In common usage, a gas leak refers to a leak of natural gas, from a pipe or other containment, into a living area or any other area where the gas should not be. As natural gas explodes when exposed to flame or sparks, this situation is rather dangerous.

Safety

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Although natural gas is by nature colorless and odorless, scents in the form of traces of mercaptans are usually added, to assist in identifying leaks. This odor commonly takes the form of rotting eggs. If this scent is detected, it is recommended to evacuate the area immediately, usually to the outside. Do not light fires/cigarettes, and do not operate electrical appliances/light switches/phones, as these may act as points of ignition. Once in a safe area, contact your natural gas provider.

As a result of the Natural Gas Pipline Safety Act passed in the United States within the past few years, Federal Safety Standards require natural gas providing companies to conduct safety inspections for gas leaks in homes and other buildings receiving natural gas. The gas company is required to inspect gas meters and inside gas piping from the point of entry into the building to the outlet side of the gas meter for gas leaks. This requires entry into private homes by the natural gas companies in many cases.

Leak Grades

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A grade 1 leak means that a gas line has been completely severed. Grade 2 means that the line is leaking, but not enough to cut off service downstream of the leak. A grade 3 leak is a slow trickle and may be the result of corrosion in the case of steel pipe, or a bad fuse. Grade leak does not indicate the danger level. A grade 2 leak on a 8 inch line can be much more dangerous than a grade 1 leak on a 1 inch line.

Other contexts

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If working with other dangerous gasses (such as in a lab or industrial setting), a gas leak can refer to a leak of some other gas. The identity of the gas in question is usually obvious from context, and requires the same response: evacuate, and seek help from someone equipped to deal with that particular gas. Other details depend on the gas in question.

Occupational safety