MCC-NH Gas Fitters Practice Exam

What should be done immediately after a leak is detected?

1. Continue gas flow

2. Turn off the gas

3. Notify authorities

4. Ignore it

The correct answer is: Turn off the gas

Turning off the gas is the most critical immediate action when a leak is detected for several reasons. First, stopping the flow of gas prevents further leakage, thereby reducing the risk of potential explosions or health hazards due to inhalation of gas. Gas leaks can quickly lead to dangerous situations, including fires or poisoning, and by shutting off the gas supply, you are taking an essential step to ensure safety. After shutting off the gas, further actions such as notifying authorities or qualified professionals to handle the situation would be appropriate. However, the priority is to stop the gas flow as quickly as possible to mitigate the danger the leak poses. This action reflects established safety protocols and practices in the industry for handling gas leaks effectively.