here’s what to do if you
smell gas inside

• Keep flames and cigarettes out of the room and away from the area.
• Turn off all gas appliances – if safe to do so.
• Turn off the gas supply at the meter or LPG cylinder – if safe to do so.
• Open doors and windows
• Leave electrical appliances or switches as they are – a flick on or off could cause a spark and ignite the gas.
• Don’t use your phone in the area.
• Contact your gas retailer or a licensed gas worker immediately to check the installation. Use a phone away from the gas leak.
• If the smell persists, go outside to a safe place away from the building.
• If you can’t stop the gas leak by turning off the leaking appliance or the gas supply, contact Fire and Emergency on 111.

here’s what to do if you
smell gas outside

• Keep flames, cigarettes, vehicles and electrical equipment (including mobile phones) away from the area.
• Turn off the gas supply at the meter or LPG cylinder – if safe to do so.
• Leave the area.
• Contact your gas retailer or ring the gas emergency number listed in the “Emergency Services” pages in the White Pages phone book.
• If you think you have a problem with your gas supply, contact your gas retailer immediately. If you think you have a problem with your gas installation or appliances, contact a local licensed gas worker immediately.
• If the smell persists call Fire and Emergency on 111.

beware of carbon monoxide

If an appliance is poorly ventilated or faulty it may produce carbon monoxide, which is highly poisonous. Breathing low levels of the gas can cause headaches, nausea, flushed skin, dizziness, a false sense of wellbeing, tiredness and vomiting. Prolonged exposure or high levels can lead to collapse, unconsciousness or even death.

Although odourless, carbon monoxide is usually accompanied by other emissions that may produce a car exhaust smell or watery eyes. If you suspect you’ve been exposed, move into fresh air and seek immediate medical attention (a blood test is the only way to confirm carbon monoxide exposure). If it can be done safely, turn off the appliance, ventilate the room, and organise a licensed gas worker to check it.