What is a gas compliance certificate?
If you have any gas installations in your home or workplace, you are going to need to be sure that they are compliant with all standards and legislation within NSW... and this is where a gas compliance certificate comes into play. All gas works, no matter their size or power capabilities, require a certificate of compliance if they are connected to a gas network, so we thought we would provide a little more information to help you out. Take a look at the below information to figure out whether you need a compliance certificate and, if so, how to get one. You can thank us later!
Are gas compliance certificates a necessity?
If you have any gas installations that are connected to a gas network, it is a necessity for you to have a gas compliance certificate. A certificate of compliance confirms that all the required testing of the system or gas appliance have been completed in accordance with the relevant standards and regulations by a qualified gas fitting professional, and no defects or faults have been found.
Who do I see about getting a gas compliance certificate?
The only person that can provide a valid certificate of compliance is a licensed gas fitter. It is worthwhile remembering that if a certificate is completed by someone that is not licensed, or you try and complete the works yourself and something goes wrong, your manufacturer’s warranty may become ineffective and your insurance void. Overlooking this, it is also illegal and very dangerous, as well as potentially very costly.
If you are unsure whether the tradesperson you have hired is licenced for the work you need, ask to see their licence or alternatively, you can do a quick online check here - onegov.nsw.gov.au.
How do I obtain a gas compliance certificate?
For a gas compliance certificate to be issued, a qualified and licensed gas fitter must be completing any and all checks and works throughout. Once they have completed their testing and any associated works if required, they must come back within 5 business days to check for defects. If no defects have been detected, they then provide you with a certificate of compliance.
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What’s the reasoning behind gas compliance certificates?
There are a few different reasons behind compliance certificates, but the big ones are :
- Safety : Ensuring all your gas systems are running safely and securely
- Future problems : If one of your gas installations has a problem in the future and it is due to faulty workmanship, the gas fitter who completed the certificate is required to fix the issue for you.
How often should I get my gas installations tested?
Although it isn’t a mandatory requirement, it is highly recommended that you have all relevant appliances and systems tested every 3-5 years for yours and your family’s safety. Your local gas fitter will be able to talk you through the process each time and advise you of any issues that may need addressing, and it can help you avoid large and costly bills for fixes that could have been found if everything had been regularly tested.
Gas compliance certificates vs certificates of inspection
You have probably heard the terms ‘gas compliance certificate’ and ‘certificate of inspection’ and wondered which one is applicable to you. To begin with, they are two different certifications for two different systems - a gas compliance certificate applies to any appliance or system connected to a gas network, whereas a certificate of inspection applies to any gas installation that is not connected to a gas network. In other terms, if you home runs off gas bottles that require refilling on site or exchanging you will need a certificate of inspection, however if your property is connected to a mains natural gas supply your gas fitter will provide a certificate of compliance. If you need a certificate of inspection you will also need a compliance plate to go with it, so make sure you speak to your gas fitter about this before they complete the job.
What do I do once I have received a completed gas compliance certificate?
Not a lot! Mostly just ensure you keep it in a safe spot, just in case you need it for an insurance claim or a claim on your manufacturer's warranty. It is worth noting that every licensed gas fitter must provide a copy of your gas compliance certificate to NSW Fair Trading and the relevant network provider, and they must also keep their copy for 5 years in all cases.
