When Should You Check for Evidence of Gas Fumes?

After Appliance Installation or Fueling

• Installing a new gas-fueled appliance, or filling one with fuel, is an appropriate time to check for evidence of gas fumes. You can use a commercial detector, which plugs into a standard outlet, or move through the space yourself, carefully checking for the odor of gas. Improper installation of a furnace, gas stove or fireplace may release fumes once you turn on the gas. Likewise, fueling a tractor or installing a propane tank on a grill or RV may produce gas fumes that you'll need to address quickly.

After a Spill

• You should always check for evidence of gas fumes following a fuel spill. An accident involving a leaking fuel tank, tipped gas can or ruptured fuel line can leave liquid fuel behind that creates dangerous fumes as it evaporates. Even if you think you've contained and cleaned up the spill, check for evidence of fumes to detect remaining gas or determine how long you need to ventilate the space to make it safe.

Following Health Symptoms

• Whenever people who live or work in a space experience symptoms associated with gas fumes, evacuate the area and check for evidence of fumes. Common symptoms from exposure to natural gas include headaches, nausea and unconsciousness in extreme cases. Gas fume detectors can help rule out certain sources of the fumes, but if the source is undetectable it may be necessary to call emergency personnel with respiration protection to inspect the area using specialty equipment.

After a Disaster

• Natural disasters and household accidents can create gas fume leaks that are difficult to detect in the chaos that follows. A small fire may melt through fuel lines in your garage, while an earthquake can rupture natural gas lines in your home or yard. As part of your response to an emergency situation, be attentive to the smell of gas fumes and turn off fuel sources whenever possible to contain gas.