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Gas awareness and safety

In the event of an emergency call 000.

Here are few tips about gas safety we'd like to share with you to ensure your family, friends or work colleagues stay safe.

Only use licensed installers

Your gas appliances are your responsibility. All work done on your gas appliances or gas installation must be carried out by a licensed gasfitter at your cost. You can ask to see the gasfitter's identity card which includes a photograph, license status and what work they are qualified to perform to ensure they are licensed. If you are having a gas appliance or gas pipe installed, make sure your gasfitter provides you with a gas certificate of compliance. Only a licensed gasfitter can legally issue a gas certificate. If you have any queries, links to each of the state and territory regulators can be found at the bottom of the page.

Only use certified gas appliances

Only certified gas appliances may be operated on gas to reduce the risk of household accidents, fire and injuries. Certification labels assure you that an appliance has been approved and certified to Australian Standards by a recognised certifier. There are five certification bodies:

  • Australian Gas Association (AGA)
  • SAI Global
  • International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO)
  • Vipac
  • The British Standards Institution (BSI) 

To check the safety of your home gas appliances look for a label from a recognised Australian certification body. Certified gas appliances will have a data plate that includes a model number, approval number, and one of the five certification labels. Newer appliances may also have a Gas Compliance Mark.

The hoses and regulators for gas appliances must also be certified. The details of the certification will be printed on the hose. 

Note: Domestic barbecues can be connected to either natural gas or LPG. However, please be aware that LPG and natural gas are different and you should always use the correct appliance for the type of gas. Operating an appliance on the wrong type of gas can be hazardous.

Natural gas safety

The more you know about natural gas, the quicker you can respond to a gas leak. Natural gas is a fossil fuel consisting of mainly methane. It is odourless and colourless and lighter than air, so in the event of a gas leak it may quickly escape, rise and disperse in the air. For safety reasons, an odour is added before it is piped into your home so a gas leak can be quickly detected. Please familiarise yourself with the smell of unburned gas so that you can easily recognise a gas leak if it was to occur.

What to do if there is a gas fire

Call 000 in the event of an emergency (use a phone away from the affected area).

What to do in case of a gas leak inside your home

DO

  • Go outside, opening doors and windows and extinguishing any open flames along the way
  • Turn off supply at the gas meter. You'll find your gas meter on an outside wall of your home or near the front boundary. 
  • Simply turn the control tap on the meter so that it is at right angles to the pipe. When the handle is at right angles to the pipe the meter has been turned off
  • Open doors and windows for ventilation
  • Contact your licensed gasfitter
  • Call 000 in the event of an emergency (use a phone away from the affected area)
  • Evacuate the area if the smell persists and is strong

Note: In the event of a leak where the meter is turned off the odour will fade over time. Before turning the gas back on and re-lighting appliances make sure you have contacted your licensed gasfitter to check your appliances and installations.

DON'T

  • Work on any gas pipes or appliances yourself
  • Use a naked flame in the area
  • Operate any electrical lights, power, fans etc. in the area

What to do in case of a gas leak outside your home

In the event that you detect a gas leak outside your home call either 000 in the event of an emergency or contact your gas distributor who’s details can be located on the top right-hand corner of your gas bill. Or, you can visit our Faults and Emergencies page to find details of all the gas distributors in the state your home is located in.

Note:  Do not remain in the immediate area where you have detected a gas leak. Do not make calls from near the suspected leak, smoke, use electronic or electrical appliances including torches in the area until it is confirmed as safe by your gas distributor after their assessment.

Everyday gas safety

If your gas burner does not light the first time, turn off the gas. Wait for the gas smell to clear for at least five minutes before trying to light the burner again.

If you suspect a gas leak in your home

Turn off all gas appliances and pilot lights. Extinguish all naked flames. Don't operate any gas or electrical appliances, lights, power or use a naked flame or electrical fan in the area.

Check your gas meter test dial. If the test dial is turning when no gas appliances are on, then you may have a gas leak. Turn off the gas meter, contact your local gasfitter and have your gas installation safely checked.

Care of your gas appliances

  • Do not attempt to fix them or service them yourself
  • Have your appliances regularly serviced according to the manufacturer's recommended service schedule
  • Do not leave clothes, papers or any inflammable material near gas appliances or burners
  • Never block any permanent ventilation openings (for example gas heaters including ducted units require ventilation and or a flue or chimney to operate correctly. Blocking these can be dangerous)  
  • Never operate natural gas appliances on any other type of gas
  • Never operate LPG or portable gas appliances indoors
  • Do not use force to open gas taps
  • Only use appliances for the purpose which they were designed for example, do not use an oven to heat your room or dry your clothes
  • Keep a gas oven and hot plates clean - do not allow fat and burned food to build up
  • Turn gas heaters off when you leave the house or go to sleep
  • If you suspect your heater is causing you to feel dizzy, sick, weak or sleepy, turn it off and call a licensed gasfitter

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