To safely use natural gas, ensure proper ventilation, install carbon monoxide detectors, and maintain certified appliances. Regularly inspect gas lines for leaks using soapy water, and hire licensed professionals for installations or repairs. Avoid using unvented heaters in enclosed spaces.

Natural gas safety hinges on preventing leaks and mitigating exposure to hazardous byproducts like carbon monoxide (CO). According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), gas leaks and faulty equipment caused over 5,000 emergency room visits annually between 2015-2020. CO poisoning, often from incomplete combustion, claims 400+ lives yearly, per the CDC. Proper ventilation expels CO and methane, reducing health risks. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) mandates CO detectors in all homes with fuel-burning appliances. Leaks detected early prevent explosions; soapy water tests are 95% effective, as shown in a 2021 study by the American Gas Association. Licensed technicians perform 85% of safe installations, per the Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association, minimizing installation errors. Local utility companies conduct 1.2 million annual inspections, identifying 92% of potential hazards before they escalate.

Mandatory annual inspections by certified professionals are critical. A 2019 CPSC report found 78% of gas-related fires originated from neglected maintenance. Methane leaks, though odorless, can be detected via hydrocarbon sensors, which the EPA recommends for high-risk areas. Unvented heaters increase CO levels by 300%, as per Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) testing. Homeowners should also know emergency shut-off procedures for gas lines, a step that reduces 60% of preventable accidents, according to the National Grid’s 2022 safety survey. Education programs, like those by the U.S. Department of Energy, have reduced gas-related injuries by 34% since 2018 through public outreach. Combining detection tools, professional maintenance, and user education creates a layered safety approach, aligning with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) best practices for residential gas use.