Natural Gas and Methane
Quick Reference
What is Natural Gas/Methane?
Colourless gas that is naturally odorless. Mercaptan is added to the gas commercially so that leaks are detectable by odour. Lighter than air. Highly flammable. Commonly transported by pipeline into residential, commercial and industrial buildings throughout the province. May also be transported as a compressed gas or in a liquefied state.
Crew Safety
- Staging/Perimeter
- Small, isolated leak: 100 m
- Large tank leak: 800 m (BLEVE risk)
- Large tank involved in a fire: 1600m
- Additional Resources
- If significant leak is present fire department will be required.
- Fortis BC gas emergency line for utility shutoff: 1-800-663-9911
- PPE requirements
- If patients require rescue from the vicinity of a leak, SCBA and thermal protective clothing.
- Once a patient is in a safe location standard contact precautions are sufficient.
- Safely initiating patient contact
- Once a patient has been removed to fresh air no special precautions needed.
Effect on the Patient
Primary hazard is related to explosion and/or fir with the associated risk of thermal burns. The main toxic effect of inhalation is due to the displacement of oxygen in high concentration environments causing asphyxiation. Systemic toxicity from Methane is not a primary concern. Sudden release of compressed gasses may also cause frostbite.
Patient Decontamination
Removing a patient to fresh air is almost always sufficient decontamination. Thick clothing may entrain small quantities of gas which may have a foul odor but will not cause harm to paramedics or other health care providers.
Patient Treatment
Ensure patient is removed to a well-ventilated area and treat respiratory and/or airway concerns as per BCEHS CPGs.
Safe Transfer of Care
No special precautions need to be taken to safely transfer care. No risk of offgassing or secondary contamination for hospital staff.
Paramedic and Equipment Decontamination
No decontamination of crew or equipment required.
Quick Access Resources
DPIC Monograph
Paramedic Specialist Safety Data Sheet
No SDS available.
Emergency Response Guidebook
Revision History
| Version | Date | Changes | Author |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | 2026-05-01 | Initial version | Clinical Hub |