LPG is an extremely safe and reliable fuel when systems are properly installed, maintained, and used as intended, and incidents are thankfully very rare. Even so, it’s important to know what to do in the unlikely event of an emergency, and that starts with feeling confident about how to quickly and safely turn off your LPG supply if you ever need to.
In any emergency, calm, decisive action can make all the difference. Here we look at how to isolate your LPG supply in an emergency, and what steps you should take if you experience a fire, suspect a leak, or are concerned about carbon monoxide.
Know your LPG shut-off points
A little preparation goes a long way when it comes to LPG safety. Taking a few minutes to familiarise yourself with your shut-off points now means you won’t be trying to figure things out during an emergency.
Bulk LPG systems are designed with built-in safety features, including clearly defined isolation points that allow you to isolate the supply if needed.
Start with the Emergency Control Valve (ECV) which is your first and most accessible shut-off point. This valve is specifically designed so that anyone on the property can quickly stop the gas supply if needed.
The ECV is the quickest way to stop gas entering your property. You’ll usually find it where the gas enters your building, and it should be clearly marked. This might be on an external wall, in a meter box, or just inside the property.
If you ever need to use it, turn off all gas appliances and pilot lights first to prevent gas from continuing to flow within the system. Then turn the ECV to the off position. Rotate the valve so the handle sits across the pipe, not in line with it. This will isolate the gas supply to the property.
To fully shut down your LPG system, you’ll also need to turn off the supply at the tank itself. For above ground tanks, the valve is typically visible on top of the tank, and for underground tanks, you’ll need to open the inspection hatch to access the service isolation valve. Turn the valve clockwise until fully closed, which will stop gas from leaving the storage tank entirely. Only do this if it is completely safe to do so. If there’s as fire, a strong smell of gas, or immediate danger, leave the area immediately and call the emergency services.
Knowing how to isolate your LPG supply is a key step. Next, we’ll look at what to do if there’s a fire.
What to do if there’s a fire
No matter how small or large, if there is a fire your first action must always be to call 999. Do not delay and do not take any risks. Ask for the Fire Service and clearly state that you have a bulk LPG storage tank on site. This information helps emergency responders assess the situation and respond appropriately.
Evacuate the area straight away and keep a safe distance from the building and the tank. In no circumstance attempt to tackle the fire yourself or return inside the building for belongings.
If it is safe to do so, shut off all valves on the tank itself, and the emergency control valve (ECV) outside the building, but only if you can do so without putting yourself at risk. If there is any fire near the tank or pipework, leave it to the emergency services.
Once you’re safely away from the scene, if you’re a Northern Energy customer, call our Head Office during working hours, or our emergency 24-hour helpline outside office hours. It’s extremely important you do not attempt to restore the gas supply yourself. Do not turn on the gas until the system has been declared safe by the Fire Service and a Gas Safe qualified engineer has inspected the installation and confirmed it’s safe to do so.
What to do if you suspect an LPG leak
If you ever suspect an LPG leak, the most important thing to remember is not to investigate yourself, but to act quickly and with caution.
Leaks often reveal themselves through a strong, sulphur-like smell similar to rotten eggs, a noticeable hissing sound around pipework, appliances or the tank, patches of dead of dying vegetation near external pipework or storage areas, or unusual changes in appliance performance.
At the first sign of any of these, treat it seriously and take action immediately. Avoid smoking or lighting matches, and don’t touch electrical switches, plugs, appliances, or anything that could create a spark, including using mobile phones near the suspected leak.
If you’re a Northern Energy customer and suspect a leak, contact our Head Office immediately during working hours, or call our 24-hour emergency number out of hours. If it’s safe to do so, you can turn of the ECV where the gas enters your property and close the isolation valve at your bulk LPG storage tank, but only if this does not put you at risk.
Carbon monoxide: know the signs, act fast
Carbon monoxide deserves real attention because its both invisible and odourless, yet capable of causing serious harm before you even realise anything is wrong. It’s produced when fuels such as gas, oil, wood or coal don’t burn properly, and because you can’t see it or smell it, the earliest clues often come from how you feel. Persistent headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, or sudden tiredness can all be waring signs, as can unusual behaviour from your appliances. Yellow or flickering flames, soot marks around burners, or a noticeable increase in condensation around windows can all be clues.
If you have even the slightest suspicion that carbon monoxide may be present, the safest thing you can do is leave the area immediately and get outside into fresh air. Don’t try to investigate or fix the problem yourself. Once you’re safely outside, seek medical advice if you feel unwell and arrange for a Gas Safe registered engineer to inspect your appliances before you return.
You can also isolate the supply by turning off the ECV where the gas enters your property if it is safe to do so, and close the service isolation valve on your bulk LPG storage tank, but only if this can be done without putting yourself at risk.
One of the most effective ways to protect yourself is to install a working carbon monoxide alarm, which provides an early warning long before symptoms appear and gives you vital time to act.
Prevention is better than cure
Regular boiler maintenance is one of the most effective ways to keep your home safe, efficient and protected from unexpected problems. A well-maintained LPG boiler burns fuel cleanly, reducing the risk of carbon monoxide, improving performance, and helping your LPG system run exactly as it should.
Annual servicing by a Gas Safe registered engineer ensures that key components are checked, cleaned, and tested, and that early signs of potential wear and tear or potential faults are spotted long before they become an issue. By keeping up with routine maintenance, you’re not only extending the life of your boiler but also taking one of the simplest and most proactive steps to safeguard your home and everyone in it.
If you are a Northern Energy customer and have a gas emergency, including a gas leak, suspected carbon monoxide, or gas supply disruption to an essential service, please call our head office on 01423 772 789 during office hours (Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm) or for out of hours, call our emergency 24-hour helpline.
A final word on staying safe
LPG systems are designed with multiple layers of safety, and bulk tanks are built to withstand extreme conditions. Emergency responders are highly trained in managing incidents, and our team is always here to support you.
If you ever have questions about LPG safety or your installation, we’re always here to help. Call us on 01423 772 789, or for LPG safety tips, click here.