Skip to main content
Workforce LibreTexts

3.17.9: In the event of a gas outage or leak

  • Page ID
    41688
  • \( \newcommand{\vecs}[1]{\overset { \scriptstyle \rightharpoonup} {\mathbf{#1}} } \)

    \( \newcommand{\vecd}[1]{\overset{-\!-\!\rightharpoonup}{\vphantom{a}\smash {#1}}} \)

    \( \newcommand{\id}{\mathrm{id}}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\)

    ( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\range}{\mathrm{range}\,}\)

    \( \newcommand{\RealPart}{\mathrm{Re}}\) \( \newcommand{\ImaginaryPart}{\mathrm{Im}}\)

    \( \newcommand{\Argument}{\mathrm{Arg}}\) \( \newcommand{\norm}[1]{\| #1 \|}\)

    \( \newcommand{\inner}[2]{\langle #1, #2 \rangle}\)

    \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\)

    \( \newcommand{\id}{\mathrm{id}}\)

    \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\)

    \( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\)

    \( \newcommand{\range}{\mathrm{range}\,}\)

    \( \newcommand{\RealPart}{\mathrm{Re}}\)

    \( \newcommand{\ImaginaryPart}{\mathrm{Im}}\)

    \( \newcommand{\Argument}{\mathrm{Arg}}\)

    \( \newcommand{\norm}[1]{\| #1 \|}\)

    \( \newcommand{\inner}[2]{\langle #1, #2 \rangle}\)

    \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\) \( \newcommand{\AA}{\unicode[.8,0]{x212B}}\)

    \( \newcommand{\vectorA}[1]{\vec{#1}}      % arrow\)

    \( \newcommand{\vectorAt}[1]{\vec{\text{#1}}}      % arrow\)

    \( \newcommand{\vectorB}[1]{\overset { \scriptstyle \rightharpoonup} {\mathbf{#1}} } \)

    \( \newcommand{\vectorC}[1]{\textbf{#1}} \)

    \( \newcommand{\vectorD}[1]{\overrightarrow{#1}} \)

    \( \newcommand{\vectorDt}[1]{\overrightarrow{\text{#1}}} \)

    \( \newcommand{\vectE}[1]{\overset{-\!-\!\rightharpoonup}{\vphantom{a}\smash{\mathbf {#1}}}} \)

    \( \newcommand{\vecs}[1]{\overset { \scriptstyle \rightharpoonup} {\mathbf{#1}} } \)

    \( \newcommand{\vecd}[1]{\overset{-\!-\!\rightharpoonup}{\vphantom{a}\smash {#1}}} \)

    \(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)

    Emergency Procedure: Gas Leak

    Purpose

         This procedure outlines the necessary steps to ensure the safety and well-being of children, staff, and visitors in the event of a suspected or confirmed gas leak. The priority is to evacuate the building immediately, notify authorities, and secure the area to prevent harm.


     

    Procedure

    1. Identifying a Gas Leak

    1. Signs of a Gas Leak:
      • Smell of rotten eggs or sulfur.
      • Hissing or whistling sounds near gas lines or appliances.
      • Dead or discolored vegetation around outdoor gas lines.
      • Feeling dizzy, nauseous, or lightheaded.
    2. Immediate Actions:
      • Do not use electrical switches, appliances, or open flames.
      • Avoid using cell phones or radios inside the building.
      • Notify the director or supervisor immediately.

     

    2. Evacuation

    1. Initiate Evacuation:
      • Announce the evacuation calmly and clearly.
      • Follow the center’s designated evacuation routes unless the leak blocks access. Use alternate routes if necessary.
    2. Ensure Child Safety:
      • Staff must bring:
        • Attendance logs.
        • Emergency contact information.
        • First aid kit.
      • Perform a headcount as children leave the building and again at the assembly area.
    3. Avoid Contamination:
      • Do not attempt to locate or fix the source of the gas leak.
      • Keep children and staff at least 300 feet away from the building or as directed by emergency personnel.

     

    3. Notification

    1. Contact Authorities:
      • Call 911 and the local gas company immediately to report the suspected leak.
      • Provide the exact location of the center, signs of the leak, and any immediate concerns.
    2. Inform Parents/Guardians:
      • Notify parents/guardians of the evacuation via text, email, or phone.
      • Provide updates on the situation, including the evacuation location and pick-up instructions if needed.

     

    4. Await Further Instructions

    • Do not re-enter the building until it has been inspected and declared safe by emergency personnel or the gas company.
    • Follow all instructions provided by first responders.

     

    5. Reunification Process

    • If the building remains unsafe for re-entry:
      • Relocate children to the pre-designated alternate site.
      • Notify parents/guardians of the relocation and provide pick-up details.

     

    6. Documentation

    • Complete an Incident Report Form detailing:
      • How the leak was detected.
      • Actions taken by staff and emergency responders.
      • Outcome of the situation.
    • File the report in the center’s emergency records.

     

    7. Post-Incident Review

    1. Debrief with Staff:
      • Review the incident and the effectiveness of the evacuation.
      • Identify any areas for improvement in procedures or response.
    2. Inspect and Repair:
      • Coordinate with the gas company and building maintenance to ensure all repairs and safety inspections are completed.
    3. Communicate with Families:
      • Provide a detailed follow-up to parents/guardians, reassuring them of the steps taken to ensure safety.

     

    Responsibilities

    Staff

    • Supervise children during the evacuation and ensure their safety.
    • Perform headcounts and maintain calm throughout the process.

    Director

    • Coordinate evacuation efforts and communicate with emergency responders.
    • Notify parents/guardians and oversee documentation and post-incident reviews.

    By following this procedure, the center ensures a swift, organized, and safe response to gas leaks, prioritizing the health and safety of all children and staff.


    3.17.9: In the event of a gas outage or leak is shared under a CC BY-NC 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts.

    • Was this article helpful?