| Advisory note | 06/2023 |
|---|---|
| For | Licensees and contractors working in the gasfitting industry |
| Scope | Applies to all areas in New South Wales |
Issue
Recent gas audit inspections of Class 1 buildings carried out by Fair Trading’s Gas Compliance Unit have identified non-compliance in the installation of screwed fittings located in concealed locations.
All gas installations in NSW must comply with the Gas and Electricity (Consumer Safety) Act 2017 with any installation not conforming to AS/NZS 5601.1:2022 considered non-compliant.
Reference
Gas and Electricity [Consumer Safety] Regulation 2018
AS/NZS 5601.1:2013 - Gas Installations
5.1.7 - Jointing
Jointing of pipe shall be in accordance with TABLE 4.2 and the following as appropriate:
(a) ……
(b) ……
(c) ……
(d) ……
(e) Screwed pipe fittings and unions shall be used only in accessible and ventilated locations.
(f) ……
(g_ ……
Ventilation requirements
5.3.12 – Ventilation of concealed piping
Where consumer piping is to be installed in a void, duct or sleeve and the conditions in Clause 5.3.8 indicate ventilation is required, all of the following shall apply:
(a) Ventilation openings shall be provided at each end of the duct or sleeve.
(b) For voids such as ceiling spaces, ventilation openings shall be positioned relative to each other to provide a flow of air across the entire void.
(c) The openings shall be in a safe location.
(d) Each opening shall have a free ventilation area that conforms with TABLE 5.3.12.
Relevant definitions - AS/NZS 5601.1 2022:
1.3.1 Accessible
Access can be gained without hazard or undue difficulty for inspection, repair, testing, renewal, or operational purposes.
Note: In addition to the above, NSW Fair Trading interpret “accessible” to mean “may first require removal of an access panel, cover, door or similar obstruction.”
1.3.86 – Permanent joint
Joint that is not intended to, and cannot readily, be disassembled
Note: Examples of permanent joints are brazed, welded, crimped and hydraulically or mechanically compressed joints.
1.3.87 – Pipe fitting
Component used to join pipes, or to change direction or diameter of a pipe, or to provide a branch, or to terminate a pipe.
Requirements
Screwed fitting can only be installed in locations that are accessible via an access panel or the like and where adequate ventilation is provided.
Below are some examples of identified non-compliant installations
Example 1: A threaded joiner installed to connect multilayer pipe and copper within a cavity wall, without access and/or ventilation.
Example 2: A threaded socket installed using a type of “Loctite” thread sealing compound. The socket is installed behind/within brickwork without access and/or ventilation.
Example 3: A threaded joiner/reducer installed within the stud wall, behind gyprock without access and/or ventilation.
Example 4: A screwed cooktop connection being extended/offset in the void behind the kitchen cupboards. Maybe accessible by removing the oven, however the void is not adequately ventilated.
For more information, please email: [email protected]
This advisory note has been approved for issue by the BSCU Technical Review Committee. Information contained within this document is current as of January 2023 and refers to codes and standards current at the time of writing.
NSW Fair Trading disclaims any liability (including for negligence) to any person in respect of anything done, or not done, by that person in whole or partial reliance on any of the information in this advisory note.