Most Natural and Propane (LP) Gas Service Users Report Not Having Electronic Gas Detectors

摘要

Gas leaks in buildings can cause explosions and fire, which can result in serious burns, death and/or propertydamage. Since people may not smell the odorants added to natural and propane gas for a variety of reasons(e.g., being congested or asleep) electronic gas detectors could assist in detecting gas leaks. This studyexamined the extent to which electronic gas detectors are being used by persons reporting that they receivegas service. Three hundred seventy six participants were asked whether they have gas service at theirresidence and if so, what kind. Also they were asked what kinds of electronic gas detectors they had. Resultsshowed that about half of the participants had gas service. While almost everyone reported having smokedetectors in their residence (whether or not they received gas service), less than half of the gas service usersreported having a carbon monoxide detector. Very few gas service users (about 9%) reported havingelectronic gas detectors. Implications for warning about gas leaks and how HFE professional can aid in theproduction of better warnings in this domain are discussed.