Always read and follow the manufacturer's instructions and have your gas appliances serviced regularly by a licensed gas fitter or the appliance manufacturer. The gas fitter should hold an unrestricted licence which enables issue of technical direction and certification of his/her work.

Keep combustible materials like paper, fluids, paint, curtains and rags away from gas cookers, BBQs, room and water heaters. Regularly check that flues are not corroded and have not been blocked - if a flue is damaged, call a licensed gas fitter to have it repaired.

A well adjusted LPG flame burns blue with a slightly yellow tip - a flame which continuously burns yellow indicates the need for servicing. (Note that some gas lights and decorative log fires are designed to burn safely with a yellow flame.)

When lighting a gas burner, light the match or press the ignition button before turning on the gas. If it won't light, turn off the gas and wait for the gas smell to clear before trying again.

Do not use LPG cylinders inside.

Never use a gas cooker as a room heater - it is not designed to operate safely for this purpose.

Teach children not to light or play with the controls of a gas appliance.

Never use aerosols, laundry or cleaning aids near operating gas appliances.

If painting in small, poorly ventilated spaces, turn off gas appliances in the room until the paint is dry.

When using an insect bomb to fumigate your house, read and strictly follow the manufacturer's instructions on the package. Propellant used in these products may be flammable and may light from gas burners or pilots.

Using Portable LPG Cylinders Inside with Unflued Heaters

The use of LPG cylinders indoors to provide fuel for unflued heaters is not recommended.

The combination of an LPG cylinder and unflued heater together can create a dangerous situation.

The appliance may NOT be used in prohibited locations (bedrooms, bathroom), rooms that are too small and which have no permanent ventilation installed.

Upon request, the Office of the Technical Regulator can supply a safety bulletin on the correct selection and installation of unflued heaters.

Caravans and Boats

Do not use unflued gas heaters in caravans.

Never use a gas appliance, including a fridge, in a moving vehicle.

Ensure all vents are kept open and clear.

Turn off all gas appliances in caravans and boats before refuelling.

Portable and Leisure LPG Appliances

Connect regulator and hose joints "spanner tight", and check for leaks with soapy water - it will bubble at the source of a leak. Note that larger cylinders may have a left hand thread connection.

Keep the hose gently curved to eliminate kinks and damage, and ensure that hose assemblies are of an approved type. Hoses should be replaced every five years.

Make sure that hose assemblies are protected from heat or physical damage.

When a portable or leisure gas appliance is not in use, turn off the cylinder valve. Using leisure LPG appliances (e.g. BBQs, patio heaters etc) indoors is hazardous and not recommended.