Building and Energy has produced detailed guidelines for safe use of gas in public venues.
Public venues include convention and exhibition centres, pavilions, halls recreation centres, fairs, fetes, stalls, tents or marquees, and mobile catering vehicles where the community attends. Public venues may be either temporary or permanent structures.
Some common events held in such venues include sporting and entertainment events, festivals, school and church fetes, local markets and other not-for-profit group functions.
The guidelines provide information on:
- the safe use of gas appliances;
- storage and use of LP Gas;
- ventilation requirements for gas appliances;
- clearances required for gas appliances;
- installation of gas appliances; and
- examples of conforming gas installations.
A checklist has also been published which the catering vendor (the person in charge of the site) must complete prior to the start of the event and provide to the event organiser. The checklist ensures gas installation compliance by confirming safety rules for cylinders and regulators, hose and consumer piping, gas appliances and safety procedures are being followed.
Downloads
- Guidelines for the safe use of LP Gas at public venues in WA
- Checklist for gas appliances in public venues
Portable gas cooking appliances
Western Australian restaurants have been offering table-top barbeque-style cooking and dining experiences, similar to overseas. The commercial use of these appliances, particularly used in indoor restaurant environments, has resulted in gas explosions injuring consumers.
In response to this danger portable gas cooking appliances cannot be used in any commercial application, including in restaurants or at events in public venues.
For details of the prohibition order, see page 1803 EN 401 of the Western Australian Government Gazette: Gas Standards (portable gas cooking appliances) Prohibition Order 2016.
A person who fails to comply with this notice may be prosecuted and can be fined up to $250,000. If you are in any doubt about this rule, please contact a licensed gasfitter or Building and Energy for advice.
Reporting gas incidents
All fuel gas accidents or incidents that occur in Western Australia should be reported.
All incidents, including near-misses, injuries or property damage relating to fuel gas (Natural Gas, LP Gas, CNG, LNG), must be reported to:
- the relevant gas supplier; and
- the Director of Energy Safety.
Local gas suppliers
Kleenheat Gas Tel: 1800 093 336
Origin Energy Tel: 1800 808 526
Elgas Tel: 1800 819 783
In the event of fire, an LP Gas cylinder should be removed from the heat source. If this is not possible, keep the cylinder cool by spraying water on to it. However, if flames are threatening to engulf the cylinder, the area should be evacuated and emergency services notified immediately.
Building and Energy
Freecall 1800 678 198 (all hours, from anywhere in Western Australia)
During business hours, the calls are diverted to Building and Energy's Cannington Office (08) 6251 1900. Outside of business hours, the calls are diverted to an after-hours answering service. This freecall number only applies to incidents and accidents that occur within Western Australia.
Emergency services
Police Dial 000
Fire Brigade Dial 000
