Gas leaks and chemical incidents

A gas leak or chemical spill can cause fires, explosions or poisoning. Acting quickly and without creating a spark keeps everyone safe.

If you smell gas at home

Natural gas and bottled gas usually have a smell added, often like rotten eggs or sulphur.

1. Don't switch anything on or off. That includes lights, doorbells and appliances. Don't unplug anything.
2. Don't use matches, lighters or anything with a flame. Don't smoke.
3. Open doors and windows on your way out if you can do it quickly.
4. Turn off the gas at the meter or tank valve if it's easy to reach and safe to do so.
5. Get everyone out of the building and well away from it.
6. Once outside and at a distance, call the gas emergency line or call your local emergency number (112 in Europe and many other countries, 911 in North America). Don't use any phone inside the building.
7. Don't go back in until the emergency services or gas engineers say it's safe.

Carbon monoxide

Carbon monoxide has no smell. It comes from faulty boilers and fires, or from running generators, barbecues or stoves indoors. Signs include headache, dizziness, sickness, tiredness and confusion, often affecting several people or pets at once.

• Get into fresh air straight away.
• Open windows and turn off the appliance if you can.
• Call your local emergency number (112 in Europe and many other countries, 911 in North America) and tell them you suspect carbon monoxide.

Chemical spills at home

• Leave the room and keep others and pets away.
• Open windows if it's safe.
• Never mix cleaning products, especially bleach with ammonia or acids. This makes toxic gas.
• If chemicals touch skin or eyes, rinse with plenty of clean running water for at least 15–20 minutes.
• If someone swallows a chemical, don't make them vomit. Get medical advice straight away and keep the container to show.

Large chemical incidents outside

If there's a fire at a factory, a tanker crash or a warning about toxic fumes:

1. Move away from the area, upwind if you can tell the wind direction.
2. If you can't get away, go indoors and shelter in place: close windows and doors, turn off ventilation, and seal gaps.
3. Follow instructions from your local authorities on the radio or official channels.
4. Don't go to the scene to look.

Afterwards

If you were exposed, remove outer clothing, bag it, and wash with soap and water. Seek medical advice if you feel unwell, even later on.

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