What to do in a gas leak or supply failure

Here's what you should do if you smell gas:

• Avoid flames and sparks - don't light matches or cigarettes.
• Don't use electrical switches, appliances or mobile phones.
• Never light a gas appliance if you detect gas odour.
• Turn off all gas appliances, making sure the pilot light [a small flame that lights the main burner] has gone out.
• Open all windows and doors to disperse the gas.
• If you use LP gas, you should take extra care to ventilate confined spaces, basements and other low-lying locations where pockets of gas may collect before attempting to re-light your gas appliances.

This is important because unlike natural gas, which is lighter than air, LP gas is heavier than air and requires more ventilation.

If you still smell gas or you think gas is escaping even after all appliances have been turned off, you should switch off the main gas supply tap and immediately call the Australian Gas Networks Gas Leaks and Emergency services on 1800 GAS LEAK (1800 427 532). There is someone there to take your call 24 hours a day.

If there is a gas fire, you should not attempt to extinguish the flame, and contact 000.

Important: First, you should turn off all appliance controls and pilot lights. Then, turn the main gas supply tap to the OFF position.

The main gas supply tap is located near the gas meter, usually in the meter box.

The diagrams above show the OFF positions for various types of gas taps. If you have a gate valve, turn the wheel clockwise to close the valve.

Check that all appliance controls and pilot lights are turned off. Return the main gas supply tap to the ON position [see diagrams above]. If you have a gate valve, turn the wheel anti-clockwise to open the valve.

Once turned back on, re-light pilot lights, following the manufacturer's written instructions.

• If a fire breaks out and poses a threat to you, your family or your home, call 000 immediately.
• Fire blankets are inexpensive, easy to use, and they’re a great addition to your kitchen. By simply pulling the tabs to open the blanket, you can smother a small fire.
• If you decide to invest in a small fire extinguisher for your home, make sure to choose the right type for the intended use. For example, you can choose an extinguisher for your kitchen designed for use on cooking oil and fat fires.
• You should also install smoke alarms in your home.
• If your clothing happens to catch fire, be sure to “stop, drop and roll” until the flames have been extinguished entirely.