What is essential to check before re-energizing a gas system after repairs?

Before re-energizing a gas system after repairs, it is crucial to ensure that all connections are tight and leak-free. This step is essential for safety; any loose or improperly sealed connections can lead to gas leaks, which pose significant risks, including fire hazards and explosions.

Conducting a thorough inspection of all fittings, joints, and connections ensures that they are secure and properly assembled. Additionally, performing a leak test after tightening the connections adds an extra layer of safety and helps ensure the integrity of the system post-repair. This practice aligns with standard safety protocols in gas work, emphasizing the importance of preventing gas leaks since they can have severe repercussions for both people and property.

While other considerations, such as ensuring the system is clean, verifying that appliances are off, and confirming the gas meter is functioning, are also important, they do not directly address the immediate concern of gas safety related to leaks upon re-energization. Thus, the most critical step before putting the system back into operation remains ensuring that all connections are tight and leak-free.