Gas safety and maintenance

Natural gas is highly flammable and there’s a small risk of leaking carbon monoxide if your appliances are not properly serviced. Stay safe year-round with our tips:

A man pressing a button to turn on a smoke alarm

Gas leaks

If you smell gas inside your home or business:

  • turn off all your appliances, pilot light and supply at the gas meter
  • open all doors and windows for ventilation
  • do not use any open flames, sparks, or ignition sources
  • contact your qualified gasfitter to repair the leak and turn your gas back on.

If you smell gas near your gas meter or the street:

  • do not use any open flames, sparks, or ignition sources
  • call us on 13 67 07.

Don't operate electrical equipment close to a suspected gas leak.

Close up photo of a heart rate monitor

Life support customers

If you, or someone in your home, relies on life support equipment that uses gas, be sure to register as a life support customer.

During planned and unplanned outages, we always prioritise life support customers.

Maintaining and using gas appliances

A qualified gasfitter should service your gas heater every two years – this will help make sure it’s safe and efficient.
Always use a qualified gasfitter to service your gas appliances according to the manufacturer’s instructions and keep a record of the service date.
Never attempt to fix your gas heater yourself or allow an unqualified person to attempt to fix it. Gas work is not a DIY project and you must call a licensed gasfitter.
Ask your qualified gasfitter for a Certificate of Compliance for any gas works done in your home or business.
Always use your gas appliances for their intended purpose – for example, don’t use a gas cooker, cooktop or oven as a heater.
Don’t keep chemicals or pressure packs on or near a gas appliance – heat may cause them to react or explode.
Dust or lint buildup can cause issues with your water and space heaters. Ensure your burners and fans are clear to prevent potential problems with your heating appliances.
If you have a commercial or industrial gas meter, consider installing a wire fence enclosure or bollards around them to protect them from damage or vandalism.

Bushfire safety

In a bushfire, turn off your natural gas supply. The valve to turn off your gas supply is on the side of your meter or on the front pipe. Always keep the area around your meter clear from any flammable materials.

Did you know

The smell of natural gas is actually odorless, an added odour, that smells similar to rotten eggs, is included as a safety measure so we can detect the presence of natural gas in the air.

Carbon monoxide

Gas Factsheets

View our factsheets below for further details on gas safety and gas saving tips.