House Explosions Raise Gas Leak Hazard Awareness -- Extech Handheld Gas Detectors Used to Find Leaks Fast
Waltham, MA (February 24, 2009) -- In the past three months, three homes in
Massachusetts succumbed to explosions due to natural gas leaks. In the aftermath,
two individuals died and a third was severely injured. A February 21, 2009 report
in the Boston Globe found that "Nationally, between 1998 and 2008, 323
people died and 1,341 were injured as the result of gas leaks or explosions,
according to the US Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials
Safety Administration. Over the same period in Massachusetts, six people died
and 12 were injured as a result of leaks and explosions."
While the three recent Massachusetts house explosion incidents do not appear
to be linked in the eyes of officials and investigators, the increased frequency
has raised concerns among gas customers and industry analysts that thousands
of miles of gas pipelines and utility lines may be corroding, increasingly becoming
prone to leaks. Such a potential public hazard endangers not only the lives
of those in homes but also workers in business and industrial sites.
How Extech Gas Leak Detectors Can Help
As the awareness of the hazards of natural gas leaks increases, professionals
in utilities, facilities maintenance, and public safety, as well as individual
consumers, are using Extech's compact, handheld gas leak detectors to quickly
pinpoint the source of leaks.
Extech
Gas Leak Detectors
For individuals who are responsible for finding gas leaks in structures such
as plants, factories, office buildings, schools, and homes, or leaks in equipment
that store or use gas, a gas leak detector is one of the most important tools
available. These compact, handheld devices quickly identify and pinpoint gas
leaks. The Extech
EzFlex™ Combustible Gas Detector (model EZ40) features a flexible 16" gooseneck
for easy access into hard to reach locations. The EZ40's adjustable sensitivity
enables a user to listen to a ticking tone that increases in frequency as the
user gets closer to the source of the leak. When gas levels reach 10% (Lower
Explosive Limit), a warbling alarm and blinking LED are triggered.
For more general purpose use, troubleshooting
gas leaks in smaller, natural and propane gas containers used with items such
as soldering torches, lighters, and camping equipment, the pen-sized FG100 model
from Extech is particularly versatile. The highly sensitive detector alerts
users with audible and visual alarms. And, with a convenient pocket clip, the
FG100 detector fits easily in a shirt pocket.
Tips for Responding to a Gas Leak
Public officials and utility representatives emphasize that gas explosion incidents
are very, very rare, and have actually declined significantly in the last decade.
Still, it is important to prepare a responsive approach to gas leaks in homes
as well as business and industrial buildings.
Here are key points to remember if you suspect a gas leak:
- Since natural gas is colorless and odorless, a strong and distinctive scent
is added, similar to rotten eggs, to make gas leaks easier to notice.
- If you can smell gas, do not use anything electrical, including light switches
and telephones, nor anything that could create a flame or spark.
- Alert others and get out of the building as quickly as possible.
- Away from the building, contact emergency authorities or the gas utility
immediately. Many states have strict requirements that utilities must respond
to such calls in 60 minutes or less. In workplace plant settings, notify your
plant manager immediately.
- Add emergency contact numbers to your cell phone contact list now for easy
reference in an emergency.
- For professionals investigating gas leaks, a handheld gas detector that
couples high sensitivity with both audio and visual alerts can help pinpoint
the source of leaks expediently.
Related Links
The two detectors listed above retail for $99.99 (EZ40) and $59.99 (FG100).
For additional product specifications and applications, visit the Extech website:
www.extech.com/instruments.
To read the related story from the Boston Globe, click
here.
About Extech Instruments, a FLIR Company
Headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, USA, Extech Instruments is one of the
largest suppliers of test and measurement equipment worldwide. Founded in 1971,
Extech is known for its depth and breadth of products and its innovation in
providing instruments with unique combinations of features that make them highly
useful and very convenient. All Extech meters are distributed worldwide through
leading representatives, distributors and OEMs. The company is ISO 9001 2000
certified and is a wholly owned subsidiary of FLIR Systems, Inc.
Contact:
André Rebelo
Global PR Manager
Extech Instruments, a FLIR Company
781-434-3901
andre.rebelo@extech.com
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