How safe is it to use centralized gas piping in a building or house?

To date, it seems that investigations to the Serendra blast is focusing on the use of the centralized gas piping system in the building, the system being used in all Bonifacio Global City buildings and condominiums. This type of system is widely used in developed countries. But in the Philippines, only few developments have used this type, which is still relatively much safer than using the conventional tank system.

So if the building is using a centralized gas piping system, here are some safety tips for homeowners in such condominiums. When the gas passes through a customer's gas meter, it becomes the property of the customer.  Once inside the home, gas travels to equipment and appliances through piping installed by the home-builder and owned by the customer, who is responsible for its upkeep.

When the gas reaches a customer's meter, it passes through another regulator to reduce its pressure to under ¼ pound, if this is necessary.  (Some services lines carry gas that is already at very low pressure.) (see distribution system)  This is the normal pressure for natural gas within a household piping system, and is less than the pressure created by a child blowing bubbles through a straw in a glass of milk.  When a gas furnace or stove is turned on, the gas pressure is slightly higher than the air pressure, so the gas flows out of the burner and ignites in its familiar clean blue flame.

It is important for you and your family to know what to do when you smell, hear, or see gas leaking.
Even a slight gouge, scrape or dent to a pipe or coating may cause a dangerous break or leak in the future.


When you suspect a gas leak you should...
* Leave your home immediately and take others with you. If outside, get well away from where you suspect the gas is leaking.
* Open windows before you leave if the odor is faint.
* Call emergency hotlines.
* Tell responders if there is also a problem with your electric service.
* Follow directions from emergency responders who are on site.

When you suspect a gas leak you should NOT...
...do anything to create a spark that could cause an explosion, such as:
* Light a match
* Turn appliances or lights on or off (including flashlights)
* Use a telephone or cell phone
* Ring a doorbell
* Start a car

Gas Safety in the Home
Follow these gas safety rules at home:
* Never use a gas range or oven to heat your home.
* Gas-fired appliances such as stoves or gas dryers that are attached to a flexible connector should only be moved or replaced by professionals. Old flexible connectors should be replaced and not reused because they may become brittle over time and develop small cracks, which leak enough gas to reach a hazardous level.
* Don’t step, sit, lean, or place any objects on flexible connectors attached to appliances.
* To prevent combustible gases from entering a building through sewer lines, make sure that indoor sewer-line caps are intact and securely attached.
* Keep cleaning products, gasoline, paints, and other combustible materials away from gas appliances.
* Don’t let children play near gas appliances.
* Keep the path and area around the gas meter clear so it can be reached in case of an emergency.
* Don’t enclose your gas meter. Remove dirt from around your gas meter and associated piping by using a brush instead of a shovel.

Protect Yourself Against Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas that can cause serious illness or death if inhaled in large concentrations for even a short period of time. Every home has fuel-burning appliances that can produce CO if they are not working properly.

Symptoms of CO poisoning include headaches, tightness of chest, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue.
* If you suspect CO poisoning, immediately evacuate the premises and call 911.
* Install CO detectors in your home. If you use a battery-operated or plug-in detector with battery backup, check the batteries every month and replace the batteries once a year.
* If the CO alarm sounds, but no one is showing symptoms of CO poisoning, open windows, turn off all potential CO sources, and leave. Have a qualified technician investigate the source of the CO and inspect your appliances, detector, and chimneys to make sure they are operating correctly.
* All vents, chimneys, and flues should be inspected and cleaned annually by a qualified technician.
* Be sure appliances, including portable generators, are properly adjusted and working to manufacturer’s specifications and local building codes.

* Do not use kerosene or propane auxiliary heaters indoors or in any enclosed space.
* Never use a gas range or oven to heat your home.
* Barbecue grills and portable generators should be used only outdoors. Do not use them in an enclosed porch or garage.
* Never leave your car, lawn mower, snow blower, or portable generator running in an enclosed space or in a garage or shed, even if the door is open.

Signs of a Gas Leak
* Smell — A distinctive, strong odor similar to rotten eggs. A distinctive odor to gas is added so that leaks are easier to detect.
* See — A white cloud, mist, fog, bubbles in standing water, blowing dust, or vegetation that appears to be dead or dying for no reason.
* Hear — A roaring, hissing, or whistling sound may indicate escaping gas.

It is important for you and your family to know what to do when you smell, hear, or see gas leaking.

source1 and source 2