Gas Service Connections Safety

Gas service connections link individual properties to the gas distribution main in the street.
All gas work must be carried out by operatives registered with Gas Safe or the gas network operator.
Service connections involve working on or near live gas mains under low or medium pressure.
Excavations for service connections expose workers to risks from other buried services nearby.
Gas is odourless in its natural state — the distinctive smell is added mercaptan odorant.
A permit to dig and service plans must be obtained before any excavation work begins.
PE pipe is the standard material for new gas services and requires electrofusion jointing.
Purging and commissioning of new connections must follow the Institution of Gas Engineers procedures.
Gas leaks during connection work can cause explosions, fire, and asphyxiation.
Emergency procedures must be briefed to all personnel before live gas work commences.

Explosion risk	Gas leaking during connection work can accumulate in excavations and enclosed spaces, leading to ignition and explosion.
Legal requirement	Only Gas Safe registered or network-authorised operatives may work on gas services — it is a criminal offence otherwise.
Public safety	Gas service connections are near occupied properties — a gas incident can endanger residents and the public.

Do

Don't

Verify all operatives hold current Gas Safe or network operator authorisation
Obtain service plans and a permit to dig before excavating for the connection
Locate all other buried services in the area using CAT and Genny equipment
Follow the approved procedure for making live connections to gas mains
Use calibrated gas detection equipment throughout the connection operation
Brief all workers on the gas emergency procedure before starting work
Ensure PE pipe electrofusion joints are made by trained and certified operatives
Purge and commission the new service in accordance with IGE procedures
Keep ignition sources away from the excavation and connection point at all times
Notify the network operator and record the connection details as required

DON'T allow unregistered operatives to work on any gas installation
DON'T excavate for gas services without obtaining service plans first
DON'T use mechanical excavation within the safe zone of a gas main
DON'T smoke, use mobile phones, or create sparks near live gas work
DON'T attempt to stop a gas leak by hammering, clamping, or wedging the pipe
DON'T enter an excavation where gas has been detected without monitoring
DON'T rush electrofusion joints — incorrect fusion causes dangerous leaks
DON'T commission a new service without completing the required pressure test
DON'T leave an open excavation near a live gas main unattended overnight
DON'T ignore the smell of gas — evacuate and call the national gas emergency number

See also: Gas Main Installation Safety | Gas Escape and Emergency Procedures

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