Which of the following is a fire hazard to watch for in a facility?

• A. Cooking grease
• B. Dryer lint
• C. Gas leaks
• D. Wet floors

Answer: (C)

Gas leaks are a fire hazard because natural gas is highly flammable and can travel through spaces to find an ignition source. When gas escapes, it can mix with air to form an explosive range, so even a small leak has the potential to ignite from a spark, pilot light, electrical switch, or any hot surface. In a facility, gas lines power boilers, heaters, and cooking equipment, so a leak can affect large areas quickly and create a danger of fire or explosion. The odor added to gas (like rotten eggs) helps with detection, but relying on smell isn’t enough—regular maintenance, proper venting, and immediate action are essential. If you sense a gas leak, evacuate the area, avoid creating sparks or using electrical devices in the vicinity, and report the leak to maintenance or emergency services. If it’s safe and you’re trained to do so, shut off the gas at the main valve.

Cooking grease and dryer lint can start fires in their own contexts—grease fires in kitchens and lint fires in dryers—but they’re more localized hazards, not the widespread explosion risk associated with gas leaks. Wet floors are a slip hazard, not a fire hazard.