EMG/General/TBT-EMG-008

Gas Leak Emergency Procedures

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Gas Leak Emergency Procedures

Toolbox Talk Record

Ref: TBT-EMG-008  |  Issue: 1  |  Date: March 2026
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What?

  • Gas leaks on construction sites can involve natural gas, LPG, biogas, or process gases depending on the works.
  • Natural gas is lighter than air and rises; LPG is heavier than air and collects in low points and excavations.
  • The lower explosive limit for natural gas is approximately 5% concentration in air — enough to cause an explosion.
  • Gas leaks are often detected by smell (odorant), hissing sounds, or gas detector alarm activations.
  • The immediate priority is to evacuate people away from the leak and eliminate all ignition sources.
  • The National Gas Emergency Service number (0800 111 999) must be called for any mains gas escape.
  • Do not attempt to repair a gas leak yourself unless you are a competent gas operative with authority to do so.
  • Excavations and confined spaces are particularly dangerous during gas leaks due to gas accumulation.
  • Electricity supplies, vehicles, and mobile phones can all act as ignition sources near a gas leak.
  • A gas leak emergency plan specific to the site must be in place and briefed to all workers.

Why?

Prevent explosionGas explosions on construction sites cause fatal injuries, building collapse, and devastating damage to surrounding areas.
Asphyxiation riskGas displaces oxygen in excavations and enclosed spaces, causing unconsciousness and death within minutes.
Speed criticalGas leaks escalate rapidly. Correct immediate actions in the first minutes determine whether people live or die.
Do Don't
  • Evacuate everyone upwind and away from the gas leak immediately.
  • Eliminate all ignition sources including engines, electrics, and naked flames.
  • Call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999 for mains gas leaks.
  • Call 999 for fire and rescue if there is immediate danger to life.
  • Ventilate the area by opening doors and windows if safe to approach.
  • Assemble at the muster point and account for all personnel on site.
  • Know the location of gas isolation valves and emergency shut-off points.
  • Keep people at a safe distance until the gas engineer declares the area clear.
  • Monitor excavations and low points where heavier-than-air gas may accumulate.
  • Brief all workers on the gas leak emergency plan during site induction.
  • DON'T attempt to repair a gas leak unless you are a competent gas operative.
  • DON'T switch electrical equipment on or off near a suspected gas leak.
  • DON'T use mobile phones or radios within the gas danger zone.
  • DON'T start vehicles or plant engines in the vicinity of the gas leak.
  • DON'T re-enter the area until declared safe by the gas emergency engineer.
  • DON'T ignore the smell of gas or assume it will disperse on its own.
  • DON'T smoke or use naked flames anywhere near a suspected gas escape.
  • DON'T enter excavations or confined spaces where gas may have accumulated.
  • DON'T delay calling the emergency number; report the leak immediately.
  • DON'T assume LPG has dispersed because you cannot smell it at head height.

See also: Emergency Plan Awareness | Gas Escape and Emergency Procedures
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