What must be checked for safety before lighting a gas appliance?

Before lighting a gas appliance, ensuring that there are no gas leaks and that ventilation is adequate is essential for safety. Checking for gas leaks helps prevent potential explosions or fire hazards, as even a small leak can lead to significant safety risks when ignited. Adequate ventilation is crucial because it ensures that combustion gases produced by the appliance can safely disperse into the environment. Proper airflow prevents the buildup of toxic gases, such as carbon monoxide, which can pose serious health risks.

While gas pressure levels, electrical wiring integrity, and running water supply are important considerations for the overall operation of gas appliances, they do not directly address immediate safety concerns when lighting the appliance. The focus on leak detection and ventilation is a fundamental safety practice in gas fitting, making it the most critical step prior to igniting any gas-burning device.