Emergencies
Smell gas? Exactly what to do (and what not to do)
By Urgent Plumbers London team3 min read
In short
If you smell gas, leave the building, don't use switches or anything that could spark, open doors and windows if it's safe, turn off the gas at the meter and call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999. Don't go back in until they say it's safe.
Natural gas has no smell of its own, so a strong 'rotten eggs' odour is added so you'll notice a leak. If you smell it, act straight away.
What to do
- Get everyone out of the building
- Don't use light switches, doorbells, plugs or anything that could cause a spark. Don't smoke or use a naked flame
- Open doors and windows on your way out if it's safe
- Turn off the gas at the meter if you can reach it safely (move the lever so it's at right angles to the pipe)
- Call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999 from outside
- Don't go back in until they tell you it's safe
Carbon monoxide: the danger you can't smell
Carbon monoxide (CO) is produced when gas doesn't burn properly. It has no smell, colour or taste. Symptoms include headaches, dizziness, nausea, breathlessness, tiredness and confusion, often easing when you leave the house.
- Fit an audible CO alarm in rooms with gas appliances and test it regularly
- Look out for lazy yellow or orange flames instead of crisp blue ones
- Watch for soot or staining around appliances
- Get gas appliances checked regularly by a Gas Safe registered engineer
If your CO alarm goes off or you suspect CO poisoning, get into fresh air, call 0800 111 999 and seek medical help.
Only use Gas Safe registered engineers
By law, anyone working on gas appliances in Great Britain must be on the Gas Safe Register. Ask to see the engineer's Gas Safe ID card and check what they're qualified to work on.
