Safety

Natural gas appliances should always be:

…installed by properly trained and qualified personnel.
…installed in accordance with installation instructions and applicable building codes.
…converted from propane use only by qualified personnel according to instructions.
…operated and maintained according to manufacturer’s instructions.
…inspected regularly to insure proper operation.
MTNG will gladly perform a safety inspection or “light-up” of a newly installed appliance, and will repeat inspection annually upon request at no charge.

Appliance safety points to consider between inspections include the following: clearances, filters, flammables, unvented heaters, vents & ducts, water heater reliefs, and water temperature.

When selecting a natural gas appliance, please remember that there are special considerations for installations in bathrooms, bedrooms, garages, and more. Please contact us if you have questions or concerns. Our trained professionals are always happy to make recommendations that could help prevent any potential problems.

Whether you are building an addition, laying a patio, planting a garden, or just digging a post hole for a mailbox, Please Don’t Dig Though the Natural Gas Lines. Should you plan to do any digging, please contact  TENNESSEE ONE CALL – THE STATEWIDE NOTIFICATION SERVICE by calling 811 at least three days in advance, except in the case of an emergency or pending emergency, so that all Middle Tennessee Natural Gas owned buried pipe may be located and marked for you at no charge.

All digging in the vicinity of piping should be carefully done by hand. This will avoid the inconvenience of disrupted service, personal injury and expensive repairs.

Violators of the “Call before you Dig” Act are subject to civil penalties that increase in severity based on number of offenses, findings of gross negligence or willful / wanton misconduct.  Penalties can be assessed ranging from compliance training to fines ranging up to $5,000 per incident. 

If a gas main or service line is exposed during digging, call Middle Tennessee Natural Gas. Proper attention to pipe that has been exposed will prevent problems later.

The properties of Natural Gas actually combine to make it the safe, clean and environmentally friendly energy choice for the 21st Century.

Natural Gas is…

• A naturally occurring mixture of several light hydrocarbons and other gases. The primary ingredient in Natural Gas is methane, composed of one part carbon and four parts hydrogen (CH4).
• Lighter than air and non-corrosive.
• Odorless and colorless in its natural state. So, for safety reasons, an odor that smells like rotten eggs is added to Natural Gas so that you can smell it, allowing leaks to be located and repaired.
• Gaseous at any temperature over -260 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Non-toxic and contains no poisonous ingredients, though in large quantities in enclosed spaces it can displace oxygen.
• Clean burning: methane burns easily and leaves few pollutants. When natural gas is burned properly, by-products of combustion are primarily carbon dioxide and water vapor. Because methane contains only one carbon atom, natural gas produces less carbon dioxide than any other fossil fuel, and fewer other pollutants as well.
• Safer to handle than most fuels. Natural Gas by itself will not burn. Combustion can occur only when there is a proper mixture of gas and air; a flammability range comprised of approximately 5 to 15 percent natural gas, and between 95 to 85 percent air. Even with the proper mixture it requires a high ignition temperature of approximately 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit.
• A strong greenhouse gas, so burning it and producing carbon dioxide is actually preferable to allowing it to release into the atmosphere.

All of these factors combine to help make Natural Gas the safest energy source available. Understanding and following proper safety practices help make it even safer.

An Excess Flow Valve (EFV) is a mechanical shut-off devices that can be installed in the gas pipe running from the gas main to the gas meter at your property (the “service line”). It is designed to shut off the flow of natural gas automatically if the service line breaks, for example, by an excavation accident. Stopping the flow of gas from a broken service line significantly reduces the risk of natural gas fire, explosion, personal injury and/or property damage. EFVs are not designed to close if a leak occurs beyond the gas meter (on house piping or appliances). EFVs also may not close if the leak on the service line is small.

New and Replacement Natural Gas Service Lines

As part of our commitment to safety, and in compliance with federal safety regulations, Middle Tennessee Natural Gas Utility District (MTNG) installs excess flow valves on any new or replacement residential natural gas service line, as well as on certain commercial service lines.

Existing Natural Gas Service Lines

If you have a natural gas service line which was installed prior to the development of EFVs, you may request that MTNG install an excess flow valve on the gas line to your property. If you notify us that you want an EFV, we will contact you to set up a mutually agreeable date when we will install an EFV on your service line. There will be a charge for this service: $200.00 for an EFV installed on a ¾” service line, or the actual cost of installation for an EFV installed on a service line greater than ¾” in diameter, up to and including a 2” diameter service line. EFV installations on service lines larger than 2” diameter will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Changes in Natural Gas Usage

If you add additional gas appliances, for example, a pool heater, emergency generator, etc., the additional gas flow may cause the EFV to close. Please notify your closest MTNGUD Office before adding significant new gas load to ensure we don’t need to upgrade your EFV.

Maintenance and Replacement

If it becomes necessary to maintain or replace the EFV on your service line we will maintain or replace the EFV at no charge to you. EFV replacement may be necessary if you add additional gas appliances, such as a pool heater or emergency generator that exceeds the capacity of the EFV. EFV replacement may be necessary if the EFV malfunctions (sticks open or closed). Industry experience is that EFVs rarely malfunction.

Restrictions

EFVs may not be installed on your service lines if:

• The service line does not operate at a pressure of 10 psig or greater throughout the year;
• The EFV could interfere with proper operation or cause loss of service;
• An EFV could interfere with necessary operation or maintenance activities; or
• The capacity of the meter on the service line exceeds 1,000 cubic feet per hour

If you request an EFV we will inform you if your service line meets any of these conditions.

While not required by law, in addition to calling Tennessee One Call, you may also want to contact any non-member utilities that you know are in the area of your proposed work.

The locate ticket you receive is only valid for 15 calendar days from the start date indicated on the ticket, after which time, it expires. If you wish to continue working, you must call in at least 3 working days before the expiration date to renew your locate ticket, at which time you will be given a new ticket number.

The complete state law is shown in its entirety by clicking on the link. Do NOT use the above quick summary as the complete representation of the law. Tennessee One-Call would be happy to clarify any questions you might have regarding the law and outline helpful guidelines and procedures of excavation.

The entire law can be found here.
Learn More About 811

Safety is Everyone’s Responsibility:

Federal Regulation 192.16 requires that we notify you to exercise diligence regarding underground or buried gas piping. Buried pipe may be subject to leakage and/or corrosion (corrosion may occur on metallic pipe) and could potentially be subject to hazards if not maintained.

Buried gas piping should be:

• Periodically inspected for leaks;
• Periodically inspected for corrosion if the piping is metallic;
• Repaired if any unsafe condition is discovered, or the flow of gas should be shut off;
• Located and marked in advance when excavation is performed or is about to be performed near the buried gas piping;
• Excavated by hand when work is performed near the pipe.

Our Part

Middle Tennessee Natural Gas owns, operates and maintains the Natural Gas distribution pipeline in our District, up to and including the Natural Gas meter. We do not own, operate or maintain gas piping downstream of the meter, though we are available to assist customers with their fuel line needs. We are required to notify you of the lines that belong to you, and your responsibilities under Federal Regulation 192.16.

Your Part

Any and all gas pipe downstream of the Natural Gas meter (the “building” side) belongs to you, the gas customer. It is the gas customer who is responsible for maintenance and operation of this portion of the fuel line system. We do not own the gas beyond the meter; therefore, we do not maintain or locate fuel lines. Commercial plumbers and/or heating contractors, including our own Customer Service Department, may be contacted when gas fuel lines need attention.

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us.

At Middle Tennessee Natural Gas, your safety and comfort is our business.

THE DISTINCTIVE ODOR OF NATURAL GAS

Although MTNG adds a distinctive odor to natural gas to aid in the detection of leaks, you should not rely on your sense of smell alone to determine if there is a gas leak. Some persons may not be able to smell the odor because they have a diminished sense of smell or because the odor is being masked by other odors in the area. In addition, certain conditions, such as odor fade (loss of odorant) may cause the odor to diminish so that it is not detectable.

IF YOU SMELL A FAINT ODOR OF NATURAL GAS INSIDE YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS:

• Investigate immediately.
• If the source of the odor cannot be located or corrected, call Middle Tennessee Natural Gas immediately (24 hours a day). A Middle Tennessee Natural Gas representative will come to your home or business and make an inspection at no charge to you.

IF A STRONG OR PERSISTENT ODOR OF GAS IS PRESENT IN YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS, OR IF YOU HEAR A HISSING SOUND OF ESCAPING NATURAL GAS, FOLLOW THIS PROCEDURE:

• Get everyone out of the building immediately.
• Leave the door open.
• Use a neighbor’s phone or cellular phone outside of the building to call Middle Tennessee Natural Gas.
• DO NOT operate any electrical switches, appliance controls, or pull any plugs from outlets.
• DO NOT use the telephone in the building.
• Close the cut-off valve near the gas meter and DO NOT turn it on again. (Middle Tennessee Natural Gas representative will turn it on).

IF YOU SMELL OR DETECT NATURAL GAS OUTSIDE, CALL MIDDLE TENNESSEE NATURAL GAS IMMEDIATELY.

ODOR FADE (LOSS OF ODORANT) Do not rely on your sense of smell alone to detect the presence of natural gas.  Odor fade is caused by physical and chemical processes. It occurs predominantly in installations of new pipe rather than in existing pipe. Odor fade is more pronounced in new steel pipe, and in pipe of larger diameter and longer length. However, it can also occur in plastic pipe, and in smaller pipe installations. In addition, if a natural gas leak occurs underground, the surrounding soil may cause odor fade.

New installations or additions of pipe may require the conditioning of the pipe before it is placed into service to prevent odor fade. Other factors that may cause odor fade include:

• Construction and configuration of the customer’s gas facilities.
• Presence of rust, moisture, liquids or other substances in the pipe.
• Gas composition, pressure and flow.

Intermittent, little or no gas flow over an extended period of time may also result in the loss of odorant until gas flow increases or becomes more frequent.

Remember, do not rely on your sense of smell alone to detect the presence of natural gas. For more information on odor fade, please call MTNG at 1-800-880-6373 or contact a licensed, qualified professional.

Typical Meter Cut-Off Valve Settings

Carbon monoxide can result from the incomplete combustion of any fossil fuel. Natural gas appliances are designed and installed in a manner to eliminate this concern, if operated properly. As with all energy, careful diligence must be exercised with natural gas. Appliances must be properly operated and maintained to insure your safety. The information on carbon monoxide below is adapted from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

What is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon monoxide, or CO, is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause sudden illness and death.

Where is Carbon Monoxide found?

CO is found in combustion fumes, such as those produced by cars and trucks, small gasoline engines, stoves, lanterns, burning charcoal and wood, and, yes, occasionally from natural gas ranges and heating systems. CO from these sources can build up in enclosed or semi-enclosed spaces. People and animals in these spaces can be poisoned by breathing it.

Symptoms of CO poisoning?

The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. High levels of CO inhalation can cause loss of consciousness and death. Unless suspected, CO poisoning can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms mimic other illnesses. People who are sleeping or intoxicated can die from CO poisoning before ever experiencing symptoms.

Why is Carbon Monoxide dangerous?

Red blood cells pick up CO quicker than they pick up oxygen. If there is a lot of CO in the air, the body may replace oxygen in blood with CO. This blocks oxygen from getting into the body, which can damage tissues and result in death.

 

Who is at risk from CO poisoning

All people and animals are at risk for CO poisoning. Certain groups — unborn babies, infants, and people with chronic heart disease, anemia, or respiratory problems — are more susceptible to its effects. Each year, more than 400 Americans die from unintentional CO poisoning, more than 20,000 visit the emergency room and more than 4,000 are hospitalized due to CO poisoning. Fatality is highest among Americans 65 and older.

How can I prevent CO poisoning from my home appliances?

• Have your heating system, water heater and any other gas, oil, or coal burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician every year.
• Do not use portable flameless chemical heaters (catalytic) indoors. Although these heaters don’t have a flame, they burn gas and can cause CO to build up inside your home, cabin, or camper.
• If you smell an odor from your gas refrigerator’s cooling unit have an expert service it. An odor from the cooling unit of your gas refrigerator can mean you have a defect in the cooling unit. It could also be giving off CO.
• When purchasing gas equipment, buy only equipment carrying the seal of a national testing agency, such as the American Gas Association or Underwriters’ Laboratories.
• Install a quality battery-operated CO detector in your home and check or replace the battery when you change the time on your clocks each spring and fall.

How do I vent my gas appliances properly?

• All gas appliances designed to be vented must be vented properly to the outside so that CO will not build up in your home, cabin, or camper.
• Never disconnect, shorten, block, damper or divert a vent pipe.
• Horizontal vent pipes to fuel appliances should not be perfectly level. Indoor vent pipes should go up slightly as they go toward outdoors. This helps prevent CO or other gases from leaking if the joints or pipes aren’t fitted tightly.
• Never patch a vent pipe with tape, gum, or something else. This kind of patch can make CO build up in your home, cabin, or camper.
• Have your solid fuel burning chimney checked or cleaned every year. Chimneys can be blocked by debris. This can cause CO to build up inside your home or cabin.

How can I heat my house safely or cook when the power is out?

• Never use a gas range or oven for heating. Using a gas range or oven for heating can cause a buildup of CO inside your home, cabin, or camper.
• Never use a charcoal grill or a barbecue grill indoors. Using a grill indoors will cause a buildup of CO inside your home, cabin, or camper unless you use it inside a vented fireplace.
• Never burn charcoal indoors. Burning charcoal — red, gray, black, or white — gives off CO.
• Never use a portable gas camp stove indoors. Using a gas camp stove indoors can cause CO to build up inside your home, cabin, or camper.
• Never use a generator inside your home, basement, or garage or near a window, door, or vent.

How can I avoid CO poisoning from my vehicle?

• Never use a generator inside your home, basement, or garage or near a window, door, or vent.
• Never run a car or truck in the garage with the garage door shut. CO can build up quickly while your car or truck is running in a closed garage.
• If you drive a vehicle with a liftgate or tailgate, when you open the gate you also need to open vents or windows to make sure air is moving through the vehicle. With only the gate open, CO can build up in the vehicle.
•  Never run a vehicle inside a garage that is attached to a house and always open the door to any garage to let in fresh air when running a vehicle inside the garage.