Never do gas work to installations or appliances yourself, always use a licensed gas fitter. Unlicensed gas work is illegal and can be extremely dangerous resulting in serious injury or even death. Licensed gas contractors have the equipment and knowledge to do the necessary work safely.
When using a licensed gas fitter you should ensure:
- they hold an appropriate South Australian license
- they issue a gas certificate of compliance on completion of all gas installation work.
This applies to all gas work on your property regardless of whether it is your home, rental property, commercial premises, caravan or boat.
Insurance companies may not cover fire or public liability claims caused by do-it-yourself or unlicensed installations.
On this page:
Using a licensed gas fitter
Check if a gas fitter is licensed
Receiving a gas certificate of compliance
Using a licensed gas fitter
The owner is responsible for the gas installation on their property and should use a licensed gas fitter to carry out any gas work on their property, caravan or boat.
A gas fitter is responsible for work commencing at the gas meter outlet or LPG cylinder valve up to and including:
- the gas appliance
- the pipe work from the gas meter to the appliance
- any flues and ducts.
If you notice something potentially dangerous or any of the following stop what you are doing and call a licensed gas fitter immediately:
- gas appliance burning incorrectly - eg yellow or uneven flames, pungent odours, black carbon soot, appliance going out regularly
- visible damage to gas pipes
The gas distributor in South Australia, Envestra, is responsible for work on the gas meter and the gas distribution network.
If you can smell gas and you suspect it's a gas leak, or are unsure, phone 1800 808 526 to report it.
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Check if a gas fitter is licensed
You can check if your gas fitter is licensed in South Australia or find a licensed gas fitter by searching the licensing public register.
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Receiving a gas certificate of compliance
A gas certificate of compliance is an assurance that:
- the gas fitter is appropriately licensed
- the work completed has been tested and is proven to be safe
- the work complies with the requirements of the Gas Act 1997 and necessary Australian Standards
- the contractor has officially informed you of any existing safety problems with your installation
- you have met your legal obligation to own a safe installation and have a permanent legal record for the job.
A gas certificate of compliance should be given to you within thirty days of completion of the following gas work:
- installing a new gas pipe work
- extending or repairing existing gas pipe work
- installing new appliances - eg heaters, hot water units, stove tops
- replacing an appliance
- converting an appliance for use on another fuel, e.g. from LPG to natural gas.
A certificate is generally not required for normal maintenance or repairs on an existing appliance.
The certificate of compliance should be signed by both the gas fitter and the contractor to be valid. View the example: gas certificate of compliance (PDF 314KB).
If you do not receive a gas certificate of compliance this could jeopardise your insurance if a gas-related incident subsequently causes fire or damage to the property.
The gas fitter cannot withhold the certificate until you have paid for the work. If a gas fitter fails to issue you with a gas certificate of compliance, or refuses to do so, contact the Office of the Technical Regulator.
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More information
On this site
Buying gas appliances
Installing gas appliances
Using and maintaining gas appliances