This page provides essential information on natural gas safety, including tips on handling gas leaks and protecting your home and family.
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 carry or leave LPG cylinders in closed vehicles, such as vans or cars as may result in explosions and fires.
- Don’t light up a cigarette in a vehicle that carries flammable gas such as LPG cylinders.
DO's
- Do keep the LPG cylinders upright and well-ventilated outdoor area.
- 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
To ensure your safety on using and buying gas appliances, only use appliances that have been approved by the 5 different Australian Certification Organisations. List of Australian Certification Organisations and gas certificate markings can be found on SA.GOV.AU - Buying gas appliances (www.sa.gov.au).
How to check it? Look for the Certification label or compliance plate with an approval number. This label is promised by the manufacturer and indicates by legal safety requirements for gas appliances have been certified as it is safe to use.
Recognised Australian certification organisations
Each organisation below maintains an online database of certification numbers. Compare the certification number on the compliance plate or sticker of your appliance with the online database to ensure the appliance is certified as safe for use.
These organisations undertake safety testing and certification:
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 |
|---|---|
| ACT | ACT PLANNING AND LAND AUTHORITY (02) 6207 1923 |
| NSW | NSW Fair Trading
13 32 20 |
| QLD | Building Services Authority
1300 272 272 |
| SA | Consumer and Business Services
131 882 |
| VIC | Energy Safe Victoria
1800 815 721 |
100% Australian owned
We understand what’s important to Aussies — the best rates going, customer care that actually cares and hassle-free, reliable service. A few perks are always great too, so we include offers from over 4,500 partners in every plan.
Low rates means more savings
Our reputation has been built on our competitive rates. With CovaU Energy, you can save loads on your electric bill. All with no hidden fees. How much can U save with CovaU Energy?
24/7 Support
Tired of waiting for customer support? We get it. That’s why our friendly team is here day and night, 7 days. You can contact us over the phone and online, for real help when you need it.
Award-winning supplier of choice
Year-on-year winners at Mozo Experts Energy Choice Awards, and one of the highest-rated energy companies in Australia with over 4 stars on both Google and Product Review.
No lock-in contracts
At CovaU Energy, we don’t charge you more for a flexible month-to-month plan. With no lock-in contracts, all of our low-rate plans are as flexible as you are. No hassle, no commitment. Just discounted plans that work for you.
Applies to Residential and small business. For Commercial & Industrial applications get your quote here.
Switch to one of our low-cost energy plans today
