22www.energysafe.vic.gov.aucontents.pigtails andmanifolds forlpg cylinderinstallationsA commonly <strong>as</strong>ked question to theG<strong>as</strong> Technical Help Line is which typeof pipe is acceptable for use betweenan LP G<strong>as</strong> cylinder and the regulator.AS 1596 and AS 5601 require either a flexiblehose <strong>as</strong>sembly with an excess flow valveupstream of the <strong>as</strong>sembly, or copper tube witha nominal size of 6 mm and a minimum wallthickness of 1.22 mm.When a number of cylinders are required,it is normal practice to manifold them. Therequirements for copper pigtails apply to themanifold. Manifolds to the correct thicknessand size are readily available from reputablesuppliers who can verify the standard of thematerials.Manufacturing a manifold from copper tubeshould only be considered where the use ofa commercially available type is not fe<strong>as</strong>ible,and after consulting the g<strong>as</strong> supplier. Type Acopper would normally be specified.Remember too that the cylinder regulator isto be rigidly fixed to an adequate means ofsupport that is independent of the cylinder.Connecting the regulator directly to thecylinder is only acceptable for cylindersexceeding 400 litres and which are fittedwith a lockable dome.testing forconsumerpipingenergysafe advertorial – an article supplied by <strong>Safe</strong>ty In Action 2008safety inaction 2008“for peoplewho makesafetyhappen”Installers should be aware that ESV G<strong>as</strong>Inspectors are no longer testing new consumerpiping for leakage. It is the installer’s responsibilityto carry out any required test to the correctstandard before g<strong>as</strong> is supplied.Inspectors will now require verification of anacceptable test before a G<strong>as</strong> Supply Approval[GSA] is sent to a g<strong>as</strong> distribution business.Where a low pressure test (less than 10 kPa) iscarried out (eg using a water-filled manometer),verification is by correctly entering the requiredinformation in the Test Report Section of theG<strong>as</strong>fitting (Compliance) Notice. If the informationis not supplied or is incorrect, a GSA will not beissued.For test pressures exceeding 10 kPa, and wherea manometer test is not suitable, a Test Sheetmust be completed by the installer and submittedwith the G<strong>as</strong>fitting (Compliance) Notice to verifythat a successful test h<strong>as</strong> been carried out to theappropriate standard (AS 5601).Test Reports are also required where additionalwork h<strong>as</strong> been carried out and g<strong>as</strong> is alreadyavailable. This will mean that older styles ofG<strong>as</strong>fitting Notice are obsolete and may not beaccepted if submitted without a Test report.G<strong>as</strong>fitting Notices and a sample Test Sheet areavailable from the ESV web site. Look under thetab ‘For G<strong>as</strong> Professionals’, and then ‘ComplianceCertificates and G<strong>as</strong>fitting Notices’. They are alsoavailable at selected plumbing supplies,ESV offices, most PIC Regional Offices.If further explanation or clarification is required,ple<strong>as</strong>e call the G<strong>as</strong> technical Help Line on1800 652 563.Principal SponsorAhead of April’s <strong>Safe</strong>ty In Action workplacesafety trade show, Work<strong>Safe</strong> <strong>Victoria</strong> h<strong>as</strong>stressed the need for industry to stay abre<strong>as</strong>tof the latest safety me<strong>as</strong>ures.“Everyone in the workplace should have aninterest in health and safety. <strong>Safe</strong>ty in Action2008 will give you the opportunity to learn thelatest and stay up to date,” said John Merritt,Executive Director of Work<strong>Safe</strong> <strong>Victoria</strong>.“Events like this expose you to a hub ofexpertise and information designed to helpyou keep your workers and business safe.”g<strong>as</strong> appliancesin residentialgaragesA number of conditions must be metwhen installing a g<strong>as</strong> appliance ina residential garage. The preferredmethod is to install a room-sealedappliance (one designed to take itscombustion air from outside andremove the products of combustionto outside).For other appliances -> the burner and any pilot orcombustion air intake must be450 mm above floor level; or> a permanent, sealed, wall at le<strong>as</strong>t450 mm high must be erected aroundthe appliance. The location of thewall must allow adequate access forlighting and servicing the appliance.> there must be a warning sign tothe effect that that flammablevapours are not permitted within3 metres of the appliance.Always ensure that the applianceis protected from vehicle damage.For further details, refer to AS 5601,G<strong>as</strong> Installations, or call the G<strong>as</strong>Technical Helpline on 1800 652 563.Organiser of <strong>Safe</strong>ty In Action and MelbourneMaterials Handling, Marie Kinsella, said thepractical nature of workplace safety meant thatit w<strong>as</strong> important for anyone concerned withsafety to be aware of the spread of solutionson offer.“The bottom line is that you need to be ableto demonstrate you’ve taken all re<strong>as</strong>onablesteps to make your workplace safe, which inturn means you can’t afford to overlook newsolutions <strong>as</strong> they come onto the market,” shesaid. “In practice, staying across everything isa huge undertaking, which is why we get 350or more safety suppliers in one spot everyyear at <strong>Safe</strong>ty In Action.”Ms Kinsella said the 12,000 square metres ofthe <strong>Safe</strong>ty In Action and Melbourne MaterialsHandling shows w<strong>as</strong> allocated to ensure <strong>as</strong>pread of specialists.Visit <strong>Safe</strong>ty In Action and Melbourne MaterialsHandling, which run from April 29 to May 1 atthe Melbourne Exhibition Centre. The <strong>Safe</strong>tyInstitute of Australia will host the concurrent<strong>Safe</strong>ty In Action conference sponsored byWork<strong>Safe</strong> <strong>Victoria</strong> and featuring 70 speakersincluding former Telstra chief, Ziggy Switkowski.For more information, phone AustralianExhibitions & Conferences on 03 9654 7773,email safety@aec.net.au or visitwww.safetyinaction.net.au
split system airconditioners– clearancesto g<strong>as</strong> metersSplit system air conditioners are very popularbut selecting an appropriate external locationcan be challenging.ESV and the g<strong>as</strong> distribution companies havebecome concerned at the number beinginstalled adjacent to g<strong>as</strong> meters.Generally there is no hazard under normaloperating circumstances. However, most g<strong>as</strong>pressure regulators (located at the inlet to themeter) have a relief function. This means that if afault condition occurs, an amount of g<strong>as</strong> will berele<strong>as</strong>ed to atmosphere. The air conditionercan then act <strong>as</strong> a point of ignition for theescaping g<strong>as</strong>.As a general rule of thumb, an air conditionermust not be installed within 1 metre of a g<strong>as</strong>meter <strong>as</strong>sembly or its proposed location.A similar hazard affects LP G<strong>as</strong> installations,but a much greater clearance is required,depending on the type of cylinder installed.In-situ fill cylinders require a clearance of 3.5metres at ground level, and for exchangecylinders it is 1.5 metres.Failure to observe these clearances couldresult in g<strong>as</strong> supply being withdrawn.g<strong>as</strong> heating inoutdoor situationsOutdoor heating in restaurants and clubs is becoming more popular,especially in are<strong>as</strong> being created for smokers. The use of differenttypes of heaters in locations that are some times questionable isbecoming more prevalent.If appliances are being considered for installation in locations that they were not originallydesigned for, contact should be made with ESV before work commences. In some instancesagreement will have to be obtained from the manufacturer but the general requirements ofinstallation instructions must be adhered to.Even with the manufacturer’s agreement, any variation from the installation instructions musthave ESV approval.Appliances certified only for indoor use may be acceptable in qu<strong>as</strong>i-outdoor situations providedweather protection is adequate. Such approval will be considered on a c<strong>as</strong>e by c<strong>as</strong>e b<strong>as</strong>is.Special care would need to be taken in regards to any electrical connections.Some of the installations that ESV h<strong>as</strong> been <strong>as</strong>ked to accept but rejected had inadequateclearances, insufficient heights for the output of the heater, unacceptable access for servicingor poor flue discharge methods.Remember it’s better to check whether the installation would be acceptable rather thanrisking having g<strong>as</strong> supply refused or even worse, creating a potential hazard.Call the G<strong>as</strong> Technical Help Line on 1800 652 563 for advice.Handy safety hint. Tell your customerIf an appliance needs adjusting or cleaning, switch offthe power and pull out the plug – but not by the cord.23SUMMER/AUTUMN 2008 ISSUE 11
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