Gas safety
Never let children operate gas cookers alone
Only a safety-competent adult should operate a gas cooker; keep children away from controls.
Last reviewed: 2026-09-09
Why it matters
A child may release gas without ignition or knock cookware, causing a leak, fire, or burns.
Wrong action
Asking a child to light or reheat food while the adult leaves the kitchen.
Correct action
An adult operates and supervises throughout, turns controls off, and keeps children at a safe distance.
What to do
- Keep children outside the kitchen safety zone before cooking.
- An adult lights, adjusts, and turns off the cooker.
- After use, confirm flames are out and every control is off.
If something happens
If gas is smelled or combustion is abnormal, stop use, extinguish flames, turn off gas and open windows only if safe; do not operate switches, leave, then call 999 and the supplier.
Sources and review
- Electrical and Mechanical Services Department — Household electrical and gas safety guidance
Last reviewed: 2026-09-09
This page provides general home-safety information and does not replace medical, legal, electrical, or other professional advice.