Gas Leak Hazards

So I've noticed that since the San Bruno, California explosion earlier this month, there has been an increase in phone calls to the station from people about gas leaks. Go figure, 53 houses blow up on TV and some people get a little edgy. Anyway, it got me thinking that if we're getting called on potential gas leaks more, we might want to brush up on how we respond to them.
The first thing we need to think about during these calls is complacency. These calls tend to be routine but it only takes one call to expose you and your crew to fire, explosion, collapse and some serious outcomes. These calls can turn into MCI's and even though the chance is slim, we need to be ready for it.
Now everyone's SOG's are a little different for these. Until there's an actual fire, they seem to all look for patients with symptoms. That's the difference between bringing a med unit. Other than that, you need an engine and some sort of monitor. We use an ITX at both of my jobs.
Also, make sure you have an easy way to contact your gas supplier. It might be dispatch or even a phone list or cell with the number stored in the apparatus. And when you see these guys on scene, ask questions. They know a lot more about this stuff than you do so if you can, pick something up that will make the job a little safer for you and your crew. Anyhow, here's some basic response guidelines;

Inside gas leaks
-Approach upwind and uphill
-Stay clear of the scene with apparatus. If your truck is on fire, its hard to put out the house.
-Check the usual suspects inside for leaks with the monitor. The furnace, The stove, the dryer, etc. If your monitor reads 10% LEL (and if it does, it'll beep), evacuate.
-Notify the gas supplier and ventilate by opening windows and doors.
-Don't use light switches here. There's video footage all over the internet of people using light switches to accidentally blow up building's they are in.
-Have intrinsically safe portable lights for calls at night. Spark proof tools are also a plus.
-Use spark proof tools to shut off the gas supply at its valve.

For outside leaks
-Still approach uphill and upwind. Continue to keep apparatus far from leak.
-Establish a safe area around the scene. Basically, keep people away and limit possible ignition sources by extinguishing any local flames.
-Continue to use your  monitor to find the source.
-Check for signs of presence of gas in nearby buildings and their basements.
-Contact local gas supplier.
-Look ahead for water supply use in possible vapor suppressing streams.

Actual fires
-Notify the gas supplier immediately.
-Let the IC determine if the gas can be shut off at the meter or not.
-Sometimes, what is most appropriate is to let gas vapors burn and simply protect exposures. This is a controlled measure because burning gas does not explode.
-The best way to control this problem is eliminating the fuel. So get the gas turned off.
-Once out, there will still be pockets of unburned gas around. Stay clear and keep your crew clear as well.