CSB Releases Video On the Dangers of Purging with Flammable Gasses

The CSB has put together a great video documenting the dangers of venting flammable gasses into enclosed spaces.  This practice is widespread throughout many industries for cleaning natural gas piping systems or purging them of air. 

As you watch the video, you may think (like I did), “I’m sure that this only happens in very specific industries.  I’m sure my guys don’t do that.”  And yet, think about how your company does handle these types of circumstances:

• When you install a new gas water heater, how do you expect your workers are venting the system? 
• When a new gas stove is installed in your cafeteria, what provisions have been made to purge the piping?
• When you change over from an oil-fired boiler to a gas-fired boiler, what special tools and procedures do you have in place to restore piping cleanliness?

Although the recommendations of the CSB seem common sense, it becomes a little more involved when you actually have to implement these recommendations.  Make sure you have made the proper preparations for any maintenance when flammable gasses are involved.  “We’ve always done it this way” is not necessarily the right answer!