Gas safety for senior citizens and people with disabilities

Some people need additional safety devices to ensure that gas appliances can be operated correctly, to protect them from a malfunction of a gas appliance or to alert them if suffering memory problems.

People with a reduced sense of smell may not detect the odorant in gas, and some may not be able to use gas appliance controls and safety features with ease. These people and their carers should consider the use of appropriate additional safety devices.

Gas safety devices

Gas safety devices include:

• Gas alarms that emit a loud noise or shut down the gas supply when unburnt gas or carbon monoxide are detected.
• Gas shut-off systems that are activated by a loss of flame or the presence of un-burned gas.
• 'Passive' devices such as additional guards, easily-grip or marked knobs, and devices that remind that cooking is in progress.
• Manual shut-off valves operated by carers to prevent appliance use.

Regular gas appliance servicing is very important for the elderly and disabled. Energy Safe Victoria recommends annual appliance servicing and safety checks as a minimum.