Appliance safety
Regular maintenance
Natural gas appliances, such as hot water systems or heaters should be checked and maintained annually by qualified gas appliance service personnel. Annual service checks in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines are necessary as a safety precaution and to ensure appliances are working in peak condition.
Choice of appliance
Always ensure the appliance you choose is approved by an Australian certifier, such as the Australian Gas Association (AGA), and made by a well–known manufacturer. Check for warranty agreements and look for built–in safety features such as:
- anti–tilt switches
- automatic ignition systems for fast, simple and safe lighting
- a flame failure device to cut off the natural gas if the flame is accidentally extinguished
- adjustable temperature control to reduce the chance of scalding.
All appliances should be installed according to the Gas Installation Code — AS5601–2004.
What to do if you are concerned about the condition of your natural gas appliance
Owner/occupiers
- Arrange for qualified gas appliance service personnel to replace or service the appliance and retain a written report of the work undertaken.
- Make sure unobstructed ventilation is continually present near or around the appliance.
- Ensure flue pipes are free from restrictions.
- Check that there is no evidence of the burner creating soot deposits (look for signs of discolouration on and around the appliance).
- If there is a gas hot water heater in your bathroom disconnect the exhaust fan within the bathroom (when operating, these fans can cause flue gases to re-enter the bathroom).
Tenants
Contact your landlord, real estate agent or housing provider and ask when the appliance will be replaced or serviced. Confirm that arrangements are in place for service of the appliance if there is a delay in its replacement. Determine when it was last serviced, when it will next be serviced, who will undertake the work and whether they are qualified to do so.
Landlords
Have the appliance serviced or replaced immediately. Ensure that all aspects of the appliance are inspected by qualified gas appliance service personnel and retain a written report of the work undertaken. If you have any immediate concerns about the condition of an appliance turn it off and obtain expert advice.