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Energy Safety

BE SAFE WITH NATURAL GAS

When used properly, natural gas is a reliable, safe and efficient source of energy for your home.

Safety is a core focus and our employees and contractors are fully trained and qualified to ensure a continual and safe supply of gas. 

Health Safety, Environment and Quality management system, accredited to the following standards:

  •     AS/NZS ISO 9001:2008 - Quality Management Systems
  •     AS/NZS ISO 14001:2004 – Environmental Management Systems
  •     AS/NZS 4801:2001 - Occupational Health and Safety Management System

 

Before we connect you to the gas supply, we test all pipelines in your area to make sure they can safely deliver gas to your home. We then continue to monitor and maintain the pipes to make sure they stay that way. 

Safety is something everyone can contribute to, and there are a number of things you should keep in mind to make sure you’re using gas safely in your home.

ATCO Faults and Emergencies

Have you hit a gas line? Or do you smell gas? Call ATCO's Faults and Emergencies number. *local call fee from anywhere in the state excluding mobiles

I can smell natural gas

Gas is a flammable substance with a distinctive odour, similar to rotten eggs.

If you smell gas always eliminate ignition sources (don’t smoke, use electrical appliances, light switches or mobile phones) and move away from the area quickly, then call ATCO on  13 13 52* or report a gas leak online.

 *Local call fee from anywhere in the state excluding mobiles.

For more information about gas safety please visit our gas safety website. 

Here are the steps you should take if you suspect a gas leak:

Report a Smell of Gas

Before you dig Australia

Before You Dig Australia can be used to find underground pipes. It is important for anyone who is going to do any excavation work to call Before You Dig Australia.

The ATCO pipes contain flammable gas which should always be treated with caution. Many gas pipelines also operate at pressures that could be dangerous to people or property if accidentally broken or ruptured.

Before You Dig Australia is a national referral service for anyone wanting to know the location of underground networks (including gas pipes) at a proposed excavation site, or home property.

The simplest way to get the required information is to request plans through the national Before You Dig Australia website. This should be done two clear working days before work is due to commence.

Alternatively you can phone 1100 to obtain information on underground networks at your excavation site or home.

Before You Dig Australia is a free service, however a call cost may be charged and some asset owners reserve the right to make a modest charge for some plans.

Neglecting to obtain Before You Dig Australia plans prior to excavating can lead to costly disruption to essential services, and injury or death to workers and the general public. It can also lead to heavy financial penalties.

Before carrying out any excavation work it is your duty to find the location of ATCO Gas pipes. Before You Dig Australia offers a simple way you can do this.

More information can be found on the Before You Dig Australia website.

 

Learn more about your gas meter

Learn how to turn your gas meter on and off as well as how to read your meter. 

Appliance safety

There’s nothing more annoying than jumping in the shower only to find there’s no hot water. Most of us don’t generally spend much time thinking about our hot water system, cooktop or heater … until they stop working!

Regularly giving your gas appliances a quick clean and tune-up will keep them running safely and efficiently. Learn more about gas appliance safety at our gas safety website. 

Service regularly

Most manufacturers recommend that gas appliances be serviced every two years by a qualified technician.  Check your owner’s manual or manufacturer’s website for further information.

Check air filters

Air filters and fans can become blocked by lint and dust. Depending on the make and model of your gas heater, you may be able to clean the air filter yourself – consult your owner’s manual to see if this is recommended and how to do it.

Hoses and connections

Check the hose on your portable gas heater as they can become damaged or deteriorate with age. The bayonet connectors should also be examined for damage. An approved technician can replace any faulty hoses or connectors.

Flue pipes

If your appliance is vented externally, flue pipes should be checked for damage. Holes or loose fitting joints require immediate attention. If your flue needs servicing, call a licensed gasfitter to have it cleaned or repaired.

Ventilation

For all indoor heaters, ensure that your home is well ventilated and vent sources are unobstructed. Barbecues and patio heaters should only be used outside with adequate ventilation.

Have more questions about Gas?

Visit our FAQ section to learn more about natural gas, the ATCO network and the benefits of gas. 

Warning

Carbon monoxide safety

Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odourless and tasteless gas which is undetectable to human senses.

It’s important to understand the risks and symptoms associated with carbon monoxide exposure and with a little information it’s very easy to protect yourself and your family.

Gas appliances should be properly maintained and serviced according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This needs to be carried out by a licensed gasfitter.

To locate a licensed gasfitter in your area, you can use one of the following options:

  1. Visit the Master Plumbers & Gasfitters Association website to find a licensed gasfitter by postcode.
  2. Check your local telephone directory for a list of gasfitters in your area (Check that your gasfitter is licensed by visiting the EnergySafety website).

Here are some other things to consider to keep you safe from carbon monoxide poisoning:

  • Make sure your home ventilation is unobstructed. 
  • BBQs and patio heaters should only be used outside with adequate ventilation.
  • Gas appliances should never be modified and should only be used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Do not idle a vehicle in an enclosed garage, even with the door open.
  • Always have an adequate fresh air supply before you start a wood fire.
  • Always keep flue vents clear and clean.

Gas appliances have many safety features. For example stoves and heaters have inbuilt safety features to protect you and your home and business. To make sure these safety features work properly, installation and servicing of gas appliances must be carried out by a licensed gasfitter.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can include:  

  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Breathlessness
  • Nausea
  • Collapse

In extreme cases carbon monoxide poisoning can lead to coma or death.

If you are experiencing symptoms, move in an area with plenty of fresh air and seek immediate medical attention or call an ambulance.

More Tips on Gas Safety

Learn more about gas safety, carbon monoxide and appliance safety. 

Other languages

Natural gas is a safe and reliable energy source when used properly.

To ensure your safety, a number of our safety videos have been translated into a range of languages;

Watch these videos to find out what to do if you smell gas.

  • Dari

    دری

    گاز طبیعی زمانی که درست استفاده شود منبع مصئون و معتبر انرژی محسوب میشود. این ویدیو را مشاهده کنید و ببنیید تا چه اقداماتی را

    روی دست گیرید هرگاه بوی گاز به مشام تان رسد.

  • Italian

    Italiano

    Il gas naturale, quando impiegato in maniera adeguata, è una fonte energetica sicura e affidabile. Guardare questo video per sapere cosa fare in caso si senta odore di gas.

  • Kirundi

    Ikirundi

    Gazi isanzwe ni isoko y’umucanwa itekanye kandi yizewe iyo ikoreshejwe neza. Raba iyi reresi kugira umenye ico utegerezwa gukora niba wumvise gazi imota

  • Korean

    한국어

    올바르게 사용될 때 천연가스는 안전하고 믿을 만합니다. 이 비디오를 보고 가스 냄새를 맡았을 때 해야 할 일을 알아보세요.

  • Somali

    Af Soomaali

    Gaaska dabiiciga waa badbaado iyo illo tamar lagu xisaabtami karo goorti si ku haboon loo isticmaalo. Daawo fiidiyowgaan si aad u ogaatid waxa la sameeyo haddii aad urusid gaas.

  • Vietnamese

    Tiếng Việt

    Khí gas tự nhiên là một nguồn năng lượng đáng tin cậy và an toàn khi sử dụng đúng cách. Xem video này để tìm hiểu phải làm gì nếu bạn ngửi thấy mùi khí gas

Learn more about the Gas Network

ATCO own and operate the largest gas network in WA, find our more about the network and the benefits of gas.