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Gas news
Winter 2018 energysafe issue 51
CO − risks and non-compliances
By Tyler Mason , Gas Engineer , Type A Appliance and Component
When installing and maintaining flued gas appliances it is your responsibility as a gasfitter to ensure they are operating safely before you leave them in the hands of your customers .
When working with open flued appliances , your service should include a test for operation of the flue .
In the past , many may recount the process as simple as using an open flame at the draught diverter . However , with changes to the way we construct homes and buildings and the mechanical air movement systems that are now so common , this once straightforward technique has evolved and is further complicated .
Today , the correct operation of the flue and the testing for spillage of combustion products is enshrined in AS / NZS 5601.1 Appendix R . You can also find a copy on ESV ’ s Gas Information Sheet 38 , available to all gasfitters on our website . This year ’ s Master Plumbers Carbon
Monoxide Training Program saw a record number of gasfitters attend . In response to the large turnout , the Victorian Building Authority ( VBA ), ESV and Master Plumbers launched an extensive Carbon Monoxide Safety Program with an additional 19 sessions held across the state including regional towns Bairnsdale , Wodonga and Mildura .
If you were unable to attend the course earlier this year or if it has been more than a year since you last attended , we strongly recommend you attend one in the near future to ensure your skills are up-to-date . Representatives from the VBA and ESV will be in attendance , should you have any queries .
VBA and ESV audits In light of the recent CO fatality and subsequently established risks , the VBA has been conducting targeted audits into open flued heaters .
It has also cross-referenced building permits levy data examining recently constructed buildings and sites that have undergone significant modifications to comply with 5-6 star energy ratings . ESV ’ s gas inspectors provided assistance throughout these audits .
In addition to the numerous negative pressure environments identified throughout the audits , which required the clearing of existing ventilation or new openings , common faults found included failure to install appliances in accordance with the manufacturer ’ s installation instructions , and failure to comply with AS / NZS 5601.1 with regard to the appliance flueing .
New resources from ESV
ESV has published three new information sheets that cover a range of topics related to the servicing of Type A gas appliances :
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Gas information sheet 57 — Your Obligations under the Gas Safety Act
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Gas information sheet 58 — The Quality and Adequacy of Air Supply
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Gas information sheet 59 — Inspecting and Servicing Type A Appliances . All gas information sheets are available on ESV ’ s website . Read more on these sheets below .
A short animation on negative pressure environments was also released and is available on our YouTube channel .
Submit and manage complext gas applications online with GasTrac
New Type A appliance gas information sheets
By Paul Harris , Head of Gas Operations
Ensuring a gas installation is safe is a fundamental responsibility for all gasfitters when performing inspection and servicing of Type A appliances .
Understanding the required scope of this work is critical for gasfitters to be able to complete it successfully and meet their responsibilities under the Gas Safety Act and subordinate regulations .
To assist gasfitters with understanding these responsibilities , ESV has published three new gas information sheets that cover a range of topics on the subject of servicing Type A gas appliances .
Gas information sheet 57 Your Obligations under the Gas Safety Act This sheet discusses a gasfitter ’ s responsibilities under the Act as well as providing a reminder of some key elements that must be completed when servicing an open-flue Type A gas appliance .
Gas information sheet 58 The Quality and Adequacy of Air Supply Sheet 58 discusses the three points to be considered in relation to the supply and movement of air : air supply quality ( AS / NZS 5601.1:2013 , clause 6.4.2 ); air supply adequacy ( AS / NZS 5601.1:2013 , clause 6.4.1 ); and the adverse effect of air movement systems ( AS / NZS 5601.1:2013 , clause 6.3.1 ).
Gas information sheet 59 Inspecting and Servicing Type A
Appliances Sheet 59 discusses the inspection and service work checklists gasfitters need to follow when inspecting and servicing any open-flue gas appliance .
Relevant Standard For the specific requirements for your installation , always refer to the relevant clause in AS / NZS 5601.1:2013 .
More information
Alternatively , contact ESV ’ s Technical Information line on 1800 652 563 or email gastechnicalenquiry @ energysafe . vic . gov . au for more information .
All Gas Information Sheets are available at www . esv . vic . gov . au