All hydrocarbon gases have an odour/smell added to them to help you detect a leak. Smells of gas in your home are not normal and can alert you to a hazard.
Steps must be taken to eliminate any potential danger that could arise from leaking gas. Gas suppliers' instructions should always be followed but the steps below offer general information on making the situation safe.
- Turn off the supply of gas to the property at the meter or cylinder. Turning off the gas at the meter may not stop the leak, as it may be coming from a nearby gas main or service.
- If you consider it necessary, evacuate the building.
- Remove any ignition risks. Make sure there are no naked flames, no one is smoking, don’t use matches or lighters and don’t touch any electrical switches.
- If lights are on, leave them on.
- Ventilate the building by opening all the doors and windows.
- Report the incident.
- Do not re-enter the area until it is safe to do so.
Useful guidance for gas safety
- Using LP Gas safely (English)
- Using LP Gas safely (Chinese)
- Using LP Gas safely (Malay)
- Servicing requirements of pre-1980 gas appliances
- Gas appliance safety alerts and recalls
Reporting gas incidents
All fuel gas accidents or incidents that occur in Western Australia must be reported to:
- the relevant gas supplier; and
- the Director of Energy Safety (Building and Energy).
This includes near-misses, injuries or property damage relating to fuel gas (Natural Gas, LP Gas, CNG, LNG).
Building and Energy
Freecall 1800 678 198 (all hours, from anywhere in Western Australia)
During business hours, the calls are diverted to Building and Energy's Cannington Office on (08) 6251 1900. Outside of business hours, the calls are diverted to an after-hours answering service. This freecall number only applies to incidents and accidents that occur within Western Australia.
Local gas suppliers
Kleenheat Gas: 1800 093 336
Origin Energy: 1800 808 526
Elgas: 1800 819 783
In the event of fire, an LP Gas cylinder should be removed from the heat source. If this is not possible, keep the cylinder cool by spraying water on to it. However, if flames are threatening to engulf the cylinder, the area should be evacuated and emergency services notified immediately.
Emergency services
Police: Dial 000
Fire Brigade: Dial 000
Having gas fitting work done
Always use a licensed gas fitter for installations, repairs or renovations involving gas work. This not only applies to jobs like installing hot water systems and heaters, but also where renovations might involve disconnection or relocation of gas appliances. In Western Australia, the law requires that all gasfitting work is carried out by a person who holds a licence issued by Building and Energy.
Gasfitting is a skilled technical trade that requires extensive training. Do not be tempted to do gas work yourself, or to use an unlicensed gas fitter. Unlicensed work is a risk to yours and public safety and may affect future insurance claims.
Need to check if your gas fitter is licensed?
Your guarantee
When any gas fitting work (other than servicing) is carried out, the gas fitter responsible must provide a Notice of Completion (NOC) to you and the relevant gas supplier within 48 hours of completion of the work.
Fixed installation inspections
It is important that gas installations connected to gas supply are safe and meet the requirements of the regulations.
The gas supplier may inspect a fixed installation (Natural Gas, LP Gas) to ensure that it complies with the requirements. If a gas supplier requests this type of inspection of your property you are obligated to permit access.
The gas supplier will:
- make sure they have received the NOC before gas is connected to the installation;
- confirm that the gas fitter is authorised to carry out the work;
- carry out inspection audits of the gas fitter's work;
- issue orders if rectification work is necessary; and
- investigate gas related incidents and breaches of regulations and forward reports to Building and Energy, for disciplinary and/or prosecution action, where appropriate.
Gas heaters
You can’t see or smell carbon monoxide you won’t be able to tell if your heater is spilling it into your home.
The first warning signs are often headaches, nausea and fatigue. To avoid carbon monoxide leaking into your home and making you sick or even causing death, adequate ventilation and maintenance of your gas heater are vital.
You should also:
- Avoid leaving your gas heater on for extended periods.
- Install a carbon monoxide alarm as a back-up measure.
- Check there isn’t safety alert or recall issued for your gas heater.
- Consider replacing old heaters.
If you suspect a leak, turn the heater off straight away, open windows and doors to let in fresh air and leave the house immediately.
Do not use your heater again until you have had it checked by a licensed gas fitter.
Energy Safe Victoria have produced a video highlighting the dangers of carbon monoxide.
Ventilation requirements
Adequate ventilation is required to make sure use of open-flued and flueless gas heaters is safe.
To find out if your heater is open-flued, call the supplier or ask a licensed gas fitter. Also ask your gas fitter to check that the room where the gas heater is installed has adequate ventilation and it is compliant.
Open-flued heaters draw air from the room to feed the fire, then combustion products are moved outside via a flue. If incorrectly installed, not serviced or there is insufficient ventilation the heater can release dangerous gases into the room. Check the flues are not blocked or obstructed.
Never operate exhaust fans at the same time as this type of heater. Your range hood, toilet or bathroom fan can create a negative pressure situation, where carbon monoxide is drawn into the room.
Flue-less heaters release air pollutants, from the burning of gas, back into the room which can be extremely dangerous. At high levels, these pollutants may increase symptoms in some people with respiratory sensitivities.
It is extremely important this type of appliance is serviced and maintained to ensure air pollutants are kept at safe levels, fixed ventilation is required.
If the room is fitted with a gas bayonet fitting (quick connect device socket) to allow the connection of a flue-less gas heater, then by law two permanent ventilation openings must be installed. The vents must connect to the outside of the building and one vent must be installed at low level and the other vent at high level.
Make sure permanent ventilation openings are not blocked.
Flue-less gas space heaters – safe use guidelines
Service your gas heater for winter
Most gas appliances are used more during periods of cold weather. Checking appliances before the cooler weather arrives ensures that all your gas appliances are in good working order and you will be able to enjoy a warm and safe winter.
Your heater should be serviced as often as is outlined the manufacturer’s instructions or at least every two years by a licensed gas fitter. If the appliance is more than 10 years old, it should be serviced annually. The service details will be found on a sticker on the heater.
You should also have it serviced if:
- The outer case of your heater is discoloured. This is an indication of a fault.
- You have difficulty re-lighting the gas heater.
- Your heater has a yellow flame.
BBQs and outdoor gas patio heaters
Portable outdoor appliances such as gas heaters and barbecues are ideal for use outdoors. However, these appliances can present a danger of carbon monoxide poisoning if used indoors or in semi-enclosed areas.
You can keep people and property safe by following these simple steps:
- Only use outdoor appliances outside to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Make sure cafe-style blinds are up when using these gas appliances.
- Read the manufacturer's instructions prior to use.
- To prevent a fire hazard, make sure the appliance is away from combustible materials eg timber.
- Use the right type of gas. Check the data plate on the appliance to find out what type of gas it uses.
Watch the video on how to safety check your gas barbecue:
Cylinders and hoses
- Do not refill cylinders that have been damaged.
- Check the cylinder test date to make sure it has not been over 10 years since it was tested.
- Make sure the hose is not damaged.
- Check connections are tight.
- Soapy water test - spray the hose, regulator and all connections with a soapy water solution. Bubbles will form if gas is escaping. If in doubt, turn off the gas and refer to a licensed gas fitter.
- Serious leaks are common and can be dangerous.
Take the following precautions for the safe storage of LP Gas:
- LP Gas cylinders must not be stored close to any ignition source.
- Cylinders must be stored upright to allow proper operation of the safety relief valve.
- Cylinder valves must be closed when not in use.
- Cylinders must be protected against falling, damage and excessive rise in temperature.
- Cylinders must not be stored in locations which would risk escape from a building in the event of a fire.
For more information including using cylinders in bushfire prone areas, transporting and testing your cylinders visit: LP Gas cylinder safety
For the safe storage of LP Gas cylinders including storage capacities, please refer to Australian and New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 1596: The storage and handling of LP gas, Table 2.1.
BBQs and outdoor gas patio heaters
Domestic outdoor gas barbecues and outdoor gas patio heaters are designed, manufactured and certified for outdoor use only. They are not subject to the strict testing for emissions that applies to domestic indoor appliances; therefore, ensuring they are used in the correct way and in the required location is your responsibility.
Ventilation requirements
Gas barbecues and patio heaters need adequate ventilation to ensure there is sufficient air for combustion, for gas to burn safely and to dilute the products of combustion to safe levels. If they are only used in an outdoor area, there is usually adequate natural ventilation, however, there may be some ‘semi outdoor’ situations where their use is not recommended.
An outdoor area is an open-air situation that is not obstructed by buildings or other structures, allowing products of combustion to be readily dispersed into the atmosphere.
An alfresco area or balcony is considered outdoors when it is an open-air with natural air flow. This ensures stagnant areas do not form and prevent the products of combustion from being dispersed by wind. In the unlikely event of a gas leak occurring, a well-ventilated area will allow escaping gases to rapidly disperse.
The following situations are considered to provide the natural ventilation required for an outdoor domestic barbecue or patio heater to be used:
- Four open sides with a roof or overhead cover.
- Four enclosed sides (walls) without a roof or overhead cover.
- Two parallel walls or two walls at right angles to each other with a roof or overhead cover.
- Three walls, with the one open side being at least 25 per cent of the total perimeter and the remaining three walls having an area of 30 per cent or more of unrestricted opening, with a roof or overhead cover.
For these installations, the barbecue may be connected by a flexible hose to a natural gas bayonet point or similar fitting, through fixed connections to gas piping or by connection to an LP gas cylinder
An outdoor gas barbecue or patio heater may be installed and used on a balcony or veranda if it will not cause a hazard and the manufacturer’s instructions are followed. Some barbecues are designed specifically for these areas where space is restricted. It may also be necessary to consult local building laws before installing or using a gas barbecue on a balcony or veranda.
A balcony or veranda is considered an acceptable area if 20 per cent of the wall area (sides + back + front) remains permanently open and unrestricted.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for required distances between the appliance and the building. It’s recommended windows near the gas appliances are closed while they are in use.
Important note: Balconies and verandas are acceptable for barbecues and patio heaters only, the use of other outdoor gas appliances (such a portable cookers) is not permitted.
Other safety tips for gas BBQs
- Most LP gas barbecues are connected to a 9kg gas cylinder that has a left-handed thread. Once connected use a soapy water solution sprayed over this joint to ensure it is leak free; if bubbles occur on this joint, tighten it up further.
- When setting up the barbecue select a position that is protected from wind.
- Only light the barbecue one burner at a time — some barbecues have a piezo igniter for this.
- Keep your face a distance away if you must look at the burners.
- Keep small children and pets away when cooking as the barbecue will be hot.
- Some operating instructions supplied with the barbecue may call for the drip tray (if fitted) to be filled with sand. It is preferred that the tray be lined with aluminium foil. Sand in the tray tends to accumulate the fat from the cooking process which can readily ignite causing a fire.
- When finished with the barbecue, close off the cylinder valve first and then the burners.
For information on commercial BBQs download:
Safe locations for using gas barbecues and gas patio heaters
Other safety tips for outdoor gas patio heaters
Outdoor gas patio heaters have become popular because it is an effective method for heating a localised outdoor area.
To use these appliances safely:
- Read the manufacturer’s instructions prior to use.
- Locate the appliance away from combustibles or materials that may shatter.
- Ensure the appliance is stable.
- Have the appliance serviced by a qualified gas fitter in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Turn the appliance off at the cylinder when not in use.
- Store the cylinder outdoors in an upright position.
- Avoid storing near chemicals or flammable materials.
Australian approved appliances
Portable, outdoor appliances such as cookers, use a butane canister so a licensed gasfitter is not required to do the installation. This means the appliances aren’t being confirmed as safe by a gasfitter or a gas supplier. You will therefore need to ensure they are Australian approved gas appliances.
They can easily be identified as they feature both:
- an approval number, and
- an approval body mark, like the one below.
Unapproved appliances can cause significant harm such as burns, breathing difficulties or worse.
If you are unsure whether your gas appliance is approved, or you are unsure where it can be used, it can be confirmed by the approval body provided the certification or can be verified by looking up the approval number on the Gas Technical Regulators Committee National Certification database
If the gas appliance does not feature an approval number and an appliance body mark, then the appliance must not be used in Western Australia.
Dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning
Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless, poisonous gas which may be produced by faulty, poorly maintained or misused gas appliances. You may not know you have been exposed to potentially fatal levels of carbon monoxide until the symptoms of poisoning become severe.
Exposure to low levels of carbon monoxide may result in a person experiencing headaches, weakness, fatigue and nausea but at higher levels, symptoms could include severe headache, dizziness, rapid or irregular heartbeat, vomiting, seizures and collapse. In extreme cases this can lead to coma and death.
If you suspect you have inhaled carbon monoxide, seek medical attention immediately and report the incident as outlined above.
How do I protect everyone from carbon monoxide at my home?
- Have your gas appliances checked and serviced regularly by a licensed gas fitter or service agent. Do this in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions or every two years, unless the appliance is over 10 years old, when it should be checked annually.
- Keep gas appliances clean and free of dust.
- Make sure the area where you are using the appliance, is well ventilated.
- Never use outdoor appliances such as barbecues and patio heaters inside.
- Do not run several high volume exhaust fans with flued gas appliances unless this has been checked by gas fitter. Running multiple exhaust fans together with flued gas appliances is capable of drawing flue products back into well-sealed rooms.
- Never modify gas appliances or use them for purposes contrary to the manufacturer's instructions.
Carbon monoxide poisoning
Learn the warning signs for carbon monoxide poisoning.
