Gas legislation
For a list of the energy legislation administered by Building and Energy visit:
Building and Energy legislative framework
Using fuel gas to produce theatrical or other special effects
The activity involving the use of fuel gas to produce theatrical or other special effects is regulated under the Gas Standards Act 1972 and Gas Standards (Gasfitting and Consumer Gas Installations) Regulations 1999 (GSR1999).
Appliances using fuel gas to produce theatrical or other special effects are prescribed as Type B appliances. The activity of producing theatrical or other special effects must be conducted under a safety management system.
Building and Energy has developed a guideline to assist appliance designers, gas fitters and Type B inspectors in the design and approval of using gas fuel to produce theatrical or other special effects. The guideline helps to ensure compliance and minimise risks.
Activities involving the use of fuel gas to produce theatrical or other special effects include, but are not limited to:
- simulating fire, flames and/or explosions as part of a theme park thrill ride or show;
- simulating fire, smoke, or emergency incidents for training purposes;
- producing explosions and flames as part of a music event or theatrical production; and
- producing celebratory flares/flames, such as at sporting events.
View the Guideline for activities using fuel gas to produce theatrical or other special effects.
Developing a technical submission for hydrogen fuel cells
In Western Australia, hydrogen fuel cells are classified as a Type B gas appliance and will require approval if installed in a consumer installation. For instance, if the gas is supplied by a gas supplier.
Building and Energy has developed a guideline to assist the gas industry with the minimum required technical information to be considered and included in their technical submission for the purpose of assessment and approval of a typical hydrogen fuel cell.
For guidance on hydrogen fuel cell gas safety regulation requirements in WA, please refer to:
Hydrogen fuel cell safety regulations in WA
For applicable hydrogen fuel cell standards, please refer to the Western Australian Government Gazette No.45 published on 29 March 2022, which details standards that are to be used as a benchmark for hydrogen fuel cell.
View the Developing a technical submission for hydrogen fuel cells in Western Australia fact sheet.
Gas engine and gas turbine ventilation
Stationary gas engines and gas turbines are Type B gas appliances that must comply with the requirements of AS 3814. Section five of AS 3814 sets out special application requirements, which includes gas engines and turbines.
Clause 5.8.9 of the 2009 edition of AS 3814 required the ventilation of gas engines and turbines installed in a building or compartment to be installed in accordance with:
- ventilation requirements in AS/NZS 5601; and
- consideration for additional ventilation to maintain the ambient temperature if required.
However, these requirements were changed in the later versions of AS 3814. The ventilation of gas engines and turbines requires adequate air supply for:
- combustion;
- cooling to maintain the correct operating temperature;
- correct operation of the combustion exhaust system; and
- dissipation of any credible leaks.
Therefore, it is important to note that the calculations to verify the minimum ventilation requirements for gas engines and turbines can no longer be sourced from AS/NZS 5601.
A performance-based solution may be considered where the prescribed clauses of AS 3814 cannot be achieved. In developing a performance-based solution, the proponent is responsible for demonstrating that their proposed alternative meets or exceeds the level of safety required by the standard.
Please note the performance-based solution that was non-site-specific with respect to the ventilation of gas engines or turbines, issued by the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety’s Building and Energy Division (Building and Energy), will not be accepted as a means of compliance for future installation.
If you have queries regarding any of the information provided in this article, contact Building and Energy at (08) 6251 1900 or be.info@demirs.wa.gov.au
Mobile engines
Mobile engines fuelled by liquefied petroleum gas (LP gas) or natural gas (NG) are subject to the requirements set out in the Gas Standards (Gasfitting and Consumer Gas Installations) Regulations 1999. A registered gas fitter with a Class E permit can certify a mobile engine for compliance by fixing appropriate badges and labels to the installation (vehicle, small portable generator etc.) and submitting a Notice of Completion to the customer and the Director.
Mobile engines are required to comply and be identified as complying with AS/NZS 1425 for LP Gas for vehicles, AS/NZS 2739 for Natural Gas vehicles or AS 4983 for forklifts and industrial engines.
Industrial fuel-fired appliances
On 13 October 2023, Standards Australia published AS 1375:2023 Industrial fuel-fired appliances. The standard sets out requirements and safety principles relating to the design, installation, and operation of industrial appliances that involves the combustion of gas or liquid fuels. AS 1375:2023 is an essential standard that is referred to for Type B gas appliance approval requirements in Western Australia.
The standard has gone through an extensive revision. Please refer to the whole standard to learn about the major changes in the 2023 edition.
AS 1375:2023 can be purchased:
- From the authorised distributor: AS 1375:2023 Industrial fuel-fired appliances | Standards Australia store; or
- From the Standards Australia recent release – Gasfitters set.
Restrictions for stowed or covered appliances
Guidance for the safety requirements of clause 6.3.2 Restriction of stowed appliances of AS/NZS 5601.2:2020 and how it applies to gas cooking appliances installed to external slide-out kitchens in caravans and camper trailers (recreational vehicles).
Interpretation of clause 6.3.2
- Where the gas supply to an appliance is disconnected — for example, gas cannot flow when the appliance is stowed away — the requirements of this clause have been satisfied.
- The term 'stowed' means storing, positioning or covering an appliance for travelling.
- The note referencing aftermarket lid or cover relates to a cooking appliance within a vehicle that can be covered by a lift-out or hinged workbench or cover while still connected to the gas supply, requiring a form of interlock (refer figure 1) to satisfy the means of compliance within clause 6.3.2.
Applying clause 6.3.2 to external slide-out kitchens
- Where the gas supply to the appliance must either be disconnected via a bayonet connection to allow the slide-out kitchen to be retracted to within the body of the vehicle or fitted with an appropriate device to ensure that gas cannot flow to that appliance in its stowed position, the means of compliance within clause 6.3.2 have been satisfied. Please refer examples of such slide-out kitchens shown in figure 2, 3, 4 and 5 in the fact sheet below.
- The provision of any non-combustible (such as stainless-steel) wind shield or fold-out kitchen bench extension is not considered to be a lid or cover in the context of the note to clause 6.3.2. The appliance (cooktop) is not considered to be stowed until it is retracted to within the body of the vehicle for travel. Thereby, not requiring a means of gas isolation for such installations. However, appropriate permanent and durable labels should be provided for warning hot surfaces.
View the Restrictions for stowed or covered appliances fact sheet.
