Help & Questions - Home Gas - Safety & Supply

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Safety & Supply

What should I do if I smell gas at home?

  • Don't smoke or use a naked flame
  • Don't switch anything electrical on or off. E.g. doorbells, switches or appliances
  • 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?

  • Turn off gas at the meter
  • Call our 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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How do I turn off my natural gas supply?

As soon as you move in or have Natural Gas installed for the first time, for your own safety, it's a good idea to know how to turn off your gas supply at the safety isolation point. Your builder/developer/installer should have provided you with a 'Conformance Declaration' for your gas installation. This document contains important safety information for you including the location of your safety shut off valve for use in the event of a domestic emergency or gas leakage.

  • The shut off is frequently fitted within your meter box, outside the house
  • If you require a meter key call Gas Networks Ireland on 1850 200 694 to request one
  • If the Natural Gas shut off valve is hard to reach or will not operate, call Gas Networks Ireland on 1850 200 694

We advise you to turn off the gas when you go away on holidays, or leave your home unoccupied for any length of time.

  • First turn off your Natural Gas appliance taps and any pilot lights.
  • Then turn the safety shut off valve to the off position. It is 'off' when the lever is at right angles to the pipe.
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How do I turn back on my natural gas supply?

Ensure that all your gas appliance taps and pilot lights are turned off then simply return the safety shut off valve to the 'on' position.

  • It is 'on' when the lever is in line with the pipe.
  • Then re-light any pilot lights following the manufacturer's instructions for each appliance.
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What other safety precautions should I take?

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

  • If undertaking alterations to your home which may affect the safety or efficiency of your gas installation, get the advice of a competent Registered Gas Technician. A list of Registered Gas Technicians in your area is available by contact us.
  • Never block a ventilator which is there to ensure a safe supply of air.
  • Bord Gáis Energy Home Team book online or phone contact us.
  • Gas boilers and appliances should be installed in accordance with Irish Standard 813: 2002 'Domestic Gas Installations', by a competent Registered Gas Technician.
  • Use appliances only for the purpose for which they were designed, i.e. do not use a cooker to heat a room.
  • Never use any gas appliance if you suspect it might be faulty. Have it checked. If you require a Safety Check phone 1850 79 79 79.
Bord Gáis Energy Home Team: contact us
Safety Check: 1850 79 79 79
Bord Gáis Energy Installer List: contact us
Water Heater Safety: 1850 79 79 79
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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 installation.

This certificate is now a requirement of Irish Safety Standard 813:2002. 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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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 home or a room in your home 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, diarrhoea 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 Technician 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 my appliances are unsafe?

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

  • Stains, soot or discolouring 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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How can I ensure my gas appliances are the highest possible quality?

When buying a gas appliance, deal with a reputable outlet and check that the appliance carries the CE mark. (Confirmation that the Appliance is suitable for use in Ireland). Your installer should be competent and issue you with a 'Conformance Declaration' for the new appliance installed. Keep the declaration certificate in a safe place.

Every new appliance is supplied with a full instruction book, essential to the correct and safe use of the appliance. Read it carefully and get to know your appliance. Keep the instructions handy. If you are moving house leave the instruction book for any appliance you are not taking with you.

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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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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.

We can then arrange for a Bord Gáis Safety Advisor to visit you without charge. This expert advisor will assess your water heater installation and inform you of the safety action required.

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What precautions do I need to take when undertaking home improvements?

Many people when carrying out home improvements, such as adding extensions, double-glazing, conservatories or when removing internal walls or partitions are unaware that they may be affecting the safety or efficiency of their gas installation. If you require advice before embarking on major alterations, or if you are going to change the use of a living room into a bedroom then you may require the advice of a Registered Gas Installer. (Find your nearest installer).

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Gas Networks Ireland - Gas safety at home brochure

For more information download the Gas Networks Ireland Gas Safety Booklet:
Gas Safety at home (English) »
Gas Safety at home (as Gaeilge) »

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