Learning about what measures a person should take to prevent or minimise the effects of a gas leak is important for the safety of all. Often times, our well-meaning but uninformed decisions may end up aggravating a dangerous situation and this is why it is important to know how to handle a gas leak.
Detecting a Gas Leak
Gas is a reliable form of fuel used in homes and commercially for various purposes including cooking, heating and hot water systems. It also has many applications in the industrial sector aiding manufacturing processes among other things.
In all these applications, there is a possibility of a gas leak occurring. Some of the ways you can detect a gas leak include:
- Detecting a sulphur-like or rotten egg smell in the air. Gas is naturally odourless but the sulphur smell has been added to ensure you can notice if there is a significant leak.
- Roaring, whistling or hissing sound coming from the gas pipes or the appliance.
- Unexplained lack of gas in the gas pipes. If you have not received any gas outage notification by your local gas distributor then it is likely there is a leak somewhere I the pipes.
- Observing dead insects and vegetation around the meter box or along the pipes.
What to do in case of a gas leak
If you notice the leak outside of your premises such as along the street or between your gas meter and the street then straight away inform the AGN (Australian Gas Network) on 1800 427 532. The AGN are responsible for the gas distribution network that supplies gas to street mains and to your meter and will handle a gas leak in these places.
If the leak is after the point of the gas meter then you need to call a gas fitter as soon as possible. Other measures that you can take include:
- If possible, switch off the gas supply at the meter box
- Get everyone out of the premises as quickly possible
- If the gas leak is in an enclosed space and it is still safe, ventilate the room by opening windows and doors to allow the gas the gas to dissipate
- Switch off the electricity supply as well.
A key point to note here is to avoid making a call while still indoors. Get some distance between yourself and the property before making any calls and make sure you alert others to do the same.
There are instances when this kind of situation can cause anxiety – watch out for people who may want to light up a cigarette near the property or the area around the gas leak.
Other don’ts include:
- Don’t let a non-licensed gas fitter try to fix the leak
- Don’t switch on lights or light up a flame near the area of the leak.
Gas Safety measures
Preventing a gas leak is much better than dealing with the consequences. Some preventative measures that you can take include:
- Buying and using gas appliances that have been certified by either the Australian Gas Association (AGA), IAPMO, Vipac, SAI Global or Global-Mark.
- Make sure that you use licensed gas fitters for all gas-related work.
- Have your gas appliances inspected and maintained by a professional gas fitter at least every two years.
RPG Plumbing is certified and licensed to handle all gas services throughout North Brisbane, call us today in case of a gas leak.
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Contact RPG Plumbing & Gas, call (07) 3339 1543, email info@rpgplumbing.com.au or simply fill out a form