LPG Gas Bottle Location Regulations & Gas Compliance Certificate

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Learn about LPG gas bottle location regulations and compliance certificates for your home...

LPG Gas Bottle Location Regulations & Gas Compliance Certificate

LPG gas bottle location regulations determine where you are permitted to install your gas bottles. The gas compliance certificate is issued to the property owner by the gas fitter, after completion of a gas installation or modification.
 
 
We are frequently asked about the proper clearance and placement of the gas cylinders.
 
It is very important that cylinder positioning meets the applicable Australian Standards.
 
 

LPG Gas Bottle Location Regulations – Installation Guidelines

In summary:

  1. Ensure the gas bottle installation is upright and stable.
  2. Keeping the gas cylinder upright will ensure the pressure relief valve functions correctly.
  3. Gas bottles must be placed on a solid base that is not subject to the accumulation of water.
  4. Gas-Bottles-On-HomeGas bottles must be placed safely away from ignition sources — primarily electrical devices and flames — including include electrical switches, power points, air conditioning, compressors, pumps, lights, and sensors in the event of a leak.
  5. Gas bottles cannot be placed close to wall openings, including windows, doors and vents, to preclude possible entry and collection of gas in enclosed spaces.
  6.  Gas bottles must be a safe distance from openings to below ground spaces, for instance drains and pits, to prevent any possible build up of the heavier than air LPG.
  7. Gas bottles must be placed in well ventilated locations, avoiding alcoves, enclosures, under a building or stairway  to prevent possible accumulations of gas.
  8. Line of sight must be maintained for in situ tanker deliveries.
  9. Ensure your installation point provides easy access during gas cylinder delivery and replacement and meets Australian Standards.

Please read more for additional information and the required safe distances for placement…

Why You Need to Know

In addition, homeowners need to understand the requirements if they install other devices, such as air conditioners, after the gas installation is already complete.
 

Air conditioning compressor next to gas bottleThe image shown does not comply with the regulations, as the air conditioning compressor is well within the exclusion zone.

 

The gas supplier is not allowed to provide gas to this installation.
 
Not knowing the rules could cost you money, to have either the gas bottle or compressor moved.
 
Tradesmen, other than gas fitters, would not necessarily understand the required clearance and placement restrictions when they install other gear on your home.
 
While your gas fitter will be well versed in proper gas cylinder placement, you should also be knowledgeable regarding the requirements:

Wall Openings and Drains Affect Gas Bottle Location

In the unlikely event of a gas leak, you want to minimise the chance of gas entering any enclosed area, so a safe distance must be maintained from all wall openings.
 
Drains and pits are also an issue, as LPG is heavier than air and can collect in low set places.
 
The graphic below shows the minimum distance clearance to be maintained from various wall openings and drains:
 
LPG gas bottle-cylinder placement illustration
 
Please note that all horizontal dimensions are measured from the centre line of the cylinders.

Gas Bottle Exclusion Zone for Exchange & Tanker Filling

The following two graphics show the gas bottle exclusion zone requirements for exchange and tanker filling.
 
If an 8.5 kg LPG cylinder is used to replace a larger LPG cylinder, maintain the exclusion zone for the larger cylinder at all times.
 
Please note that all horizontal dimensions are measured from the centre line of the cylinders.
 
 
Gas bottle exclusion zone for exchange cylinders
 
For Tanker Delivery:
 
Gas bottle exclusion zone for tanker filling
 
 

Line-of-Sight to Tanker

Tanker Hose Filling
You will also note the reference to tanker line-of-sight in the first graphic above.
 
Tanker delivery requires that the driver has a clear line-of-sight between the cylinders and the tanker while he is filling your cylinders.
 
Automatic tanker delivery eliminates the need to check gas bottles or order gas, so it is wise to make sure your placement allows for this convenient delivery option.
 
It is best to advise your gas fitter of your desire for tanker delivery, as he may not necessarily consider this.

Tanker Gas Hose Length for Tanker Filled Installations

It is important to remember that the installation needs to be within the reach of the tankers’ gas hose, if the cylinders or tanks are to be filled on-site by a tanker..

Tanker gas refillFor example, most tankers have two gas hose reels.

The low flow gas hose, for cylinders, can be 40M to 60M.

The high flow gas hose, for bulk tanks (‘bullets’) range from 15M to 40M in length.

Check with your local gas supplier, as they can advise what is available in your area.

So, it depends on the customer installation type.

For example, residential installations typically have a gas hose length of 60M, as they are filled with a low flow gas hose.

Please note that this is a fully stretched straight line measurement.

You should design the installation to be less in distance, for practical access.

Delivery Guidelines for Home Gas Bottles

Here are some simple guidelines for home gas bottles to help you, as well:

  • Your driveway and pathway to the home gas bottles installation area must be free of obstructions.
  • Unlock gates so that the driver has access to the gas bottles.
  • Keep pets restrained.

Gas Bottle Changeover Valves

gas bottle changeover valvesWhile not actually a placement issue, you should decide on what type of gas bottle changeover valve you want before the installation, assuming you go with exchange 45kg gas bottle delivery.
 
Automatic gas bottle changeover valves have the advantage automatically switching between the two bottles and providing a coloured indicator when one is empty.
 
The only downside is if you forget to look at the indicator before the second cylinder is also empty.
 
While manual gas bottle changeover valve does require you to manually switch between cylinders, you are provided with an unmistakable reminder to re-order your gas.
 
You can also get an automatic Gas Check Alert™, by Text, on your mobile telephone with either type of changeover valve.
 

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What is a Gas Compliance Certificate, Plate or Badge?

In summary:
  • A gas compliance certificate is documentation that the gas installation complies with the standards and regulations issued by the governing body.
  • It is issued by the gas fitter who performed the installation.
  • The gas fitter is typically liable to correct any installation related defects.
  • It may vary in form and can be a certificate, plate or badge.
  • It let’s gas suppliers know that the installation is safe to supply.

Gas compliance certificate-plate

Different States call them different names but a gas compliance certificate, plate or badge is very important documentation when you have gas at your home or business.

Gas Fitters Provide the Certificates

All gas installations in Australia must be performed by a licensed gas fitter.
 
After installing and commissioning a gas appliance at your home, the licensed gas fitter must supply you with a copy of an installation certificate and/or fix a compliance plate or badge to the installation.
 
The gas fitter is required to issue a compliance certificate to the owner for any alteration or extension to an existing gas service or a new gas installation.
 

What Do They Mean?

Licensed gas fitters self-certify that their gas installation work complies with all relevant regulations, standards and codes by issuing a compliance certificate to you.
 
The compliance certificate contains a declaration, by the gas fitter, that your installation complies with all standards and requirements.

Protection For You

This is actually protection for you, if any problems develop later.
 
If the problems are the result of faulty workmanship, the gas fitter will be required to fix the defect.

Please see How To Add LPG Gas to Your Home for more details

 

No Gas Without One

Compliance certificates are also necessary for obtaining your gas supply, as gas providers cannot supply an uncertified installation.

The certificate needs to be available before the gas is connected for the first time.

In most States, the gas fitter will give you a copy to pass on to your gas supplier.

Compliance Requirements Vary by State

Some States require that an engraved compliance plate or badge be attached to the structure at the location of the gas works.
If this is the case in your State, your gas fitter will provide the plate or badge.
Here is a list of how it is done by State:

•  Queensland – Certificate of Compliance

Gas compliance certificate QLD

•  NSW – Compliance Plate attached near the installation or a Certificate of Inspection/Compliance

Gas compliance certificate NSW

•  ACT – Compliance Plate attached near the installation

ACT Residents Learn More

•  Victoria – Certificate of Compliance

Gas compliance certificate Victoria

•  South Australia – Certificate of Compliance

Gas certificate of compliance SA

•  Tasmania – LP Gas Storage Notice (Start Work Notice)

Gas compliance certificate Tasmania

•  Western Australia – Notice of Completion (NOC) and Compliance Badge

Gas compliance certificate WA

•  Northern Territory – Compliance Plate attached near the installation

NT Residents Learn More – PDF

This can all be a bit confusing, with the various State requirements, but we will help you sort it all out when you contact us for your initial gas delivery.
We will walk you through the requirements so you can start to relax and enjoy your new home or new gas appliances.
 

Use Licensed Gas Fitters

You must always use a licensed gas fitter for any projects that involves gas.
This includes gas appliance installations, repairs and maintenance, as well as installing LPG gas bottles on your home and all other gas fitting work.
 

Licensed Gas Fitters Required in All States

All states and territories require the use of a licensed gas fitter for all gas related work, including both LPG and natural gas.

Do not attempt to do gas work yourself or to use a tradesperson who does not have specialist gas training and a specific gas fitter license.

Unlicensed gas work is illegal and potentially dangerous.

Your manufacturer’s warranty and insurance cover may also be void if gas work is performed by an unlicensed person.

Licensing

Licensed gas fitters have a gas fitter number, issued by their State regulatory authority, authorising them to carry out gas fitting work.

Some States have different endorsements for different types of gas fitting work, such as gas appliance conversions.

Ask to see the gas fitter’s license to confirm that the tradesperson is entitled to do the specific type of gas work you require.

Gas Fitters vs Plumbers

Many gas fitters are also plumbers but not all plumbers are gas fitters.

If you require work to be done on a gas hot water system, make sure you get a tradesperson who is licensed for both the gas fitting and plumbing trades.

Also, you may need to ask the gas fitter if he does the specific kind of gas installation that you need, such as a gas fireplace.

Not all gas fitters are experienced at installing all types of gas appliances, so you should not hesitate to ask.

Compliance Certificates, Badges and Plates

Depending upon which State or Territory you live in, you will receive Notice of Compliance Certificate or a Compliance Badge/Plate will be affixed to the installation.

In it the gas fitter declares that the installation complies with all of the Australian Standards and statutory requirements.

If an installation is faulty, this also requires the gas fitter to come back and correct the defect.

Typical Gas Fitting Tasks

Gas fitters do many different types of gas fitting tasks including:

•  Gas appliance installation, conversions, repairs and maintenance

•  Gas bottle installation including gas regulators, changeover valves, pigtails and gas lines

•  Installation and repairs of gas flue pipes.

•  Installation of gas meters, valves and associated pipe work.

•  Adjusting of gas pressure

•  Installation of gas detection systems

•  Leak testing and repairs

 

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Eric Hahn

Steve Reynolds

Technical Consultant

Steve Reynolds is a leading expert in the LPG industry with over 22 years of experience. As part of the national management team at ELGAS, Steve ensures the safe and efficient storage, handling, and transportation of LPG. He serves as the lead investigator for incidents and collaborates with authorities on industry developments.

Steve is a technical advisor to Standards Australia and Gas Energy Australia (GEA), and an active member of the World LPG Association (WLPGA), contributing to global standards and technical reviews. He holds a BSc. (Hons) in Industrial Chemistry from UNSW and has held senior safety and technical roles at ELGAS, making him a trusted authority in LPG safety and standards.