What action should you take if you smell gas while working on a gas appliance?

When you smell gas while working on a gas appliance, the most appropriate action is to immediately turn off the gas supply and ventilate the area. This response is essential for safety; natural gas is highly flammable and poses a significant risk of explosion or fire if it accumulates in a confined space.

By turning off the gas supply, you are preventing any further gas from leaking into the environment, which minimizes the risk of ignition and potential hazards. Ventilation is crucial as it helps disperse any accumulated gas, reducing the chances of a dangerous situation developing.

Taking these steps ensures that you prioritize safety for yourself and anyone else in the area, adhering to proper protocols when handling potentially hazardous materials. Other actions, such as checking for leaks or waiting for the smell to dissipate, do not effectively address the immediate danger presented by gas accumulation. Continuing to work implies complacency in the presence of a hazardous situation, which can lead to severe consequences.