Safety Hints in the home

Follow these hints for maintaining and using gas appliances safely in the home.

Servicing gas appliances

Gas appliances need regular servicing as:

Burners in water heaters or space heaters can become blocked with dust or lint and then, soot up the heat exchanger and flue passageways,
Air filters, air ways and fans can become blocked by lint and dust, leading to overheating and burner problems,
Safety controls can wear out and fail.

Have your water heater, space heater or central heater serviced by a licensed gasfitter at least every two years. .

Always follow the manufacturer’s service plan, , and keep a record of the date of service.

Remove clothing and paper from around gas appliances

Items such as clothing and paper left close to or on gas appliances are a fire risk.

Take care with flammable products around the home

Do not pour petrol near a gas appliance or flue outlet – petrol fumes could be ignited by the appliance flame.
Do not fill your mower with petrol near a gas appliance or flue outlet.
Do not spray aerosols near operating gas appliances – the flammable gas in aerosols pressure packs can be a fire hazard.
Don't store chemicals or pressure packs on or near a gas appliance – heat may cause them to react or explode.
Never use or store flammable materials such as petrol, mineral turpentine, paint or combustible cleaning solutions near a gas appliance.
Turn off any pilot burners before using tile adhesive or solvents near a gas appliance.

Don't get distracted in the kitchen

If you have something on the stove and get called away, turn off the burners or take a wooden spoon with you to remind you what you've left behind. Never leave frying chips unattended, as the oil may boil over and start a fire.

Operate gas appliances correctly

Use gas appliances only for their intended purpose and according to manufacturer’s instructions.
Never tamper with safety valves or other fittings and do not use excessive force to open or close gas control knobs.
Never use an oven to heat a room or as a clothes dryer.
Turn your radiant gas heater off when you leave the house or go to sleep.
Always supervise young children near heaters or any gas appliance.
Clean your oven, grill, hot plate and range hood regularly to prevent the build up of spilled fats and burnt foods and reduce the risk of fire.

Be careful near your gas supply

Take care when using lawn mowers, brush cutters or digging in the garden so you do not damage gas pipes, or your gas meter assembly.

More information

Energy Safe Victoria on 1800 069 588 or contact your gas retailer.

	Origin Energy - Safety Tips