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Acrobat Reader File - Natural Gas Pipeline Awareness Natural Gas Pipeline Awareness

Acrobat Reader File - Natural Gas Awareness for the Public Natural Gas Awareness for the Public

Warning Natural Gas Pipeline

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hutchinson Utilities Commission
225 Michigan ST SE
Hutchinson, MN 55350-1940
Office: (320) 587-4746
Fax: (320) 587-4721
Monday - Friday
7:30 am to 4:00 pm

Education & Safety


Natural Gas Pipeline Awareness

Hutchinson Utilities Commission operates an underground natural gas pipeline in your area. We are providing this safety information as part of our pipeline Public Awareness Program to our neighbors who live and work in the vicinity of our facilities.

Steps you should take if you suspect a gas leak:

1. If you suspect a leaking or damage pipeline leave the area immediately and warn others to stay away.
2. If you suspect your excavation equipment has struck a pipeline, do not attempt to move the equipment. Shut the equipment off and leave the area.
3. Once away from the pipeline, call you local fire and police department as well as our 24-hour emergency numbers below.

IN AN EMERGENCY PLEASE CALL 911 and HUTCHINSON UTILITIES COMMISSION
System Control Emergency Number - 1-877-593-3973 or 320-587-4745

 
Protect your family and yourself from Carbon Monoxide poisoning

Carbon Monoxide - What is it?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous, colorless, odorless and tasteless gas that is a by-product of incomplete combustion. Carbon monoxide is produced when whenever any fuel such as natural gas, gasoline, kerosene, wood or charcoal is burned. If appliances that burn fuel are maintained and used properly, the amount of CO produced is usually not hazardous. However, if appliances are not working properly or are used incorrectly, dangerous levels of CO may result.

Examples of carbon monoxide producing devices commonly in use around the home include:

  • Automobiles
  • Furnaces (non-electric)
  • Natural gas water heaters
  • Fireplaces and wood stoves
  • Natural gas appliances (stove, dryer, etc.)
  • Charcoal grill
  • Lawnmowers, snow blowers, etc.


    • What are the Health Affects?
    Carbon monoxide interferes with the distribution of oxygen in the blood to the rest of the body. Depending on the amount inhaled, this gas can impede coordination, worsen cardiovascular conditions and produce fatigue, headache, weakness, confusion, disorientation, nausea and dizziness. Very high levels may cause death.

    These symptoms are sometimes confused with the flu or food poisoning. Fetuses, infants, elderly and people with heart and respiratory illnesses are particularly at high risk for the adverse health effects of carbon monoxide.

    An estimated 300 people die each year as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning and thousands of others end up in the hospital emergency rooms.


    What Can Be Done to Prevent CO Poisoning?

  • Ensure that appliances are properly adjusted and working to manufacturers' instructions and local building codes.
  • Obtain annual inspections for heating systems, chimneys and flues and have them cleaned by a qualified technician.
  • Open flues when fireplaces are in use.
  • Use proper fuel in kerosene space heaters.
  • Do not use ovens and gas ranges to heat your home.
  • Do not burn charcoal inside a home, cabin, recreational vehicle or camper.
  • Make sure stoves and heaters are vented to the outside and that exhaust systems do not leak.
  • Do not use unvented gas or kerosene space heaters in enclosed spaces.
  • Never leave a car or lawn mower engine running in a shed or garage, or in any enclosed space.
  • Make sure your furnace has adequate intake of outside air.

    What If I Suspect Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

    • Don't ignore the symptoms, especially if more that one person is feeling them. If you think you are suffering from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, you should:

  • If there appears to be no immediate health hazards, call your natural gas utility. Hutchinson Utilities Commission's emergency response number is 320-587-4745.
  • If anyone is experiencing symptoms of CO poisoning, call 9-1-1 immediately.
  • Get fresh air immediately. Open doors and windows. Turn off combustion appliances and leave the house.
  • Go to an emergency room. Be sure to tell the physician that you suspect CO poisoning.

    • Acrobat Reader File - Carbon Monoxide Information Carbon Monoxide (CO) Exposure Limits

     

    Natural Gas Meter Protection
     
    To ensure the safe and efficient operation of natural gas equipment, Hutchinson Utilities reminds home and business owners to keep snow from burying exhaust and intake vents, and from piling up on natural gas meters.

    All natural gas appliances, such as furnaces and water heaters, vent combustion byproducts to the outside, and many of these appliances get their combustion air from the outside. Therefore, it's important that intake and exhaust vents are completely unobstructed and are not blocked by ice or snow. Clear vents will keep pilot lights burning and will allow appliances to operate safely and efficiently.

    Also, be careful when shoveling snow off driveways, sidewalks or roofs to avoid burying and possibly damaging the natural gas meter. Throwing snow from a roof onto the meter can damage it and/or cover the regulator vent, causing the meter to malfunction. Significant accumulation of snow on the meter should be carefully cleared away to ensure its proper operation.

    Also, do not shelter the meter with a metal sheet or wheelbarrow. When these or other metal objects, including trash cans, bicycles and/or gardening tools, come in contact with the meter, it interferes with the system that protects the meter and associated piping from corrosion.

    Keeping snow off meters and obstacles out of the way also makes it easier for meter readers to see the dials and get accurate reads.