What must be checked before lighting a gas appliance?

Before lighting a gas appliance, it is crucial to ensure that there are no smells of gas and that all connections are correct. This step is essential for safety reasons. Any odor of gas can indicate a leak, which poses a significant risk of fire or explosion. Therefore, conducting a thorough check for gas leaks is a fundamental part of the safety protocol before operating any gas appliance.

Ensuring correct connections also plays a vital role in preventing gas leaks and ensuring that the appliance operates efficiently. Proper connections minimize the risk of malfunction or unintended gas release, which can be dangerous.

While checking for optimal gas pressure and sufficient gas supply are important, they come after ensuring the immediate safety of the environment by detecting any potential gas odors. The appearance of the appliance, such as whether it is properly painted, does not have a direct impact on its safe operation in the context of lighting it. Hence, the focus on checking for gas smell and correct connections is the most critical action prior to lighting any gas appliance.