What is the appropriate response to methan levels of 1.5% or greater?

When methan levels reach 1.5% or greater, stopping operations and de-energizing at the source is critical for ensuring the safety of personnel and the facility. At this concentration, there is an increased risk of explosion and fire due to the flammability of methane. Immediate action is essential to prevent a potentially hazardous situation.

By withdrawing all personnel, except for those tasked with improving the levels, it ensures that only trained and equipped professionals remain on the site to address the hazardous condition while keeping the untrained personnel out of harm's way. This response prioritizes safety by implementing controlled measures to manage the methane levels effectively.

In contrast, continuing operations while merely monitoring the situation does not adequately mitigate the risks associated with high methane concentrations. It also does not provide an adequate safety protocol. Reporting to local authorities is important in general safety protocols, but it is not the immediate response required when high methane levels are detected. Therefore, the correct action is to halt operations and safely manage personnel and equipment to resolve the hazardous conditions.