When installing a gas appliance, why is checking for leaks critical?

Checking for leaks when installing a gas appliance is critical primarily because it is essential for avoiding health hazards and safety risks. Gas leaks can lead to dangerous situations, including explosions or fire hazards, which can cause serious injury, destruction of property, or even loss of life. When gas escapes from a leak, it creates an unsafe environment for the occupants of a building, and can also lead to the accumulation of noxious gases that pose health risks.

Proper leak detection ensures that the installation is not only functional but also safe for use. The safe handling of gas systems is regulated to prevent any potential accidents, and part of that regulation is ensuring that all connections are leak-free before the appliance is put into operation. This preventive measure helps maintain safety standards and promotes the overall health of individuals in and around the facility where the gas appliance is installed.

The other options, while relevant to the installation process, do not capture the critical nature of safety associated with gas leaks as effectively as focusing on health hazards and safety risks does.