Click on the links below to see more questions relating to these topics:

What should I do if I smell gas?

What is Carbon Monoxide?

What are the danger signs that my appliance is unsafe?

Where can I find a registered gas installer?

Who do I call if there is an issue with my electricity supply?

What should I do if I smell gas?

· Don't smoke or use a naked flame.

· Don't switch anything electrical on or off.

· Open windows and doors to let the gas disperse.

· Check your appliances to see if the gas has been left on without being lit.

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My appliances are clear but the smell persists?

· If the smell persists, Gas Networks Ireland advises that you turn off the gas at the meter. See Gas Networks Ireland’s guide about how to do this here

· Call the Gas Networks Ireland 24-hour Emergency Service on 1850 20 50 50

· If you can't get through dial 999

· If your phone is in the immediate area of a leak, use a neighbour's phone or the nearest callbox.

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What Is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon Monoxide (also known as CO) is a poisonous gas which can be given off by any appliance which burns a fossil fuel such as gas, coal or oil. CO can enter your premise if:

· You have a faulty appliance

· Your appliance has not been maintained

· The room is not properly ventilated

· The chimney or flue is blocked

Carbon Monoxide is colourless, odourless and has no taste.

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What are the symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning?

Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning can be similar to those caused by other illnesses such as a cold or flu. But if anyone in your house has any of the following symptoms when using a gas appliance, turn it off and go to your doctor:

· Unexplained headaches, chest pains or muscular weakness

· Sickness, diarrhea or stomach pains

· Sudden dizziness when standing up

· General lethargy

Stop using the appliance immediately and do not use it again until it has been checked by a Registered Gas Installer or a qualified Service Engineer.

In case of a Natural Gas Emergency call Gas Networks Ireland 24 hour emergency number 1850 20 50 50.

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How can a Carbon Monoxide alarm help?

Carbon Monoxide alarms are available from all good hardware stores. They are usually installed adjacent to sleeping areas or in rooms containing a gas appliance. More than one may be required to offer full protection. This type of alarm is only useful for a certain length of time, advised by the manufacturer. Never hold on to a Carbon Monoxide alarm after its useful date has expired. A Carbon Monoxide alarm should not be used as a substitute for a smoke alarm.

While Carbon Monoxide alarms may provide an extra measure of warning, they should never be relied on as a substitute for regular inspection and maintenance of your Natural Gas appliances, venting and chimneys.

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What are the danger signs that my appliance is unsafe?

A number of things may indicate that your appliance is unsafe:

· Stains, soot or discoloring around a gas fire or at the top of a gas water heater could mean that the flue or chimney is blocked

· Appliances that burn slowly, badly (floppy flames), or go out

· Condensation or dampness on surfaces in the room once the appliance is lit

· A strange smell when the appliance is on

If you are at all worried about a gas appliance, seek help. Don't delay and put yourself or others in danger.

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Is it safe to use an old water heater?

Older water heaters, made before modern safety devices were introduced in 1996, may be unsafe to use due to the risk of Carbon Monoxide production. If you have an older type, over-sink or over-bath gas water heater, it may be unsafe to use. Stop using it immediately and call Gas Networks Ireland on 1850 79 79 79.

What other safety precautions should I take?

The following is a checklist of safety precautions you should take:

· If undertaking alterations to your business which may affect the safety or efficiency of your gas installation, get the advice of a competent Registered Gas Installer.

· Never block a ventilator which is there to ensure a safe supply of air.

· Boilers and appliances should be serviced annually to ensure they continue to run safely and efficiently.

· Use appliances only for the purpose for which they were designed.

· Never use any gas appliance if you suspect it might be faulty. Have it checked.

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Do my gas appliances need air?

Gas appliances need air to burn safely. With enough air, burning natural gas produces Carbon Dioxide and water in safe amounts. These products are normally taken away by a chimney or flue. However, Carbon Monoxide can be produced if there is too little air, or if the chimney or flue is blocked or obstructed.

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Where can I find a Registered Gas Installer?

If you are looking for an installer to install or upgrade a natural gas central heating system please click here for a full list of Registered Gas Installers. Alternatively please phone Gas Networks Ireland on 1850 200 694.

Please note: Bord Gáis advises that these installations should only be carried out by a Registered Gas Installer ("RGI") in conformance with the relevant Irish Installation Standards (I.S. 813 or I.S. 820). RGI's are not employees of Bord Gáis Energy and carry out business on their own account and accordingly, Bord Gáis accepts no liability whatsoever for any loss, cost, damage or injury of whatever nature or howsoever caused, whether, directly or indirectly, arising out of, or in connection with, any act, activity or omission of any RGI.

Gas fitting is a job for a competent installer. If you have just moved into a new home or have just had a gas installation to your existing house, always insist that your builder/developer/installer provides you with a copy of a 'Conformance Declaration' for your gas insta llation.

This certificate is a requirement of Irish Safety Standard 813:2014 (and subsequent amendments). It is your assurance that the installation has been carried out in compliance with the Irish Safety Standard and is safe to use. You should keep this certificate in a safe place with other documents relating to your house.

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Who do I call if there is an issue with my electricity supply?

Call ESB Networks on 1850 372 757 for connections, alterations or power quality problems or call 1850 372 999 for emergencies or a loss of supply.

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