Keep safe at home with gas
For Gas Safety assistance please call 132774
(Available only for Victorian, Qld and SA customers)
It’s easy to use gas safely and responsibly at home if you understand the risks and take care. Our tips can be a helpful start.
Gas appliances
- Install and service gas appliances by a qualified service person
- Know the difference between LPG and natural gas appliances
- Maintain gas meters and pressure regulators in a safe condition and free from damage
- Light a match or press ignition button before turning on your gas burner
- Your gas burner should produce a blue flame. Call a technician if the flame is yellow or red
- Store flammable items away from your gas appliances
- Switch gas appliances off when sleeping or leaving your home
- Keep outdoor gas appliances outside, don’t use them indoors
- Flueless heaters require permanent ventilation. For further information regarding legal requirements or technical advice in reference to gas unflued heaters, please contact either Standards Australia and quote AS5601 Gas Installation Standard or contact the Technical Regulator or equivalent in your State for advice.
- Use Australian Gas Industry (AGI) appliances and equipment approved by the Australian Gas Association (AGA) and SAI (Standards Australia International) Global. Appliances approved and certified by the AGA and SAI Global are sold with an appropriate Approval Certification Badge. We ensure our Origin Shops appliances are AGI approved.
Barbecues
- Ensure your gas cylinder is tested and stamped by a qualified service person at least every 10 years
- Check for gas leaks by spraying soapy water on the connection or hose and watch for bubbles (do not immerse in water)
- Remove all combustible material from around the barbecue
- Remove excess fat/oil from barbecue after each use
- Do not use barbecue indoors or in a confined space.
Also check our Keep safe with LPG.
Pipes
- Take care when using lawn mowers, brush cutters or digging in your garden so you do not damage gas pipes
- Dial 1100 Before You Dig is a free service that provides information on most underground networks across Australia.
Also check our Gas leaks tips that explain what to do if you suspect a gas leak.
Cylinders
- Gas cylinders should be maintained in an upright position and not exceed 9kg when transported in a car
- Connect or disconnect cylinders away from a naked flame or ignition source
- Store cylinders in the shade away from direct sunlight
- Dented or damaged cylinders should be returned to your supplier
- Ensure your gas cylinder is tested and stamped by a qualified service person at least every 10 years
- Replace cracked or damaged hoses (if unsure of how to do it or whether safe call a qualified technician)
- Cylinders for household use should not be filled with automotive LPG
- Store petrol, flammable liquids or aerosols away from cylinders.
Gas leaks
If you smell gas in your street, on your property or in your home call, for Victoria 13 27 71 or for all other states please see Emergencies.- Turn off the gas at your gas meter or cylinder
- Turn off all appliances (including electrical) and pilot lights
- Contact a licensed gas fitter
- Open all doors and windows for ventilation – only if safe to do so
- Extinguish all naked flames (do not smoke).
Safety tips
If you smell gas in the street or on your property before or including the meter, you should call your natural gas distribution company to locate and repair the leak. If however, you believe the leak to be after the meter on a section of pipe work connecting your appliances, or on the appliance itself, you can contact any licensed gasfitter to rectify the problem. Remember, any person undertaking work involving gas must be appropriately licensed.
Important:
To learn more about using Natural Gas and LPG properly, download our Gas Safety Brochure.
