31-08-2022
News
As mentioned in our July 2022 NewsFlash, the Gas Technical Regulators of Australia have published an updated version of the Rules and you can download a copy HERE.
This version introduces a new category of gas equipment called High Risk Gas equipment. The gas products listed under this category will be required to undergo safety critical testing every 2 years as part of post certification surveillance activities. The safety critical testing is limited testing and defined by the Gas Technical Regulators of Australia. You can download a copy of the list of products covered and the testing required HERE.
The equipment under this category are:
* Open flued indoor water heaters
* Open flued space heaters
* Flueless space heaters
* Type 2 open flued decorative effect appliances
Note: Limited to efficient decorative appliances as detailed in Clause 5.2.101 of AS/NZS5263.1.8
* Domestic gas refrigerators
* Radiant gas heaters
Note: Limited to area heaters, table top heaters and heaters for non-residential indoor use, excluding overhead radiant tube heaters
* LP portable and mobile appliances
Note: limited to cookers with enclosed cartridges, and heaters.
* Hose and hose assemblies
Note: Limited to class A, B, C, and D hoses
The High Risk Safety Critical Testing equipment list will be reviewed by the Gas Technical Regulators bi-annually at which time changes to the list and requirements will be considered. Determining factors to reduce or increase the testing will include:
* Field incidents and investigations
* Standard changes
* Input from industry stakeholders
* Other relevant evidence demonstrating a change in risk
*Recalls
AGA will be in touch with affected Certificate Holders to assist with management of this new requirement and with testing as required.
Please contact your AGA Client Manager if you have any queries.
The Victorian gas safety regulator, Energy Safe Victoria, under section 76 the Gas Safety Act 1997 has prohibited the sale of open flued gas space heaters which do not have the automatic shutdown safety capability to address spillage into the room under a negative pressure indoor environment. As of 1st August 2022, open flued gas space heaters, (including second-hand open flued gas space heaters), that do not have the automatic shutdown safety capability have been prohibited for sale in Victoria.
Further background and reasons for this decision go to the ESV’s website at HERE.
The following gas hose Standards are out for public comment until 13 October 2022 to replace AS/NZS 1869:
AS 1869.0 – Hose and hose assemblies for liquefied petroleum gases (LP Gas), natural gas and town gas, Part 0: General requirements
AS 1869.1 – Hose and hose assemblies for liquefied petroleum gases (LP Gas), natural gas and town gas, Part 1: Non-metallic liners is out for public comment until the 13 October 2022.
AS 1869.2 – Hose and hose assemblies for liquefied petroleum gases (LP Gas), natural gas and town gas, Part 2: Metallic liners
The following automatic gas valve standards are out for public comment until 4 October 2022 to replace AS 4629:
AS 4629.1 – Automatically operated valves for use with gas, Part 1: Shut-off valves
AS 4629.2 – Automatically operated valves for use with gas, Part 2: Vent valves
If you would like to submit any comments, you may forward them directly through to Standards Australia – See following guide: Click Here