Gas leak

• Alert everyone in the immediate area to the gas leak, and evacuate all non-essential personnel if necessary. Note: If the gas is flammable, do not set off the fire alarm.
• Identify the gas (e.g. through the use of signs, labels or safety data sheets) and note any safety requirements.
• Stop the source (close cylinder valves, activate shut-off valves or emergency stops).
• Control ignition sources. Turn off electrical and gas-fired equipment.
• Ventilate the area if safe to do so. Open windows and doors, activate intrinsically safe gas ventilation equipment.
• Notify supervisors and Security on 966 (0800 373 7550 from a mobile phone).
• If the leak poses a threat to people or the environment:
  • Evacuate the building. 
  • Notify the Fire Service on 111 and state the following:
    • Your name
    • Exact location of leak
    • Size of leak if known (e.g. BBQ gas bottle, 45kg gas bottle, reticulated gas etc.)
• Assign a person to meet the Fire Service/inform the building warden.
• Evacuate the building immediately, avoiding the area of contamination as best you can.
• Assemble upwind of the gas leak.
• Comply with the Fire Service’s instructions.
• Do not re-enter building/area until you receive the 'all clear' from the building warden or Fire Service.

As a staff member you have a number of responsibilities. 

• Ensure your wellbeing. 
• Help others with decontamination including clothing. Monitor for after-effects. Administer/obtain medical care if required.
• Ensure ventilation is complete.
• Restock and review:
  • The initial discoverer is to raise an incident report via Report a safety injury, incident or observation.
  • Assess reasons for incident and implement corrective response as soon as practicable.
  • Retain a copy of the fire crew’s incident report (if the Fire Service was called).

Document Control
Version: 1.0
Last Updated: Dec 2019
Next Review: Dec 2022
Owner: hsw@auckland.ac.nz
Approver: Associate Director, Health Safety & Wellbeing