A2 Gas safety
Gas is used in some communities as an affordable alternative fuel for cooking and heating. Section C2.2 ‘Gas’ includes detailed information about choosing an appropriate gas system.
If the gas installation is faulty in any way, gas leaks may occur and could cause explosions, severe breathing difficulties or suffocation. Gas leaks will also mean extra costs to residents because of wasted gas. When choosing to use gas for cooking it is important to find out whether residents will be able to afford to buy gas bottles and whether the community has staff with the skills required to change a gas bottle. This is particularly a problem in communities where gas is very expensive, or when it is difficult to change gas bottles. In some states/territories only a licensed gas fitter can change gas bottles. There may also be an increased risk of fires and burns if residents make fires for cooking and heating if they have not been able to afford to replace gas bottles when the gas runs out.
When choosing gas appliances consider the fuel efficiency and built-in safety features. In particular look for appliances that have a gas fuse that stops the flow of gas if the flame goes out.
Design and specification
Ensure:
- gas bottles are safely located away from windows, doors and corners of the building
- bottles are accessible for filling or replacing
- a platform or base, and a method for securing the bottles, is provided for the bottles
- gas regulators and feed lines into the house are secured to the wall and protected from accidental knocks
- approved connecting lines and connectors are specified
- gas appliances are located in well ventilated areas
- appliances are fitted with gas fuses, particularly if they are located near a door or window that could cause a draught
- gas is installed to comply with state or territory regulations and AS 5601:2004 Gas installations.
Quality control
A licensed gas fitter installs the gas bottles, house connections and appliances and fits a compliance plate or provides a compliance certificate as required by state/territory legislation.
During construction and before making the final payment, check that:
- gas bottles are secure and are located safely
- gas bottles are accessible for filling or replacing
- gas appliances are secured to the wall or floor and are stable
- appliances are located in a well ventilated area
- a compliance plate or compliance certificate has been provided by the gas fitter.
Before making the final payment, trade test:
- the system for leaks, after all appliances and bottles have been installed and are working
- bottles and fittings are secure
- the operation of all gas appliances.
Maintenance
Provide residents and housing managers with information on the operation, maintenance and checking of gas appliances.
As part of cyclical maintenance, check that:
- the compliance plate is fitted and is current
- safety instructions or warnings for the use of gas appliances are located on or near appliances
- there are no gas leaks, by putting soapy water on the gas pipes and looking for bubbles.
As part of cyclical maintenance, trade test:
- gas regulators, pipes and bottles are securely fixed
- gas stoves, hot water systems and heaters are functioning safely.
| Gas safety | Percentage of houses | Total houses surveyed | Change since 2003* |
|---|---|---|---|
| No gas system | 75% | 3,661 | |
| Bottled gas at the house | 22% | 3,661 | |
| Mains gas piped to the house | 3% | 3,661 | |
| No gas flowing (at time of survey) | 10% | 936 | |
| Gas installation OK | 51% | 936 | ++ |
| Ducted gas heating | 0% | 3,660 | |
| Non-ducted gas heating | 5% | 3,660 | |
| Gas powered hot water system | 6% | 3,653 | << |
| Electric cook top | 72% | 3,631 | |
| Gas cook top | 19% | 3,631 | ++ |
* See ‘Changes in the conditions of houses’ for an explanation of the symbols used in this column.
Standards and references
AS 5601-2004: Gas installations
Centre for Appropriate Technology Gas fittings, Bush Tech Brief #5, Our Place, Feb 2002, Alice Springs