Natural Gas Safety Information
This page provides essential information on natural gas safety, including tips on handling gas leaks and protecting your home and family.
WHAT IS NATURAL GAS
Natural gas is an odourless and colourless fossil fuel, formed from the decomposed remains of plants and animals. You will not be able to smell or see the natural gas, therefore an odorant is added so we can smell the gas before it’s piped into your home. This acts as a ready means of leak detection. Don’t ignore it but located the leak and contact a gasfitter if needed for further assistance.
While natural gas is being piped into our homes to be used in our daily routines as a source of energy for heating, cooking, hot water and electricity generation. It is no toxicity or poison on its own but can lead to some serious hazards if gas leaks are detected.
If you are exposed to a moderate concentration of natural gas, you may result in a headache or similar symptoms due to oxygen deprivation. But the smell should alert you well in advance of this concentration building up. Natural gas will not explode into flame until the concentration of gas meets a certain level and is within flammable range, as results in an explosion.
NATURAL GAS VS LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is gas stored as a liquid under pressure in purpose-built cylinders. LPG is used for barbeque, outdoor events and going camping. Due to it higher concentrations and pressure of gas stored in the cylinders, if detected a gas leak may result in some serious hazards. It’s important to check your cylinders and fittings are safe to prevent injury to people, fires and damage to property.
To check if LPG cylinders are closed correctly. By using a soapy water solution and spraying on the connection joint. If bubbles appear, there is a leak. Tighten the connection and then retest. If bubbles still appear, isolate the gas and have the fault repaired by a licensed gas fitter or replace the faulty component.
SAFETY TIPS ON LPG
DONT'S
• Don’t light up a cigarette in a vehicle that carries flammable gas such as LPG cylinders.
DO'S
• Do make sure any appliance or hose connected to the LPG cylinders is tightly closed after use, to ensure no leakage. When finishing using it or replacing a portable LPG cylinder
ONLY USE APPROVED APPLIANCES
RECOGNISED AUSTRALIAN CERTIFICATION ORGANISATIONS
WHAT TO DO WHEN THERE IS A GAS LEAK
- Attempt to identify the source of the gas smell, whether it is near the gas meter or indoors where a gas leak may occur.
- If you’re unable to pinpoint the location after taking necessary precautions to eliminate potential gas-related hazards, turn off your gas meter as a safety measure.
- Open your windows and doors for better ventilation.
- Contact a licensed gas fitter to address and repair the leak, ensuring that the repair is conducted away from the gas meter or the initial gas leak area.
- Refrain from re-entering your home until it has been inspected and declared safe by a licensed gas fitter.
IF THERE IS A GAS FIRE, MOVE TO A SAFE LOCATION AND CALL 000.
OUTDOOR GAS LEAK
Near your Gas Meter
- If the gas smell in the street or between the street and your gas meter, please report the leak immediately on 1800 GAS LEAK (1800 427 532).
- If a gas smell on your property, please check and access your gas meter safely to turn your gas supply off.
On or under your property
If the gas pipe runs underground with leakages, other signs may include bubbles on the surface of puddles or patches of dead grass or vegetation.
If you are certain the gas leaking is on your property, please contact a licensed gas fitter. The licensed gas fitter will carry out any work from the gas meter outlet up to and including:
- Pipe work from the gas meter to appliances
- Gas appliances
- Any flues or ducts
INDOOR GAS LEAK
Do
- Go outside immediately, as exiting the property opens all doors and windows and extinguishes flames.
- Locate and turn off the gas and electricity supply under safe access to the meters.
- Contact the licensed gas fitter outside of the property or use the neighbour’s phone if your phone is inside the property.
Do not
- Don’t use a flame to try and find it.
- Don’t use a fan to assist with ventilation.
- Don’t plug in or unplug any electrical appliances or switch them on and off.
- Don’t use a telephone, flashlight or switchers inside the property.
- Don’t smoke or light matches in or near the property
GAS SAFETY TIPS
- Always check that your gas appliances have been approved by a certification body.
- Make sure all appliances are regularly serviced according to manufacturer guidelines.
- If your gas heater is not working properly, you may develop headaches, dizziness, or nausea. Please turn your gas heater off, open the windows and call a licensed gasfitter.
- Make sure to turn off all gas appliances when you leave the house or go to sleep.
- Keep your gas oven, stove, and gas meter clean and clear from flammable liquids or fuels that may result in a fire or explosions.
CONTACT DETAILS
Gas Emergencies And Faults:
Call 1800 017 000
Call 1800 808 526 (SA)
Before You Dig Australia: Call 1100
NSW:
13 19 90 Jemena Gas
VIC:
13 26 91 Multinet
13 67 07 Ausnet Services
1800 427 532 Australian Gas Network
SA:
1800 427 532 Australian Gas Network
LICENSED GASFITTERS
Always use a licensed gas professional fitter and make sure you receive a compliance certificate once the job is done. Licensed gas professionals can only install or repair certified products. These licensed professionals carry an identity card with a photograph, stating what work they are qualified to perform.
Your state's regulator can help you find a licensed gas professional.
| State Regulator | Phone Number |
|---|---|
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ACT |
ACT PLANNING AND LAND AUTHORITY (02) 6207 1923 |
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NSW |
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QLD |
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SA |
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VIC |