Electrical and gas safety after Cyclone Zelia

• Be cautious when using generators, gas equipment and other portable appliances
• Ensure damaged or submerged equipment is checked before use
• Avoid DIY repairs to electrical, gas and plumbing infrastructure

Building and Energy has important safety advice for people who are using generators or returning to damaged properties in the wake of Severe Tropical Cyclone Zelia.

The cyclone made landfall on the Pilbara coast near Port Hedland this afternoon (Friday 14 February) as a category four system. The Bureau of Meteorology and Emergency WA have the latest information and emergency advice.

“We want emergency equipment such as generators and LP gas appliances to be used correctly to avoid exposing anyone to electrical safety risks or carbon monoxide hazards,” WA’s Director of Energy Safety, Saj Abdoolakhan, said.

“When emergency services advise that you can return to your property, be aware of potential hazards from damaged or submerged electrical infrastructure or gas leaks. Avoid turning on the power or electrical and gas appliances until they can be checked by a professional.

“Don’t do any DIY electrical, gas and plumbing work – always use a licensed professional.”

Building and Energy’s key electrical and gas advice for cyclone-affected residents includes:

ELECTRICAL

• Don’t turn on power or appliances or go near electrical infrastructure until you have checked with a licensed electrician or the network operator (in the Pilbara this will be Horizon Power, BHP or Rio Tinto).
• Don’t do any DIY electrical work – it is dangerous and illegal.

GENERATORS

• For generators permanently connected to a property, a changeover switch must be installed at the property’s main switchboard by a licensed electrical contractor. This stops power being fed back into the electricity grid where it can be hazardous.
• Don’t plug a generator into household power points or connect it to wiring or any part of the electricity network.
• Look for an Australian Standard mark showing the generator complies with either AS2970 or AS3010.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and don’t overload the generator or power boards by piggy-backing plugs into one socket or using double adaptors.
• Check appliances are off before connecting them to your generator. Turn them on one at a time to avoid overloading the generator.
• Ensure the generator and other equipment are in good condition and in a dry location.
• Petrol or diesel-powered generators must be used outdoors in a well-ventilated area, away from open windows, to avoid carbon monoxide exposure.

GAS

• Don’t turn on the gas supply or activate gas appliances until a licensed gas fitter has checked them. Don’t do any DIY work on gas installations.
• When returning to a damaged property, don’t use matches, lighters or naked flames as there may be a gas leak.
• Read the safety warnings, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and look for an approval badge to certify that gas equipment is authorised for sale in Australia.
• Portable gas-fuelled equipment such as barbecues, cookers, heaters and fridges must always be used outdoors in the open air to avoid potentially lethal exposure to carbon monoxide. They should never be used inside tents, caravans, campervans or other enclosed areas, including indoors at home, even if the doors or windows are open.
• Be aware of carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea and confusion. Immediately move to a well-ventilated area and seek medical attention.
• LP gas cylinders must always be kept upright. If a cylinder has to be transported, secure it firmly and outside the vehicle’s passenger area.
• The test date stamped on the LP cylinder should not have exceeded 10 years.
• Check for a gas leak by applying soapy water to the LP cylinder, hose and appliance connections. Bubbles or a gas smell are signs of a leak.
• Gas Energy Australia has useful resources on community flood and storm LPG safety including a video, brochure and checklist.

For more information on electrical and gas safety in the cyclone area, contact Horizon Power (13 23 51), Supagas (1800 093 336) or Building and Energy (1300 489 099).

A Building and Energy fact sheet, Cyclone safety around your home, developed in collaboration with Engineers Australia’s Cyclone Taskforce, includes other advice on longer-term cyclone preparation, as well as what to do before, during and after a cyclone.

A Building and Energy technical officer will soon accompany James Cook University Cyclone Testing Station staff to examine the structural performance of buildings in the path of Severe Tropical Cyclone Zelia.

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Media contact: BEmedia@demirs.wa.gov.au