A gas network operator notified WorkSafe Energy Safety of a gas escape in a vacant flat. The network operator had been called by the Fire Service who had responded to a call of the smell of gas.

WorkSafe Energy Safety understands the Fire Service asked the operator to isolate the gas to the installation. The Fire Service then forced entry and ventilated the property. They found a heater had been left turned on. It is understood another tenant said the flat sometimes had squatters.

WorkSafe Energy Safety wrote to the property management company and advised them of a landlord's obligations in regard to gas safety under regulation 75A of the gas regulations and similar such provisions under the electricity regulations. The property manager advised the heater will be removed.