When natural gas pipelines are put into service, the air in the line must be purged. This eliminates the risk of a dangerous air/natural gas combination that can form flammable mixtures within the pipeline.
Do not attempt to purge a gas line yourself—only a qualified professional can carry out the purging. Also consider these additional safety measures:
- Do NOT purge the contents of a gas line into a confined space or where gas could accumulate.
- A release of natural gas presents the potential for explosion or fire.
- Purging of gas should only be done by a qualified professional in a well-ventilated area or by venting to the outside atmosphere.
- Before purging, identify and eliminate all sources of ignition in the area where the gas may be vented.
- Always use calibrated gas detection equipment during purging operations or when working on gas piping facilities to determine if natural gas is present. Do NOT rely on your sense of smell alone to detect the presence of natural gas.
- When installing gas appliances or equipment, follow the manufacturer’s instruction manual in accordance with the local code requirements.
- Consult your local fuel gas code for more information.
- NEVER leave a purging operation unattended.