EMG/General/TBT-EMG-008

Gas Leak Emergency Procedures

Emergency Preparedness › General › Gas Leak Emergency Procedures

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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.

Prevent explosion	Gas explosions on construction sites cause fatal injuries, building collapse, and devastating damage to surrounding areas.
Asphyxiation risk	Gas displaces oxygen in excavations and enclosed spaces, causing unconsciousness and death within minutes.
Speed critical	Gas leaks escalate rapidly. Correct immediate actions in the first minutes determine whether people live or die.

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

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