Gas

Employers and employees must not tamper with any gas fitments in their workplace. You cannot smell or see gas. Carbon monoxide is released from improperly burnt gas which can cause respiratory failure.

Mains gas has a smell put into it in case of leakage. LPG does not smell.

In a gas emergency contact the National Grid (24-hour emergency) 0800 111 999

Legislation

• Gas Safety (Management) Regulations 1996
• The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1994

Mains gas

Make sure you know where the main stop cock is located, and if you smell mains gas:

• turn off any electrics
• don't smoke
• don't light any naked flame
• open doors and windows
• leave the building
• contact National Grid (emergency telephone number: 0800 111 999)
• make sure your gas engineer is on the Gas Safe Register (in April 2009 the Gas Safe Register replaced the CORGI gas registration scheme in Scotland, England and Wales) - go to the Gas Safe Register website; registered installers go to Gas Safe Register - engineers)
• do not attempt your own repairs
• display gas safety information
• have gas appliances serviced annually

Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG)

• turn off when not in use
• don't smoke when fitting or moving LPG cylinders
• store LPG in lockable external areas
• ensure storage are is well ventilated
• keep away from drains
• don't keep cylinders in a basement
• display warning signs
• isolate LPG cylinders from catering units
• gas pipes and fittings must be of approved materials

LPG does not smell