Rules for the operation of gas equipment in residential buildings: an overview of safety measures

One of the main sources of energy today is gas. It is characterized by high combustion temperature, environmental priorities and low cost. However, blue fuel is fraught with danger. When mixed with air, it becomes explosive.

The gas is widely used in the production of numerous polymer products, and serves as an energy supplier for heating commercial facilities. We are constantly faced with its use in everyday life, therefore it is very important to comply with the rules for operating gas equipment in residential buildings.

How to use gas appliances correctly and what to do is strictly prohibited, you will learn from our article. Here you will find information on how to act in the event of a gas leak, how often and who should check gas equipment, for which violations the gas service can turn off the blue fuel.

Operating instructions for gas appliances

According to the rules for the operation of gas equipment installed in residential buildings, all consumers of natural gas must monitor the correct operation of gas appliances.

The responsibilities of homeowners include the need to check the ventilation and chimney, as well as organize access to the premises where the equipment belonging to the local structure of GorGaz is installed.

General requirements for the operation of gas appliances:

• if there is a smell of gas in the room, you need to immediately turn off the tap, open the window, leave the appliance gas-polluted room and call the emergency gas service (smoking is prohibited, turn on the lighting (!) and other electrical appliances);
• it is forbidden to independently and without permits to gasify houses, to repair gas equipment;
• it is unacceptable to glue ventilation ducts, pockets and "hatches" for cleaning chimneys, to transfer or "brick up" ventilation systems;
• it is forbidden to operate gas equipment with closed windows, lack of ventilation, as well as draft in the chimney;
• it is strictly forbidden to use the equipment for children under 14 years old, persons in a state of alcoholic intoxication, incapacitated persons, who are not familiar with the rules for operating gas appliances;
• leave operating devices unattended;
• it is unacceptable to load the gas pipeline (attach ropes to it for drying clothes).

It is strictly forbidden to independently search for the source of the leak. If you smell gas in the room, then the first step is to turn off the blue fuel supply and turn off all electrical appliances.

Urgently call a gas emergency gang or rescue service. Warn neighbors about the situation and leave the premises.

Requirements for the operation of a gas stove

Before using the gas stove, you should familiarize yourself with the rules of its safe operation.

The main conditions for the correct operation of a gas stove:

• the room in which food is prepared must be well ventilated;
• the operation of the stove must always be supervised (it is forbidden to leave an open flame unattended);
• after the end of operation, be sure to shut off the gas supply;
• before using the equipment, bring the flame source to the burner and only then turn on the blue fuel supply;
• the equipment should be discontinued if: the flame is not visible in all openings, the color of the fire differs from bluish-violet, the flames are torn off.

The condition of the gas stove should be checked regularly (must be carried out by a gas service specialist). It is forbidden to repair the gas stove yourself.

GOST 33998-2016 states that cleaning all parts of gas cooking equipment should be done as easily as possible. Disassembly tools are not permitted. After cleaning, all parts must be put back in place.

Thermostats, valves and fuses must be installed in such a way as to ensure ease of maintenance and adjustment. Some parts cannot be disassembled by the user (nozzles). For this work, you need to call a specialist.

Standards for the use of a gas column

A prerequisite for the installation of the equipment is the presence of an exhaust hood near the ceiling, which will ensure unhindered access of air to the room.

Conditions for correct use:

• before using the device, you need to make sure that there is traction (check is carried out with a lighted match);
• it is imperative to open the window first;
• after the column is turned on, you again need to make sure there is traction;
• control the temperature of the water;
• do not start the system unnecessarily;
• it is forbidden to admit children and untrained people to the equipment.

If there is insufficient thrust, it is prohibited to use the column. Do not use the equipment with reverse thrust.

Sealing of the room where the equipment is installed is inadmissible. Do not leave the gas cock open if the pilot burner is not lit. It is necessary to monitor the flow heater with a burning burner.

Ensuring the safe operation of the gas boiler

The igniter can be ignited if there is a draft in the chimney. When it burns, open the tap on the main burner and light it. If the burner flame goes out, shut off the gas flow. Repeat all operations again. After turning on the burner, the draft must be re-checked.

Operation of a gas boiler with faulty automation is prohibited. To prevent the ingress of carbon monoxide into your home, you need to regularly check ventilation for gas boiler, the channels of which can become clogged with soot.

How to use a gas boiler correctly is stipulated in safety rules, the observance of which is mandatory for all owners of autonomous heating systems.

The following conditions must be met:

• during the operation of the equipment, the window must be open;
• before igniting the boiler, you need to open the chimney damper;
• check the draft before firing up;
• check the chimney regularly (destruction of masonry, freezing and ingress of foreign objects can reduce draft).

Do not forget to prepare equipment in advance for work in the cold season. In winter, when sharp temperature fluctuations are frequent, you need to carefully monitor gas appliances in which a chimney is used to remove combustion products.

During snowfall, rain, fog, strong wind, the thrust may disappear or reverse thrust may appear, which leads to the ingress of carbon monoxide into the room and poisoning of its residents.

New rules for the use of gas in residential premises

All residents of apartment buildings are required to listen to instructions on safety measures when using gas equipment. The event is held after the conclusion of an agreement with representatives of GorGaz. Also, the briefing is repeated after each scheduled inspection.

Residents are obliged to provide GorGaz employees with access to the premises where the gas equipment is installed at any time of the day. Otherwise, you will have to pay a considerable fine. In the absence of tenants in a house or apartment for more than 24 hours, it is imperative to turn off the gas supply valve.

Residents are required to:

• monitor the cleanliness of ventilation;
• ventilate the room before starting cooking;
• do not place flammable furniture close to the stove.

If there is a smell of gas in the room, immediately turn off the tap, open the windows and call the emergency service.

The new rules are effective from May 9, 2018.

Gas equipment check

According to the requirements of the housing code, to prevent accidents, possible leaks and failure of gas equipment, technical services conduct regular checks. The homeowner is obliged to provide employees with unimpeded access to examine the condition of the devices.

Inspection standards have been established for the safe operation of gas equipment in residential buildings. Gas stoves should be checked every three years, boilers and water heaters once a year. Defective and outdated equipment must be replaced in a timely manner.

During the inspection, specialists must:

• check the tightness of the fasteners at all joints;
• make sure that there is no leakage in the places where the gas pipeline connects to the gas cut-off point (if necessary, a liquid pressure gauge can be used);
• make a visual inspection of the chimney and hoods in residential buildings;
• check the quality of gas supply to stoves and water heaters;
• if necessary, adjust the intensity of the blue fuel supply;
• check the operation of automation and electronic devices.

In case of detection of serious violations by the service organization, the equipment is repaired, replacement of gas taps, sections of the pipeline. If breakdowns and emergencies have occurred due to the fault of the owners, the gas supply may be interrupted.

Other possible reasons for gas supply shutdown:

• the user independently carried out the installation of gas equipment (additional equipment);
• upon detection of malfunctions (poor ventilation, lack of exhaust, insufficient gas concentration);
• illegal connection to the gas supply network;
• an emergency situation has arisen;
• during the repair of gas communications or equipment;
• in the absence of an agreement with the gas service;
• the debt for the used blue fuel exceeds two billing periods;
• the consumer does not transmit data on the actual volume of gas used and interferes with the work of the regulatory authorities;
• equipment is used that is not specified in the contract.

20 days before disconnecting from the gas supply, the consumer must be informed by the gas service with which it is concluded service contract. The notice must come in writing with a detailed explanation of the reasons.

Total gas cut-off per month for the purpose of repair work - 4 hours. If this condition is violated, for each extra hour the amount of payment for blue fuel should be reduced by 0.15%.

In the event of an emergency shutdown, the gas can be cut off without warning for a maximum of a day. Gas is supplied within 48 hours. If the subscriber is cut off for non-payment, the first notification is sent to him 40 days in advance, and the second 20 days before the shutdown.

The details of where, to whom and how to complain about GorGaz representatives in the next articlededicated to this important issue.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

How to properly use gas appliances in a residential area:

The need to comply with the rules for the safe use of gas equipment:

Due to the fact that gas is a flammable combustible substance, increased requirements are put forward for the operation of gas appliances. According to the new rules, the responsibility for the condition of gas equipment and ventilation lies with the owners and tenants of residential premises.

Residents are obliged to provide GorGaz employees and emergency services access to the premises where the equipment is installed at any time. In the event of a gas leak, it is necessary to immediately shut off the fuel supply, open the window and call the emergency service. It is forbidden to repair leaks and equipment by yourself.

If you have already been instructed, a check took place in your home, share your experience in the comments. Or maybe you are not satisfied with the work of GorGaz employees and do you have your own opinion regarding the rules for operating gas equipment? Share your thoughts with readers in the form below.