- Gas leaks: what to do and who to contact
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Understanding the appropriate actions during an emergency can be crucial in saving lives.
Whether you are at home or elsewhere, it is important to follow specific steps if you suspect a gas leak.
If you believe there is a gas leak or can smell gas, evacuate the premises immediately and contact
the National Gas Emergencies number at 0800 111 999.
If you are at home and can safely do so, turn off your gas supply. Locate the gas mains tap, which is
typically located beside the gas meter. Turn the handle a quarter turn until it is perpendicular (90 degrees)
to the pipe, effectively shutting off the gas supply.
- Detecting a gas leak – what are the symptoms?
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The most apparent indication of a gas leak is the distinct smell of gas. Additionally, if you are feeling unwell,
it could be a potential symptom of a gas leak.
- The symptoms include:
- - Feeling lightheaded
- - Dizziness
- - Nausea
- - Headaches
If you are experiencing these symptoms and suspect a gas leak, it is crucial to immediately move outside. If you start
to feel better once in fresh air, it could be an indication that you have been affected by a gas leak.
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- What to do if you smell gas
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- Do:
- - open doors and windows to allow fresh air to circulate into the space.
- - Turn off the gas at the mains tap, which is usually near the meter. Move the handle a quarter turn until it's at 90 degrees
from the pipe to shut off the gas supply.
- - Leave the property.
- - Call the National Gas Emergencies number at 0800 111 999. Use a mobile phone while outside the property to make the call.
The number is toll-free and accessible 24 hours a day.
- - Follow the advice given by the emergency adviser.
- - Wait outside for a gas engineer to arrive.
- - If you are feeling unwell, visit your GP or hospital immediately.
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- Don't:
- - Smoke, light a match or use any other naked flame.
- - Turn any electrical switches on or off.
- - Use doorbells, mobile phones or any other electrical switches which could cause a spark.
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- Gas leak prevention
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There are lots of things you can do to be gas safe and help prevent a gas leak.
You should always get appliances installed by a Gas Safe registered engineer. A gas detector alarm could help keep you
and your family safe by alerting you to leaks.
You should also have a Carbon Monoxide (CO) detector installed in your home. Carbon monoxide
is colourless, odourless and can be fatal.
You should also have an gas safety check or service carried out on your appliances.
If you live in rented accommodation, make sure your landlord provides you with a gas safety certificate.
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- Gas safety tips
- - Get any gas appliances installed and regularly serviced by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
- - Don't use any gas appliances that you think aren’t working properly.
- - Make sure that ventilation bricks, grilles or outside flues aren't covered or blocked.
- - Fit a carbon monoxide detector to use as a guide only. Don't rely on it completely.
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