Use a Licensed Gas Fitter

Always use a licensed gas fitter for any installation, repairs or renovations involving gas work. This not only applies to jobs like installing hot water systems and heaters, but also where renovations might involve disconnection or relocation of gas appliances. Do not be tempted to do gas work yourself, or to use a tradesperson who does not have specialist gas knowledge and skills.

How to find a licensed gas fitter

Check the Yellow Pages and either chose plumbers who list gas fitting qualifications as part of their advertisement or use a licensed gas fitter. Licensed gas fitters have a gas fitter number endorsing them to carry out gas fitting work. Customers are entitled to ask to see this to confirm the gas fitter is licensed.

When engaging a gas fitter, ask if he is licensed to carry out gas fitting work on LPG. Some gas fitters have restrictions on their license where they may only be endorsed to work on natural gas installations.

The benefits to you

To be a licensed gas fitter, a person must have done the appropriate training to complete gas work safely, have passed exams for competency, be experienced and be registered with a regulatory authority.  If the installation is done by a licensed gas fitter, you can be confident that you will not breach the appliance manufacturer’s warranty conditions.  Any work completed by unauthorised gas fitters (not licensed) may void manufacturer’s warranties and insurance cover.

Notice of Compliance and compliance badge

After installing and commissioning a gas appliance, the licensed gas fitter must give you a copy of his installation certificate and fix a compliance badge to the installation. The installation certificate contains a declaration by the gas fitter that the installation complies with all statutory requirements. This protects you if any problems arise later as a result of faulty installation.  In the case of a faulty installation the gas fitter will be required to come back and fix the defect.