What safety measure should be taken when adjusting pressure on gas appliances?

When adjusting pressure on gas appliances, ensuring that no flammable materials are nearby is crucial for safety. This measure minimizes the risk of ignition and potential explosions or fires that could occur if gas were to leak during the adjustment process. Gas appliances operate under pressure, and when adjustments are made, there is a possibility of gas escaping or being released unintentionally. By keeping flammable materials away, you reduce the chance of a catastrophic incident should a leak occur.

In contrast, increasing the pressure to maximum is not a safe practice, as it could lead to overpressure situations that may damage the appliance or cause leaks. Wearing safety goggles provides only limited protection and does not address the more significant hazards associated with gas leaks, such as fire or explosions. Adjusting a gas appliance only while it is in use is also not advisable; adjustments should typically be made under controlled conditions when the appliance is not operating, to ensure the technician can safely observe and manage the pressure changes without additional hazards.