As your appliances begin to age, their condition can deteriorate. Regular servicing by a licensed, trained and qualified gas fitter will assist in ensuring safe and efficient operation.

• Only use a licensed gas installer for installation or maintenance of gas appliances. It is illegal for an unlicensed person to install or repair gas appliances. On completing a gas installation, your gas fitter must provide you with a compliance document;
• Always read the “How to Use” instructions before commencing use of an appliance;
• Periodically check for accumulation of dust in appliances and clean out with a duster or brush; this also applies to room vents;
• Check that your hot water system is effective and taps are not leaking;
• If the gas water heater is not required for extended periods of time, turn it over to the “vacation” setting and consider turning off the pilot light;
• Gas space heaters may require the installation of a flue to the outside of the building;
• Keep combustibles such as paper, curtains, clothing etc away from gas appliances. Flammable liquids must not be used near an ignition source such as; a pilot light or electrical components on a gas appliance;
• Only use gas appliances for the purpose for which they were intended;
• Outdoor gas appliances must never be used indoors;
• Only purchase gas appliances approved by the Australian Gas Association (AGA). Approved appliances will have an approval sticker attached;
• Most modern appliances have some form of ‘fail safe’ device fitted, however don’t rely 100% on these for your safety; and
• Maintain ventilation to ensure adequate oxygen supply to enable safe and efficient operation of appliances.

Room Sealed Gas Appliances

A “room-sealed appliance” means an appliance with a combustion system sealed from the room in which the appliance is located and that obtains air for combustion from a ventilated uninhabited space within the premises or directly from the open air outside the premises.
Regulations prohibit the installation of certain types of gas appliances in certain areas such as a bathroom or bedroom. Check with your state or territory regulatory authority for details.

Unflued Gas Heaters

An unflued gas heater is a free standing heating device without an exhaust flue. Unflued gas heaters do produce very low levels of emissions into the home but it can affect some people with certain health problems. If this is the case for you then a flued heater should be considered. Each state or territory has different regulations in regards to unflued heaters, so check with your state or territory regulatory authority.

The Australian Gas Association has a certification process and can provide further information.

Gas Barbecues

Ensure your barbecue has been assembled and installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions and by a licensed gas fitter. Keep the barbecue at least three metres from windows and doors and away from wooden fences, combustible overhead roofs and from trees with low branches.

To ensure you use your barbecue safely:

• Keep the lid open whilst lighting the barbecue;
• Should the burners go out during operation or if the burner does not light, turn all gas valves off, open the lid and wait five minutes before attempting to relight;
• Should a grease fire occur, and it is safe to do so, leave the lid open and turn off the burners. If this is not possible and if safe to do so, turn off the gas cylinder at the valve;
• Check for gas leaks every time you disconnect and reconnect any gas fitting, by spraying with soapy water. The soap will bubble if there is a leak;
• To prevent burns, always use proper tools and oven mitts when barbecuing;
• If your barbecue has a rotisserie unit, once it is connected to an electrical outlet, it should not be operated in damp or wet weather;
• The barbecue must be thoroughly cleaned at least annually or according to the manufacturer’s instructions;
• When the barbecue is not in use, turn off the gas cylinder at the valve and cover to protect the barbecue from the elements; and
• Gas barbecues are intended for external use only and must not be used indoors.

Patio Heaters

Ensure your patio heater has been assembled and installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions, including recommendations on the required clearances between outdoor heaters and other materials.

• Patio heaters are for external use only and must not be used indoors; and
• When the heater is not in use, turn off the gas cylinder at the valve.