Having a gas leak in the home is one of those things no one really wants to experience. Yet as more and more of us turn to this efficient and effective form of energy, it is a risk you need to be aware of.
Detecting a Gas Leak
Since gas is tasteless and odourless, gas companies add a distinct and sulphur-like odour to gas to help us detect it.
Your nose is your best weapon when it comes to detecting a gas leak so use it. If you pick up a sulphur-like or rotten egg smell then there may be a possibility of leakage. Other telltale signs include:
- Hissing or whistling sounds coming from a gas appliance or pipe.
- Noticing dead vegetation or insects around the gas pipeline that leads to your house or meter box.
- Listening to your body. Exposure to gas may produce the following symptoms: nausea, headaches, blurred vision, disorientation, shortness of breath and drowsiness. If you experience these kinds of systems check for a gas leak to eliminate the risk.
- The flame colour of your appliance can help you detect a leak. A normal flame is blue in colour while a mostly yellow-orange flame will need to be checked by a professional.
What should you do in case of a gas leak
If you detect a gas leak in your home, there are a couple of Dos and Don’ts to remember
Do’s
- Open the windows and doors to allow the gas to dissipate into the air
- Go outside immediately
- Call a professional gas fitter immediately
- If it is safe for you to do so, turn off the gas supply to the home and do the same for the electricity supply.
Don’ts
- Don’t try to handle the gas leak by yourself
- Avoid switching on the lights, using a torch or plugging in or unplugging anything electric.
- Don’t use the house phone or mobile phone in the house. Only use your phone outside and at a safe distant
- Don’t smoke or light up a match within or near the property
- Don’t re-enter the property until a professional gas fitter declares it safe to do so.
Preventative measures
It is important to observe gas safety rules in the home and be sure to teach them to all the members of your household.
Some of the preventative measures you can take around the home include:
- Hire professional gas fitters for any gas related work
- Pipes can cause a gas leak due to old age or corrosion. Have a professional gas fitter inspect all appliances, pipework, valves etc to determine their working condition. Where recommendations for replacement are given, do not delay in implementing the changes
- Do not allow young children to play near gas appliances, pipes or valves, educate them about the dangers of gas.
Gas safety is crucial to the wellbeing of your loved ones and the safety of your property.
If you need more information on gas leak and safety, please contact us. RPG Plumbing are professional and licensed gas fitters committed to ensuring gas safety throughout the North Brisbane area. Call (07) 3339 1543, email info@rpgplumbing.com.au or simply fill out a form