Faulty gas appliances, incorrect installation and misuse are major causes of household accidents involving gas in Australia. Most of these accidents can be prevented by making sure that the household gas appliances you buy have been safety tested, approved and are regular maintained.
On this page:
Always buy safety approved gas appliances Buying gas appliances online Gas safety labels - what to look for Risks of buying non-certified gas appliances Always buy safety approved gas appliances
The easiest way to minimise safety risks in using gas appliances is to buy appliances that are certified as safe for use in Australia.
Gas appliances used in Australia must be tested and certified by a recognised organisation because:
- there are legal safety requirements for gas appliances used in Australia
- the quality and combustion properties of the Australian natural gas may be different to gas used in other countries
- untested appliances may not operate efficiently, may leak gas and could ignite or explode.
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Buying gas appliances online
When buying online it is difficult to ensure the safety certification of gas appliances. If you're buying a gas appliance online try to buy from recognised Australian sellers.
Before you buy always ask for the certification details including the type of the certification label, the approving organisation and the certification number – see Gas safety labels.
Buying gas appliances from overseas sources online is not recommended as they do not usually have Australian safety certification. Even if the appliance is approved by an overseas organisation, it does not mean that it is safe for use in Australian conditions.
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Gas safety labels - what to look for
The only way to ensure the safety of the gas appliance you are buying is to:
- check for a safety certification label, then check the certification number against the organisation’s database using these websites:
- verify the certification number on the appliance data plate against the online database of the respective organisation.
Certification label examples
Hoses and regulators
The hose assembly on the appliance must also have safety certification from AGA, SAI Global or IAPMO. Certification details are printed on the hose.
It is important to ensure that the whole appliance is certified rather than just having certified components such as hoses and regulators.
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Risks of buying non-certified gas appliances
- It's illegal to offer gas appliances for sale or hire unless they have been safety tested and are certified by a recognised organisation – ie AGA, SAI Global or IAPMO.
- You may not be able to find spare parts for the appliance.
- It's illegal for licensed gas fitters to install non-certified gas appliances.
- In the event of an accident your insurance policy may not cover damages caused by a non-certified appliance.
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More information
On this site
Electricity and gas safety
Buying electrical appliances
Using a licensed gas fitter and gas certificates of compliance
Office of the Technical Regulator
Other websites
AGA
SAI Global
IAPMO