12
Gas news
Complex gas application acceptance
By Paul Harris , Gas Operations Manager
Gasfitting work performed in Victoria is categorised as either work on a standard gas installation or a complex gas installation . All complex gas installations require a gas application seeking acceptance from ESV prior to commissioning the installation .
To assist plumbers in understanding the regulatory framework category their work sits within , ESV has developed Gas Information Sheet 33 – Gas Installation Notification .
Correctly establishing the job category for your installation ( standard or complex ) early in the process will save you time and money and reduce the chance of disappointment in having your project delayed .
What you can expect from ESV Once you have completed and submitted your complex gas application you should receive an acknowledgement email within two working days . This email will include a unique GA reference number for your application . Please use this number for all correspondence .
Within five working days you will be contacted by ESV regarding the progress of your application . Contact will be extended to within 10 working days for complex gas installation applications relating to high rise buildings ( Schedule 8 ) or Type B appliances ( Schedule 9 ) as additional information and requirements need to be assessed .
When contacting you , ESV may seek additional information for your application or you may receive a letter setting out the conditions that need to be met prior to your gas installation being accepted .
These conditions of acceptance ( COA ) may include the requirement to provide a combustible surface letter , a consumer piping test sheet or a Type A appliance certification sheet . The conditional acceptance letter will also point out if your installation requires an inspection .
Once you have completed work on your installation you need to provide ESV with all the documentation as set out in the COA letter , including signing and submitting the Notice of Compliance ( Schedule 11 ).
Within five working days of receipt of all required documentation ESV will either contact you to arrange an inspection or , if no inspection is required , issue final acceptance for your gas application .
Be aware at any stage during the process ESV may call or email you requesting additional information .
What ESV expects of you »»
A complete application that is legible , accurate and includes a detailed scope of work
»»
You monitoring your emails and responding to ESV ’ s requests in a timely manner
»»
Submission of all required documentation , including your signed Notice of Compliance ( Schedule 11 ), on completion of your work
»»
You contacting ESV if you have not been contacted within the timeframes mentioned above if your work is complete and you have submitted all information requested .
Remember »»
Gas applications must be submitted prior to the gas installation being commissioned
»»
Operating a complex gas installation prior to ESV issuing final acceptance may leave you and your client exposed in the event of an incident
»»
Operating a Type B appliance prior to ESV accepting the installation is an offence against the Gas Safety Act 1997 . Unlike the Victorian Building Authority ’ s compliance certificate regime , which requires a compliance certificate to be lodged within five days of completion of the work , ESV requires an application for acceptance and ESV must grant COA prior to works being commissioned . ESV will interact with you during the entire installation .
South West TAFE 2016 Trades Awards
By Laurie Devitt , Gas Inspector
Congratulations to South West TAFE plumbing and gasfitting apprentices Jack Scott and Brandon Joosen on receiving Certificate IV Gas Scholarships from ESV .
The third-year apprentices were presented with their scholarships by ESV Gas Inspector Laurie Devitt at the South West TAFE Trades Awards night held at Deakin University Warrnambool .
Jack and Brandon were nominated by Mark Hutchinson , South West TAFE ’ s Senior Educator Building & Construction / Plumbing
Young talent time : scholarship recipient Jack Scott is congratulated by South West TAFE ’ s Mark Hutchinson ( left ) and ESV ’ s Paul Harris and Laurie Devitt ; ( top left ) Olivia Loader receives her ESV Electrical Encouragement Award from Paul Harris .
Department and his team . The scholarships will cover the TAFE costs for the Certificate IV in Gas . ESV ’ s Gas Operations Manager , Paul Harris , on behalf of ESV ’ s Electrical Department , also presented an ESV Electrical
Encouragement Award to VET high achieving student Olivia Loader from Derrinalum P-12 College .
ESV is proud and pleased to support young apprentices and the staff of South West TAFE .