Servicing gas appliances

Your gas appliances need regular servicing to keep them operating correctly and safely. They should be serviced at least every two years by a certifying gasfitter to make sure they are working properly and to keep your family safe.

Gas appliances need regular servicing as:

• Burners in water heaters can become blocked with dust or lint
• Valves, vents and thermostats can cause problems if not working correctly
• Air filters, air ways and fans can also become blocked by lint and dust
• Safety controls can wear out and fail

Operate gas appliances correctly

• Use gas appliances only for their intended purpose and according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Never tamper with safety valves or other fittings
• 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 off your radiant gas heater when you leave the house or go to sleep
• Always supervise young children near heaters or any gas appliance.
• Clean your oven, grill, cook top and rangehood regularly to prevent the build up of spilled fats and burnt foods and reduce the risk of fire

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.

Don't get distracted in the kitchen

If you have something on the stove and are 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.

Take care using flammable products

• Do not pour petrol near a gas appliance or flue outlet - petrol fumes may 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

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.

Source: www.esv.vic.gov.au