Always use a licensed gasfitter for any repair or renovation involving gas. This includes any relocating of gas appliances.
Always check that the person is licensed to carry out gasfitting work. Check a gasfitters licence details online or call 13 32 20.
Gas regulation
NSW Fair Trading is responsible for the regulation of all gas connections and installations. The types of gas available to consumers are:
- natural gas
- liquid petroleum gas (LPG), generally available in re-fillable cylinders for home, boat, caravan and portable appliances such as a BBQ
- butane and tempered LPG, depending where you live.
Gas appliances
It’s important that you know what type of gas supply is used in your home before you buy any gas appliance.
All gas appliances must be tested, certified and appropriately labelled before they can be sold and installed in NSW.
Appliances are tested for compliance against certain criteria which include safety, combustion, efficiency, durability, and serviceability.
Gasfitters are aware that they may only install certified appliances and products.
Visit the <gas appliances page> for more information on buying safe gas appliances or you can search for certified and approved gas appliances via the Gas Technical Regulators Committee (GTRC) website.
Compliance certificates
After any work involving gas is complete, the licensed gasfitter must give you a certificate of compliance for network gas or certificate of inspection for bottled gas. The certificates confirm that a licensed gasfitter has completed the work which complies with the relevant industry standards. It also protects you against faulty work. The certificate must include the licensee’s name and license number.
Gas safety
Gas leaks
Always treat any gas leak as a potential lethal risk. If you smell gas in your property:
- exit the building immediately, call 000 and ask for the NSW Fire and Rescue
- if safe to do so, turn off the gas at your gas meter or cylinder
- turn off all appliances (including electrical) and pilot lights
- open all doors and windows for ventilation – only if safe to do so
- extinguish all naked flames and ensure cigarettes are not lit
- contact a licensed gasfitter
- contact your gas supplier, their phone number can be found on your gas bill.
LP gas safety alert
It’s essential that consumers are aware of the safety issues surrounding all LP gas cylinders, including small cylinders.
LP gas is widely used for barbecues and camping. It is heavier than air, so it will accumulate in low areas rather than dissipate. It can generate an explosive mixture with air if the cylinder or attached equipment leaks.
Explosions and fires can occur:
- when cylinders of LP gas (propane) or acetylene have been carried or left in closed vehicles, such as vans or cars.
- from car’s electrical components such as remote locking systems, electric motors, ignition systems, radios and sound systems, cigarette lighters, and possibly light switches
- from lighting a cigarette in a vehicle which is carrying flammable gas.
Consumers must ensure that LP gas cylinders are transported in the upright position and are appropriately and firmly secured.
Filling LPG cylinders
Refillable gas cylinders can only be reused if they have a current, legible test mark of a certified gas cylinder test station no more than 10 years old.
If a gas filling station, as part of a cylinder exchange, accepts any cylinder that is not appropriately marked, they will have to either:
- ensure the cylinder is inspected and test station-marked in accordance with the appropriate Australian standard before filling or refilling, or
- dispose of the cylinder.
Purchasing a new or used refillable cylinder
Before purchasing a new or used refillable LP gas cylinder, ask the retailer to show you the current legible test mark and confirm that the cylinder can be legally filled in NSW.
If there is no current legible test mark, the cylinder may not be safe to fill and without the test mark cannot be legally filled in NSW.
If you decide to purchase a cylinder without a current, legible test mark, the cylinder will need to be inspected by a certified gas cylinder test station and stamped with a test mark prior to filling. The test station may charge a fee for inspection and stamping.