After the horrendous events in South London recently, everyone should know how to call for help and that calling the gas emergency service is actually free. We want everyone to stay GAS SAFE.
"We send our condolences to the family and friends of 4 yr old Sahara Salman who died in the gas explosion" Chris Stocks.
What to do if you smell gas
It’s crucial to act quickly in a gas emergency. These are the steps you need to take to stay safe:
- Get fresh air immediately; make sure you open all doors and windows to ventilate the area.
- Turn off the gas emergency control valve (also called gas emergency shut off valve) at the meter, unless the meter is located in a basement or cellar or at the LPG bulk tank or storage vessels.
- Extinguish all naked flames and don’t smoke.
- Don’t operate electrical switches (including turning light switches on or off) because this can ignite escaping gas.
- Contact the relevant National Gas Emergency service number for your area. We’ve listed these numbers in the next section.
- If the attending emergency operative identifies an issue with any gas appliances, follow their advice concerning the use of the equipment. Where advised, contact a Gas Safe registered engineer to fix the appliance and check it’s safe.
- If you’re feeling unwell, visit your GP or hospital immediately and let them know you may have been exposed to carbon monoxide.
- Don’t turn the gas supply on again until it’s been checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Who to call in a gas emergency
If you smell gas, want to report a gas leak or require gas emergency services, there’s a free, 24-hour National Gas Emergency Helpline you can call.
The gas emergency number you need depends on where in the UK you’re based and the type of gas that’s involved:
| Country | Natural Gas (NG) | Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) | Towns Gas/Mains Gas** |
|---|---|---|---|
| England, Wales and Scotland | 0800 111 999 | Contact number on bulk storage vessel or meter* | N/A |
| Northern Ireland | 0800 002 001 | Contact number on bulk storage vessel or meter* | N/A |
| Isle of Man | 0808 1624 444 | 0808 1624 444 | 0808 1624 444 |
| Guernsey | N/A | 01481 749000 | 01481 749000 |
| Jersey | N/A | 01534 755555 | 01534 755555 |
Source: https://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/gas-emergency/what-to-do-in-a-gas-emergency/
What symptoms could a gas leak cause?
One of the first indicators of a gas leak is often the smell, however, there are some physical symptoms that may be experienced.
The most common symptoms include:
- Feeling lightheaded
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Headaches
If you suspect a gas leak and have any of the above symptoms, please go outside into fresh air immediately and call the appropriate gas emergency helpline.
Who can check for a gas leak?
Although anyone can check for a gas leak by way of the smell it gives off or, in the case of carbon monoxide, a CO detector activates – any confirmation and gas work should be completed by a competent Gas Safe registered engineer.
CS Plumbing & Heating Ltd are Gas Safe registered installers
Please ensure you check for registration before a tradesperson carries out work in your home. Be GAS SAFE.
