It is the gas fitter's responsibility to ensure that all gasfitting work carried out by him/her complies with legislation. The gas fitter must carry out the work to the requirements of the Gas Standards (Gasfitting and Consumer Gas Installations) Regulations 1999 and test and commission the installation or appliance on completion of the work (this will be dependent on the availability of gas).

The gas fitter must also complete a notice of completion which is to be submitted to the gas supplier (for a fixed installation) or to Building and Energy (for a mobile installation). A copy of the notice is to be provided to the customer. A badge or label is also required to be fixed to the installation by the gas fitter, identifying the extent of work that was carried out.

If a consumer has any concerns in respect to the standard of work, contact should be made with the relevant authority (gas supplier or Building and Energy) which may inspect the installation for compliance.

By law, a gas supplier requires the notice of completion before being able to supply gas to an installation. (Note: exemptions may be issued by the Director of Energy Safety.)

Fixed installations - inspections

The inspection of fixed gas installations (natural gas, LP gas) is the responsibility of the relevant gas supplier. Gas suppliers must inspect every installation or operate to an "inspection plan" which requires them to meet certain inspection obligations. The objective of these requirements is to ensure that any gasfitting work connected to gas supply meets the requirements of the Gas Standards (Gasfitting and Consumer Gas Installations) Regulations 1999.

Mobile installations

Where a consumer's gas installation is mobile (and therefore the gas supplier cannot be readily identified), there are specific requirements.

Compliance of these installations is certified by the gas fitter who, on completion of the gasfitting work, completes a notice of completion and fixes a compliance badge or label to the installation which identifies that the installation complies with the regulations. This certification assists the relevant vehicle licensing department when the caravan, vehicle or marine craft is registered.

Building and Energy gas inspectors carry out on-going auditing of mobile gas installations.

Appliances

Type A appliances are defined and listed in the Gas Standards (Gasfitting and Consumer Gas Installations) Regulations 1999 and are typically domestic or commercial catering appliances.  Type A appliances are generally approved by the director by recognising the certification schemes of recognised certification bodies.  These schemes in turn require approval by an independent competent laboratory to the relevant Australian standards.  These standards are based on international codes and develop the international essential safety requirements into measurable attributes.  They do not prescribe how to build an appliance.

The remaining gas appliances that are greater than 10 MJ and not a Type A appliance nor a mobile engine are Type B appliances.  Type B appliances require specific approval for installation and use.  Refer to the Gas Standards (Gasfitting and Consumer Gas Installations) Regulations 1999 for further details.  Type B appliances must comply with AS 3814 "Industrial and commercial gas-fired appliances".

Gas supplier's responsibilities

It is important that gas installations connected to gas supply are safe and meet the requirements of the regulations.

This is assisted by gas suppliers:

• ensuring that the gas fitter's notice of completion (NOC) is received before gas is connected to the installation (note: some gas suppliers are permitted to commence gas before receiving the NOC, but must receive the NOC within two working days;
• confirming that the gas fitter is authorised to carry out this work;
• carrying out inspection audits of the gas fitter's work;
• issuing orders if rectification work is necessary; and
• investigating gas related incidents and breaches of regulations and forwarding reports to Building and Energy, for disciplinary and/or prosecution action, where appropriate.

Outdoor gas appliances in alfresco areas

Gas appliances are required to have a permanent marking that specifies the installation location. The markings are typically 'SUITABLE ONLY FOR INDOOR INSTALLATION' or 'SUITABLE ONLY FOR OUTDOOR INSTALLATION'. If you cannot identify such a marking on the gas appliance, contact the appliance’s manufacturer. Gas appliances must be installed and used as per the manufacturer’s instructions.

Gas appliances need adequate ventilation to ensure sufficient air for combustion for gas to burn safely, and to dilute the combustion products to safe levels. Gas appliances are specifically designed, manufactured, and tested to meet the Australian Standards for indoor or outdoor installation.

The installation of outdoor blinds
The installation of blinds in the outdoor area where gas appliances are installed may hinder the ventilation required to operate the outdoor gas appliances safely and consequently create a dangerous situation.

Orders issued

If a gas inspector identifies defects in an installation, the inspector will issue an order for rectification work to be carried out. There are two types of orders that can be issued:

1. Notice of Defects
   Issued to the gas fitter for defective work found on a new gas installation (Gas Standards (Gasfitting and Consumer Gas Installations) Regulations 1999). The gas fitter has seven days in which to rectify all defects identified by the gas inspector. Failure to comply with this instruction may result in disciplinary action or prosecution, or both.
2. Inspector's Order
   Issued to the gas fitter or the home owner or tenant for defective or unsafe gasfitting work/appliances (Energy Coordination Act 1994). This order is similar to a Notice of Defects order except that the time allocated for rectification work is determined by the gas inspector.