Introduction
Coal gas is a combustible gas freed from a liquefied solid fuel, coal, through a thermal decomposition process known as destructive distillation. In the 19th century, coal gas and liquid gas were widely used in lighting and heating. A coal gasification plant was among the first large-scale industrial plants in the United States and contributed to the development of the chemical industry.
Today, coal gas is still widely used for cooking, heating and industrial purposes. However, coal gas can be highly toxic as it contains carbon monoxide and other compounds that can be dangerous in certain concentrations. As such, appliances which utilize coal gas must be properly maintained and any leakage should be taken seriously.
The Problem of Coal Gas Leakage
One of the most common problems associated with coal gas usage are leakage. Leaking coal gas can be the result of several different issues including the failure to properly maintain the gas lines or faulty equipment. Regardless of the cause, a leaking coal gas may accumulate in enclosed spaces and can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, explosion or fire.
In furnace rooms or underground cellars, the consequences of coal gas leakage can be particularly serious. Gas is heavier than air; therefore, it tends to form low-lying, hazardous clouds that people may unknowingly walk into. The enclosed space of a furnace room or cellar further exacerbates the problem by making it difficult to ventilate the hazardous gases and allowing them to accumulate.
Preventing Coal Gas Leakages
Given the potentially lethal danger of coal gas, it is essential to maintain regular safety protocols and report any leakage immediately. Most furnaces used for coal gas are equipped with state-of-the-art monitoring systems that can detect any abnormal changes in the gas pressure or levels.
In addition to monitoring devices, any leakage should be fixed immediately by a qualified engineer. To prevent any future leakage, the equipment must be inspected annually with a special emphasis on replacing any components that are reaching their expiration date.
Finally, all workers must be made aware of the dangers of coal gas leakage and the importance of reporting any potential signs of leakage or accidents.
Conclusion
Given the potential danger of coal gas leakage, it is essential that all precautions are taken to prevent and report any potential accidents quickly. Proper maintenance and regular monitoring of the equipment is of utmost importance and can dramatically reduce the risk of a gas leak. Finally, providing training to all workers in understanding the warning signs of a gas leak can allow for a swift response to any potential accident.
