Servicing requirements of pre-1980 gas appliances

A prohibition order was gazetted in July 2013 banning the sale, hire or use of pre-1980 Natural Gas appliances to the coastal supply area as shown on the ERA website. The prohibition order means that it is an offence to offer for sale, hire, continue to use, install or service a pre-1980 Natural Gas appliance unless it has been assessed as compatible with the changed gas being supplied and a letter (example attached) has been issued by EnergySafety, stating it may continue to be used.

Where a letter stating an appliance may continue to be used and/or is safe for use on the changed gas, the appliance may remain in service at the address where registered whilst it is maintained in good safe working order. The appliance may be serviced and repaired as necessary to maintain it in good working order, but the appliance may not be sold, hired, relocated or reinstalled at another property.

Building and Energy recommends that before consideration is given to service a pre-1980 gas appliance, the owner and/or gas fitter seriously consider the viability of servicing the appliance, taking into account the appliance is over 30 years old.

Before attending site the gas fitter should ask the customer if they believe the appliance to be pre-1980. If it is, was it registered with the Gas Appliance Rectification Programme and do they have a letter stating it is compatible or safe to use with the changed gas.  If the customer states they have the letter, the gas fitter may schedule and carry out the service but should sight the letter before doing the work.

Where a customer believes that an appliance is pre-1980 and was not registered, or is not sure if an appliance was registered with the Gas Appliance Rectification Programme, the owner, person requesting the work, or gas fitter should obtain as much information as possible including:

• make and model of the appliance;
• date of manufacture;
• serial number;
• AGA approval number;
• details of the AGA badge (refer samples on next page);
• original owner’s manual or brochure; or
• original invoice.

In some cases additional information may also be obtained from the appliance manufacturer.

Forward as much information as possible, including a photo of the appliance, to gas@demirs.wa.gov.au or post to Locked Bag 100, East Perth WA 6892.  Building and Energy will, in most cases, be able to do a desktop assessment based on the information available and provide an assessment outcome and advice on what action is required. In some cases further investigation may be required before any outcome is reached.

Where it is deemed that an appliance is compatible with the changed gas, Building and Energy will provide a letter stating the appliance is compatible and the information added onto the database. Where an appliance is not compatible the prohibition order stands and the appliance must be disconnected from the gas supply.

AGA badges

Prior to early 1972

Most appliances with this badge should have been replaced or serviced with a letter sent to the owner from Building and Energy, stating the appliance may continue to be used and/or is safe for use on the changed gas.

1972-1975

Most appliances with this badge should have been replaced or serviced with a letter sent to the owner from Building and Energy, stating the appliance may continue to be used and/or is safe for use on the changed gas.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

July 1975 - June 1996

 

Most appliances with this badge are compatible with the changed gas. Where an appliance with this badge has been deemed compatible with the changed gas, the owner should have received a letter from Building and Energy stating the appliance may continue to be used and/or is safe to use on the changed gas.

 

 

 

 

 

July 1996 - onwards

All appliances with this badge are compatible with the changed gas.