Frequently Asked Questions | Gas Inspection and Certification in WA
I make it my business to be aware of all important changes and developments in the gas industry so that I can provide the best advice possible.
How would the owner of an appliance know if they need to get it certified?
A Type ‘A’ gas appliance must be able to be identified as certified/approved.
Currently, The Australian Gas Association (AGA), SAI Global, IAPMO R&T Oceana, Global Mark and VIPAC are recognised by the Director (Building & Energy a division of Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety) as competent bodies for the bulk certification/approval of gas appliances. Therefore if an appliance cannot be identified as being certified by one of the above bodies, then my services may be required to provide individual appliance approval/certification.
A Type ‘B’ gas appliance cannot be connected to the gas supply without the approval of an inspector. If a Type ‘B’ Gas appliance is re-located it will be required to be re-certified by an inspector.
Who is the State Government Regulatory Body responsible for gas installations and appliances?
Building & Energy, a division of the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety.
What will happen if I don’t get an appliance certified?
You may incur penalties and risk the safety of yourself, loved ones and/or employees in the event of an incident. Insurance cover may be affected if the uncertified appliance was found to have caused or contributed to any loss.
How long does an appliance’s certification last for?
The approval/certification lasts the life of the appliance, subject to the appliance being maintained in-accordance with the requirements of the regulations and manufacturer’s recommendations. In relation to a certified Type B appliance, it will require re-certification if relocated.
How long does the certification process take to complete?
This Varies on the complexity of the appliance. Type ‘A’ inspections may take a matter of hours and depending on the complexity of the appliance, the process and location, a Type ‘B’ may take a matter of days.
Where are inspections carried out?
For smaller domestic and commercial Type ‘A’ gas appliance, they can be brought to me and I’ll complete required testing at my premises. For larger appliances and Type B appliances, inspections are normally carried out at your premises or where the appliance is to be installed.
Is there a limit to how far I will travel to inspect?
I travel state wide within Western Australia depending on the type of appliance, size and whether it’s economically viable for the client.
Is there a travel charge?
For inspection outside the Perth metropolitan area, travel charges apply. Please contact me for a quote.
What will an inspection cost?
Inspections are charged for based on the time it will take me to complete them. I can usually give you a rough indication over the phone based on your location and the type of appliance or if I’ve certified the appliance before.
When is payment made?
For Type ‘A’ appliances, payment is generally requested prior to pick-up or upon completion of inspection whether certification successful or not. For Type ‘B’ appliances, payment is negotiated prior to commencement.
Where could you find out more about certification of gas appliances?
The Gas Standards Act 1972 and its Regulations, specifically ‘Gas Standards (Gasfitting and Consumer Gas Installations) Regulations 1999’ Section 13D of the Gas Standards Act 1972 states; ‘13D. Approval of gas appliances
(1) A person shall not sell, hire, advertise for sale or install a
Type A gas appliance unless the appliance —
(a) is a gas appliance that is approved by the Director or is of a class or type of gas appliance that is approved by
the Director; and
(b) is marked, stamped or labelled in the manner approved
by the Director.
Penalty: $250 000.
(2) A consumer shall not use a Type B gas appliance unless the
appliance —
(a) has been approved by the Director; and
(b) is marked, stamped or labelled in the manner approved
by the Director.
Penalty: $250 000.
(3) The Director may by instrument in writing delegate to an inspector the power to give approval for the purposes of subsection (1)(a) or (2)(a).’
A gas supplier/undertaker has obligations under the Gas Standards Act 1972 also, Section 13 states, ‘13. Consumers’ installations
(1) If an undertaker or a pipeline licensee does not have an Inspection Policy Statement and Plan approved by the Director under section 13J, the undertaker or pipeline licensee —
(a) may commence to supply gas to a newly installed consumer gas installation; or
(b) supply gas to a consumer gas installation that has been altered by the installation of a Type B gas appliance, if, and only if, the installation has been inspected by an inspector and complies with the requirements, if any, prescribed in respect of that installation.
Penalty: $250 000.
(2) If an undertaker or a pipeline licensee has an Inspection Policy Statement and Plan approved by the Director under section 13J, the undertaker or pipeline licensee may commence to supply gas to a consumer gas installation if, and only if, the installation has been inspected in accordance with that plan and complies with the requirements, if any, prescribed in respect of that installation.
Penalty: $250 000.’