Understanding Gas Compliance Certificate NSW

It is the law in NSW that gas fitters provide NSW Fair Trading with a Gas Compliance Certificate or a Certificate of Inspection after any new gas fitting work for new gas installations. Here is a closer look at what these are:

What is a gas compliance certificate NSW?

A gas compliance certificate NSW is a certificate gas fitters must provide with any gas installation that is connected to the gas mains network. They must test it for any defects and then provide the customer and the network operator with the certificate within five days of completing the work. The gas fitter also needs to keep a copy for their records for 5 years.

What is a certificate of inspection?

When a professional and licensed Gas fitter performs work on an installation with no connection to the main gas network then they must provide this certificate of inspection. They must do this within 5 days after completing the job. They must inspect everything to do with the installations, test for defects, put on a gas compliance plate, provide a certificate to the owner and keep one for their records as required for five years.

Why do you need a gas compliance certificate?

This is how you tell your gas supplier that you have used a licensed gas fitter and that it is safe to keep supplying gas to you. Probably, insurance companies will not cover any problems from installations done by someone unlicensed or by yourself. Examples of when you will receive one are; when you have a new gas pipework installation when repairing or extending gas pipework, installing new appliances such as a gas hot water system, or cooker, or replacing an old appliance. With a gas compliance certificate or inspection, you and your provider have assurance that:

• Completed by a licensed gas fitter
• Properly tested
• Informed of existing issues
• The work complies with NSW Fair Trading requirements
• You understand and have met your legal obligation to have safe installations and keep records of them

Your gas installations are your responsibility

It is your responsibility to maintain your gas installations. This means having a licensed gas fitter come in regularly to inspect what you have and maintain your gas service, making sure there is no impairment due to age, wear and tear, interference or damage. Otherwise, they can become a fire risk. A gas compliance certificate NSW is proof of you understanding your responsibility and adhering to the requirements.

Recognising a certificate of inspection

A certificate of inspection is a form filled in by your licensed gas fitter. They should give a copy to you which you should keep. They also keep a copy and they send it to your gas supplier. These days gas fitters use online means of filling the form out.

Recognising a gas compliance plate

A small metal plate that has numbers stamped onto it, attached usually above the gas installation. It should usually have the certificate of inspection number and usually each appliance is numbered as follows:

0 – Air conditioner or stationary engine power generator
1 – Wok cooker or cooktop
2 – Absorption chiller or refrigerator
3 – Spa or pool heater or instantaneous water heater
4 – Hot water heater with a tank
5 – BBQ, grill or hot plate
6 – Oven
7 – Decorative gas light or flare
8 – Space or room heater
9 – Other appliances

Conclusion

When it comes to having any kind of gas fitting completed, it is essential that this is done and checked by a trained and licensed gas fitter. A person should never attempt to do themselves because gas in very dangerous. After job completion you should get a gas compliance certificate or a gas certificate of inspection. It is illegal and could be dangerous to you, your home and others safety if not done correctly. Licensed gas fitters have the skill, knowledge and tools to get the job done to Fair Trading requirements. Unlicensed gas fitters should be avoided and reported to Fair trading.

If you want to know more about gas compliance certificates in NSW, then do not hesitate and get in touch with the local Sydney plumbers at Affordable Plumbing Solutions 0417 142 430