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Gas safety tips

Stay safe year-round with our tips.

Natural gas is flammable. Gas appliances can leak carbon monoxide, making them dangerous if not properly serviced. That’s why it’s important to use a qualified gasfitter to maintain the safety of your gas appliances in your home or business. To find a qualified gasfitter, visit Energy Safe Victoria.

Stay safe year-round with our tips:

General advice

  • A qualified gasfitter should service your gas heater every two years – this will help make sure it’s safe and efficient.
  • Always use a qualified gasfitter to service your gas appliances according to the manufacturer’s instructions and keep a record of the service date.
  • Ask your qualified gasfitter for a Certificate of Compliance for any gas works done in your home or business.
  • Don’t attempt to fix your gas heater yourself – gas work is not a DIY project and you must call a qualified gasfitter.
  • Always use your gas appliances for their intended purpose – for example, don’t use a gas cooker, cooktop or oven as a heater.
  • Don’t keep chemicals or pressure packs on or near a gas appliance – heat may cause them to react or explode.
  • If you have a commercial or industrial gas meter, consider installing a wire fence enclosure or bollards around them to protect them from damage or vandalism.

Carbon monoxide

  • Consider installing a carbon monoxide alarm as a safety measure. For more information, visit Energy Safe Victoria.
  • Don’t leave your gas heater on overnight or for extended periods.
  • Don’t use kitchen rangehoods, toilet or bathroom exhaust fans at the same time as your heater. It can create a negative pressure environment, drawing carbon monoxide into living spaces. For more information, visit  Energy Safe Victoria.
  • Make sure your home has enough ventilation – check your permanent ventilation is clear, and leave a window open if necessary, especially if your heater is open-flued. For more information, visit Energy Safe Victoria.
  • Do you know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning? It’s important to act quickly if you notice them. For more information, visit the Department of Health.

Gas leaks

  • If you smell gas inside your home or business:
    • turn off all your appliances, pilot light and supply at the gas meter
    • open all doors and windows for ventilation
    • contact your qualified gasfitter to repair the leak and turn your gas back on.
  • If you smell gas near your gas meter or the street, call us on 13 67 07.
  • Don’t operate electrical equipment close to a suspected gas leak.

Gas outages

  • Learn how to safely turn your gas back on after an outage. Watch our video on turning your gas meter back on and relighting your appliances. If you’re uncomfortable doing this, call us on 13 67 07 and we can send someone to help you.
  • Don't bring outdoor gas appliances inside your home, caravan, car or tent.
  • If you’re a life support customer, make sure your emergency plan is up to date and you know what to do during a gas outage. For more information, see Life support customers, or call our priority line on 1800 818 832 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).

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