LPG Safety Compliance

In Australia, each state has different regulations for the gas industry – they help to control workmanship standards and the safe use of LPG.

Whenever you need gas work done, you should always use a licensed gas fitter. They’re trained professionals who will help make sure the installation complies with the regulations for your state and the Australian Standards requirements.

Gas bottle installation regulations

Gas bottles are placed in specific locations with set clearance zones designed to keep you and your property safe. So what are the key things to watch for?

• Solid and upright. Gas bottles must be placed on a solid base made of a fireproof material like concrete or pavers, and kept upright at all times. This will keep the gas bottles stable and allow them to safely vent any excess pressure through their pressure relief valves.
• Ventilation. The space the gas bottles sit in needs to be well ventilated – so spots under stairways, buildings, alcoves or underground are usually not suitable.
• No ignition sources. As LPG is flammable, gas bottles must be kept a minimum distance away from ignition sources. This reduces the risk of fire in the unlikely event of a gas leak, or during delivery when small amounts of LPG can escape into the air. Potential ignition sources include anything that carries electricity or a flame, like light switches, power points, air conditioning units, lights, motion sensors, security cameras, hot water heaters or BBQs.
• No building openings. To prevent an LPG leak entering buildings or accumulating in an enclosed space, gas bottles must also be placed away from any wall openings like windows, doors or air vents.
• No ground openings. As LPG is heavier than air and will sink to the ground if there is a leak, gas bottles need to be kept away from any ground openings like drains or pits.