Jet's Guide to Gas

How to stay safe around natural gas

Gas is a safe, efficient and easy way to meet your energy needs but it can also be potentially dangerous if it is not treated with respect. It is important to remember that not following this simple principle may result in endangering others and not just yourself. Here are a few safety tips to bear in mind to stay safe around gas:

• Ensure only competent people work on your gas appliances and never attempt this yourself. Have all gas appliances serviced regularly - at least once a year.
• Keep all appliances clean and never leave anything that is cooking unattended for prolonged periods.
• Keep all combustible material away from gas appliances.
• Make sure there is adequate ventilation around your gas appliances and never block any vents that may be necessary for the safe operation of your appliances.
• Most gas appliances have flues designed to safely carry away the products of combustion. These should never be obstructed.
• Familiarise yourself with what to do in a gas emergency and who your retailer and network provider is. Keep their telephone numbers handy in case you need them at short notice.
• When undertaking any excavation work, always try to identify the route of any services that supply your house to avoid damaging them.

The following links may also help you to stay safe around gas:

www.ess.govt.nz
www.pgdb.co.nz
www.gamanet.org