 112 and report the situation.
Close the gas taps immediately if it is safe to do so to stop the gas flow.
If possible, also turn off electricity from the apartment/house.
Do not use open flames, electrical appliances or turn lights on/off – a spark can cause an explosion.
Open windows and doors to ventilate the rooms.
Move away from the danger zone and ask others in the danger zone to move away as well. Do not forget to bring your pets.
Do not return to the premises until the rooms have been ventilated and specialists have given permission to do so.
Before reusing the leak-related equipment or cylinders, have them inspected or replaced by a specialist.

See also the gas safety reminder for household customers on the website of the Consumer Protection and Technical Regulatory Authority.