Gasfitting
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All gasfitting carried out since 1st July 2013 requires certification.
Once gasfitting is connected, the person responsible for the work has to issue a Gas Safety Certificate (GSC) that indicates the gas installation or part installation is safe to use and the gasfitting work has not adversely affected any other part of the gas installation. This is supported by certificates of compliance (COCs) for any gasfitting defined as high risk or general risk.Posted: Sunday 29 December 2024 -
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is the generic name for mixtures of hydrocarbons (mainly propane and butane) stored in the liquid state.
LPG is colourless, odourless and heavier than air. A stenching agent is added to give it a distinctive and unpleasant smell, sometimes described as rotten cabbage, so that even a very small leak can be easily detected.
LPG burns readily in air and is an excellent fuel for heating, cooking and for vehicles.
In most places in the world LPG is propane gas. In other places butane is sometimes used. New Zealand is unusual in that its LPG is a mixture of both propane and butane. This is why it is important that imported LPG appliances are suitable for New Zealand’s mixture of gases.Posted: Sunday 29 December 2024 -
Natural gas is a highly combustible odourless and colourless hydrocarbon gas largely composed of methane. Natural gas is created in roughly the same manner as oil, by processes that act upon organic matter over millions of years.
A stenching agent is added to give it a distinctive and unpleasant smell, sometimes described as rotten cabbage, so that even a very small leak can be easily detected.
High combustibility coupled with ease of use and good clean combustion makes natural gas a highly valued resource.
Natural gas is primarily used for heating homes, cooking and running appliances such as water heaters and clothes dryers.Posted: Sunday 29 December 2024 -
Natural Gas
Consists mainly of methane. The large proportion of methane is one of the reasons natural gas has such a good safety record.
Methane is lighter than air and will disperse relatively easily if there is a gas leak.
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)
Is a hydrocarbon fuel comprised primarily of propane or butane, either separately or as a mixture.
LPG is non-toxic, and non-corrosive.
LPG is produced during the production of oil and gas, and is stored in tanks and transported by road tanker trucks or in cylinders.
LPG is mainly stored in tanks in liquid form and is heavier than air.
LPG tends to collect in low points and is more difficult to disperse than natural gas, so is therefore more prone to catch fire or explode if a leak occurs.Posted: Sunday 29 December 2024 -
Never use damaged or corroded cylinders, This can lead to leaks and fires. Check the date stamp, By law cylinders must be tested every 10 years.
Always store and use cylinders upright.
Cylinders should be housed in a suitable enclosure.
Check cylinders for dents and corrosion, especially around the base.
Never attempt to remove or repair cylinder valves.
Never expose cylinder to extreme heat.
Never incinerate an empty cylinder, It may explode.
Never try to fill your own cylinder, Only trained persons using special equipment can do so safely.Posted: Sunday 29 December 2024 -
LPG and natural gas heaters are used widely to warm New Zealand home and businesses. Used wisely, gas is instant, reliable, efficient and safe. However, like any other form of energy it must be treated with respect to prevent accidents.
In small rooms (eg bedrooms and bathrooms) a permanently installed gas heater may only be used in restricted circumstances. Ask a licensed gasfitter for advise.
Don't use unflued gas appliances, such as LPG cabinet heaters or instantaneous water heaters in small rooms or in bedrooms and bathrooms.Posted: Sunday 29 December 2024 -
Gas appliances need to be operated and maintained in accordance with their operating instructions (where applicable), to ensure they remain safe in normal use, and are only used for the purpose for which they were designed and tested.Posted: Sunday 29 December 2024