Emergency isolation: knowing where and how to shut off supply
Every gas installation has an emergency control valve, usually at the meter, and every oil system has a point at which the supply line to the boiler can be shut off. Knowing where these are before you need them matters.
Emergency isolation explained in plain terms
In a suspected gas leak, the priority is to turn off the emergency control valve, extinguish naked flames, open windows for ventilation, and leave the property before calling the National Gas Emergency Service. For oil, isolating the supply valve near the tank or boiler stops fuel flow if a leak or fire risk is suspected. An engineer can point out both locations during a routine visit, which is far easier than searching for them under pressure during an actual incident.
Who should undertake the work
- Gas appliance work must be completed by a suitably qualified Gas Safe engineer
- Oil appliance work should be completed by a suitably qualified OFTEC technician
- Jamie Crawford Heating states both Gas Safe and OFTEC registration
Things worth knowing about emergency isolation
- The gas emergency control valve is usually located at the meter
- Suspected gas leaks should be reported to the National Gas Emergency Service
- Oil supply isolation is usually a valve near the tank or boiler
- Locations are worth confirming during a routine visit, not during an emergency
- Ventilating the area and avoiding naked flames applies to suspected gas leaks
Questions we get asked
- What number do I call for a suspected gas leak?
- The National Gas Emergency Service should be contacted immediately if you smell gas or suspect a leak.
- Should I turn the gas back on myself once I think it is safe?
- No — leave that to a Gas Safe registered engineer, who can confirm the installation is genuinely safe before reinstating supply.
Related help pages
- Gas servicingWhat is actually checked during a gas boiler service
- Landlord complianceCP12 versus an annual service: how landlords should read them
- Appliance ventilationVentilation checks: why airflow around an appliance matters
- Gas safetyGas tightness testing: how a suspected leak is actually checked
- Worcester rangeWorcester Greenstar CDi Classic: the regular boiler option
- Boulter rangeBoulter oil boilers: servicing a legacy brand still in use
Services that cover this
Where we deal with this
Need help with emergency isolation?
Where this leaves you: Find your isolation points before an emergency happens — it takes a minute during a routine visit and saves precious time if you ever need it.
Published opening hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm.
New Worcester boiler with a 10 year guarantee*
Free no-obligation quotes for installation, servicing & repairs across BA & BS postcodes.