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Safe use of gas

Awareness of hazards

People generally are aware that gas can be dangerous. However, many people still take extraordinary risks that can lead to harm. Most of these cases seem to be over-familiarity, so reminders of the need to use gas safely are constantly required. Further information is available on the page safety information - gas.

Follow 'how-to-use' instructions

Appliance manufacturers are required to provide 'how-to-use' instructions with their products. Always check  that the instructions are provided and always read and follow the instructions before using the appliance.

Care and maintenance of gas appliances

Gas appliances, after installation, become part of the house and tend to be neglected and forgotten until something goes wrong or they cease to function as they should. Like other machines, gas appliances become inefficient, unreliable, and may even pose a safety hazard if not maintained in top condition.

Servicing gas appliances

To maintain their safe use and condition, appliances require regular servicing by trained competent servicing agents. Common problems where appliances are not regularly serviced are:

  • Burners in water heaters or space heaters can become blocked with dust or lint leading to sooting up the heat exchanger and flue passageways
  • Air filters, air ways and fans can become blocked by lint and dust, leading to overheating and burner problems
  • Safety controls can wear out and fail

Always follow the manufacturer’s service plan and note the date of service on the service sticker.

When to service

Manufacturers recommend service periods for their appliances and these should be observed. 

Generally it is recommended that appliances are serviced at least every two years.

Preparing gas appliances for winter

Most appliances are used more during periods of cold weather. Checking appliances before the cooler weather arrives ensures that all your gas appliances are in good working order and you will be able to enjoy a warm and safe winter while reducing your gas bills.

Get the most from your heating appliances this winter

Space heaters may not have been used since the last winter. To get the most from heaters, the following should be done in preparation for winter:

  • When using a flueless heater, ensure that the room is adequately ventilated
  • Check that permanent ventilation openings are not blocked
  • Make sure that roof insulation is not obstructing a heater in the roof space
  • Check the outer case of your space heater. Is it discoloured?  Discolouration is an indication of a faulty flue and that it is time to have it checked by a licensed gas fitter
  • If you have difficulty re-lighting the gas appliance, call a licensed gas fitter
  • Check the heater - a yellow flame can indicate that your heater is not running correctly and needs servicing
  • Have your central heating serviced, including the fan section, before you use it.  Check that sufficient warm air registers are open, as recommended by the manufacturer.


More information

Check for gas pipes

If you are planning excavation works, you need to ensure that the work won’t damage gas piping that may be in the area. Damage to gas pipes can result in injuries and even death.  Tough laws and penalties are in place to prevent damage to pipes. All costs associated with such damage can be recovered from the person responsible for the damage.

How to check

The location of gas pipes and other services can be checked before you begin excavating by contacting Dial Before You Dig.

The Dial Before You Dig initiative is a free not-for-profit community service available across Australia that can help you avoid damaging underground pipes and cables.

How Dial Before You Dig works

  • If you are trying to identify the owners and locations of underground assets before undertaking excavation works, call the enquiry service
  • Dial Before You Dig will then send a referral on your behalf to members who have underground assets in the area you are planning to excavate
  • Within two working days you should have plans or other information on the location of assets sent to you by the asset owners.


Be responsible

It is an offence to damage gas pipes, whether the damage is deliberate or whether a person has been reckless or negligent. The laws are not designed to penalise responsible people who dial before they dig or landowners carrying out normal activities that do not endanger pipelines. Nor do they stop qualified people lawfully doing gas work on pipelines.

More information

www.dialbeforeyoudig.com.au or call 1100
 

Use a licensed gas fitter

Gas fitting is a skilled technical trade requiring extensive training to become competent.  Gas fitting not completed to the required standards is a serious safety hazard.  In Western Australia, only licensed gas fitters can perform gas fitting work.

Always use a licensed gas fitter for any installation, repairs or renovations involving gas work. This not only applies to jobs like installing hot water systems and heaters, but also where renovations might involve disconnection or relocation of gas appliances. Do not be tempted to do gas work yourself, or to use a tradesperson who does not have specialist gas knowledge and skills.

How to find a licensed gas fitter

Check the Yellow Pages and either choose plumbers who list gasfitting qualifications as part of their advertisement or use a licensed gas fitter. Licensed gas fitters have a permit card with their identification and gas fitter number endorsing them to carry out gasfitting work. Customers are entitled to ask to see the permit card to confirm the gas fitter is licensed.

The benefits to you

To be a licensed gas fitter, a person must have done the appropriate training to complete gas work safely, have passed exams for competency, be experienced and be registered with EnergySafety.  If the installation is done by a licensed gas fitter, you can be confident that you will not breach the appliance manufacturer’s warranty conditions.  Any work completed by unauthorised gas fitters (not licensed) may void manufacturer’s warranties and insurance cover.

Notice of Compliance and compliance badge

After installing and commissioning a gas appliance, the licensed gas fitter must give you a copy of the Notice of Compliance and fix a compliance badge to the installation. The Notice of Compliance contains a declaration by the gas fitter that the installation complies with all statutory requirements. This protects you if any problems arise later as a result of faulty installation.  In the case of a faulty installation the gas fitter will be required to come back and fix the defect. 


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Appropriate use of portable outdoor gas heaters

Portable outdoor radiant gas heaters are now readily available for purchase and use. The heaters are ideal for use outdoors and in alfresco areas; however they can present a danger if used in areas with insufficient ventilation.

Safety with portable outdoor gas heaters

Keep your portable outdoor gas heaters working efficiently and safely with these simple tips:

1. Check cylinders and hoses

  • The gas cylinder - a gas cylinder must not be refilled if it has not been tested for over 10 years or if the cylinder has been damaged. Cylinder test dates are indicated on the cylinder. Exchange LP Gas cylinders at a reputable supplier to avoid this problem
  • The hose - make sure it has not perished
  • Connections - make sure that all connections are tight
  • Soapy water test - spray the hose, regulator and all connections with soapy water solution. Bubbles will form if gas is escaping. If in doubt, turn off the gas and refer to a licensed gas fitter. Leak test the connection to the cylinder every time you connect it. Serious leaks are common and can be dangerous.

2. Use the right type of gas

Not all fuel gases are the same. Check the data plate on your outdoor heater to find out what type of gas it uses. Never use an outdoor heater with the wrong type of gas.

3. Use your portable outdoor gas heaters in a clear space

Portable outdoor gas heaters must not be used indoors or in a confined space where they may emit toxic fumes and smoke or start a fire. To prevent a fire hazard, ensure that there is adequate clearance around the portable outdoor gas heater. If using in an alfresco area, do not close in the area - for example with cafe blinds, when the heater is in use.

4. Use your portable outdoor gas heaters properly

Do not use portable outdoor gas heaters in windy conditions as the burners may blow out, risking a gas leak. A portable outdoor gas heater does not have a safety device to turn off the gas when the flame goes out.

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Appropriate storage of LP Gas cylinders

The use of transportable gas appliances such as barbecues or outdoor radiant heaters is increasing. A convenient fuel source for these appliances is small portable refillable LP Gas cylinders. If used and stored correctly, portable LP Gas cylinders are safe to use. However, even a small cylinder can contain a large quantity of energy which can cause a significant risk if not used and stored correctly.

Minor storage quantities for LP Gas

Minor storage of LP Gas applies to mobile or portable appliances and fixed installations connected to LP Gas cylinders not exceeding 180kg (500L).  The storage of LP Gas cylinders indoors (this includes garages) should be avoided where practicable.  Where unavoidable, indoor storage limits are as follows:

  • 4.5kg per tenancy on balconies
  • 9kg inside an outhouse or shed at least one metre from the dwelling.

Cylinders are to be stored in an adequately ventilated area. 

Safe minor storage of LP Gas

Observe the following precautions with LP Gas storage:

  • Cylinders must have been inspected within the last 10 years.  It is illegal to fill an out of test date cylinder - test dates are indicated on all cylinders
  • Storage of LP Gas cylinders must not be close to any ignition source
  • No combustible material must remain in or around areas where LP Gas cylinders are stored
  • Cylinders should be stored upright to allow proper operation of the safety relief valve and prevent liquid discharging from the safety valve
  • Cylinder valves must be closed when not in use
  • Cylinders must be protected against falling, damage and any excessive rise in temperature
  • Cylinders must not be stored in locations which would jeopardise escape from a building in the event of fire. 

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