Making changes to the gas supply to your property can have some risks. Here are some things to consider and safety tips before you do so.

Earthworks and digging – check before you dig

The supply mains for gas, electricity and other utilities may be located in the area of land between your front boundary and the footpath or roadway. The supply of these services into your own property may also be underground so you need to be careful if you are doing any work on or around your property. Make sure you check for any underground gas, power, telephone or water services before you dig.

In general, when you do any work that involves ground penetration:

• make sure the area you are working in is clear of any utility services
• exercise caution when digging, placing fence posts or driving in stakes in or around your property
• contact your local council to locate utilities such as water, storm water and sewage
• be aware that in some areas there may be more than one set of gas mains
• if a pipe becomes damaged or you suspect damage, contact your local gas company immediately.

Not carrying out these simple checks before you dig could result in damaging the underground service. In the case of gas or electricity the consequence could be serious personal injury or worse. Other consequences could be property damage and significant repair costs. A utility is likely to charge you for the repair to their assets. 

How to turn the gas supply on and off

• If you are using a gas appliance with an LPG cylinder, you can use the valve on top of the cylinder to stop the gas flow. If you have more than one cylinder, all valves need to be closed to shut off the supply.
• If your home or workplace is supplied by natural gas, you can turn the gas off at the meter outside your home. Simply turn the valve on the main pipe from 'On' to 'Off'. You may need a spanner to do this.
• Whenever the supply of gas to your property has been interrupted or appliances may have been left on, a certifying gasfitter must be involved in turning the gas on as the piping system might have filled with air. The gasfitter is trained to purge the system safely and to ensure appliances with pilot lights have been lit.

Transport of portable LPG cylinders

We recommend that you take the following care during transport:

• cylinders should be in good condition
• cylinders should be secured in an upright position to prevent possible liquid leakage (which is even more dangerous than a gas leak). Devices to secure cylinders upright are available in many stores selling LPG cylinders
• all control valves should be safeguarded against damage
• cylinders should not be connected to any appliance while in transit
• do not smoke
• cylinders should not be left unattended inside the vehicle, particularly during hot weather.