Home >> Science & Nature >> Science

How to Protect From Methane Gas

Methane is dangerous and highly explosive when it is 5 to 15 percent of the total air volume in confined spaces. Confined spaces include buildings and structures. High concentrations of methane gas will displace oxygen and can lead to suffocation. Methane gas can come from underground or from landfills. Government agencies regulate and monitor methane gas to ensure it stays within allowable levels.

Things You'll Need

Methane gas detector

Instructions

- 1
  Ventilate confined spaces properly. Open basement and garage windows. Remove skirts from around mobile homes. Have the air ventilation system in your home checked by a professional periodically to ensure that your home is properly ventilated.
- 2
  Remove items that can potentially ignite, such as open flames and portable heaters, from confined spaces that are not properly ventilated.
- 3
  Install a methane gas detector in buildings and structures. Plug the detector into the wall socket. Leave the premises immediately if the alarm sounds. Call 911 to inform the local fire department that the alarm has sounded.

Science