Before you Dig Australia (BYDA)

Planning a backyard or a home renovation? Before you start, get in touch with Before you Dig Australia at www.byda.com.au. They’ll help you navigate your property’s underground cabling and piping.

Emergency

Always call 000 immediately if there is a risk to life or property. Learn more about what to do in emergency situations.

Find my distributor

If your power goes out, your distributor is usually the best person to call. They own and operate the poles, wires and meters that deliver power to you, your home or business.

Find my distributor

Gas leaks

If you smell gas in your street or around your meter, make sure you call your gas distributor’s emergency number straight away. You’ll find your local natural gas distributor and other emergency contacts on our outages page.

If you smell a gas leak in or around your home, go outside at once following the actions below. Contact a licensed gas fitter to come and check out the problem and do not re-enter your home until it has been inspected by them.

• Turn off the gas at your gas meter or cylinder.
• Turn off all appliances, including your electrical appliances and pilot lights.
• Open all of your doors and windows to help with ventilation, but only if it is safe to do so.
• Extinguish all naked flames if it’s safe to do so.

Gas fires

If a fire breaks out and poses a threat to you, your family or your home, move to a safe location and call 000 immediately.

• Fire blankets are inexpensive, easy to use, and they’re a great addition to your kitchen. By simply pulling the tabs to open the blanket, you can smother a small fire.
• If you decide to invest in a small fire extinguisher for your home, make sure to choose the right type for the intended use. For example, you can choose an extinguisher for your kitchen designed for use on cooking oil and fat fires.
• You should also install smoke alarms in your home.
• If your clothing happens to catch fire, be sure to “stop, drop and roll” until the flames have been extinguished entirely.

Stay safe with gas appliances

1. Only have a qualified gas professional install and service your gas products, and maintain your gas meters and pressure regulators in a safe condition that’s free from damage.
2. Light a match or press the ignition button before turning on your gas burner – and remember to switch off your gas appliances when you’re sleeping or leaving home.
3. Your gas burner should only produce a blue flame. If it starts producing a yellow or red flame, call a technician immediately.
4. Always keep your outdoor gas heaters and other appliances outside.
5. Only use Australian Gas Industry (AGI) appliances, and equipment approved by the Australian Gas Association (AGA) and Intertek Inform (formerly SAI Global). In South Australia, this also includes Global-Mark, International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), and BSI Group.

Take care using your gas BBQ

1. Check for gas leaks before use by spraying soapy water on the connection or hose, and keep an eye out for bubbles.
2. Remove all combustible material from around your barbeque before you fire it up.
3. Make sure to clean up your barbeque after use by removing any fat and oil build up.
4. Never use your barbeque indoors, or in a confined space.
5. Remember to have your gas cylinder tested and stamped by a qualified service professional at least once every ten years.

Store and use your gas cylinders safely

1. Always keep your gas cylinders in an upright position – and never transport more than 9kg in your car. A maximum of 2x cylinders (totalling 9kg) can be transported in an enclosed vehicle, preferably within the boot.
2. Connect and disconnect your gas cylinders away from naked flames and ignition sources, and replace any cracked or damaged hoses.
3. Store your gas cylinders in the shade away from direct sunlight – and keep them away from petrol, flammable liquids or aerosols as well.
4. If you have any dented and damaged cylinders, they should be returned to the supplier ASAP.
5. Never fill your gas cylinders for household use with automotive LPG, and be sure to have your cylinders tested and stamped by a qualified service professional every ten years.