Emergency & Safety Information For The Home User Suspecting A Gas Leak

6 Feb

For millions of households across Australia, natural gas is perfect for keeping homes warm, meals cooked and baths hot.

But like most energy sources, natural gas and LPG can be dangerous if leaks occur or the products aren’t handled responsibly. These products are flammable and odourless – so a distinctive smell is added to help detect leaks and keep you safe. These leaks can lead to physical symptoms and, in some cases, the gas can cause carbon monoxide poisoning and death in people and animals.

If you pick up a funky smell in or around your home and think it could be a gas leak – there are some important steps you should follow.

Residential natural gas

Natural gas is a safe and reliable energy source but can be dangerous if leaks occur. In the unlikely event of a natural gas leak, it’s worth knowing where your home’s natural gas meter box is located and how to turn off your supply if needed.

To help detect leaks, natural gas has an unpleasant “rotten egg” smell added.

If you suspect a natural gas leak at your property:

turn off the gas at your property’s meter box,
remove any ignition sources such as pilot lights, electrical equipment/switches or matches,
try to identify where the smell is strongest (inside or outside your property), and
move away from the area and call our Gas Leak Detector (available 24 hours a day, seven days a week).

Small gas leaks may not have a smell or other physical signs. However, if there is a gas leak in the home, a person may notice:

The smell of sulphur or rotten eggs
Hissing sound near a gas line
A white cloud or dust near a gas line
Bubbles in wet areas outside
Unhealthy plants, grass and bushes

CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning can lead to symptoms similar to those caused by a gas leak and is emitted when gas burns incompletely. Exposure to CO can be fatal and requires emergency medical treatment. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can include: