gas faults and emergencies
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Natural gas consists mainly of methane, which is an odourless gas. For safety reasons a distinctive odour is added to the natural gas supply so that you can easily smell leaking gas and respond accordingly.
If you suspect that there is gas leaking in your home, you should immediately:
- Turn off the gas either at the isolating valve in the house or at the inlet to the gas meter, whichever is the safer option
- Turn off electrical appliances at the main switchboard rather than at the appliance switches
- Do not under any circumstances test the suspected leak with a naked flame
- Avoid turning on torches or using mobile phones or, in fact any other device which may cause the gas to ignite
- Consider evacuating the house if the smell is very strong
- Open all windows and doors to allow the gas to disperse
Do not attempt to repair the gas leak yourself, get a trained professional in to do the job.
Gas distributors are responsible for the supply and quality of gas that you enjoy. They have teams available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to help restore gas supplies if there is a fault or an emergency. If you need to find out who your distributor is contact your current gas supplier.
Remember: if there is ever a situation where there is a risk to life and property, call emergency services on 000.