Gas Appliance Installation — Safe Work Method Statement
Safe Work Method Statement for installing and replacing Type A gas appliances such as cooktops, ovens, space heaters, wall furnaces and continuous-flow water heaters, including flueing, ventilation, leak testing and combustion and spillage testing.
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This template is for installing and replacing gas appliances on an existing gas supply: cooktops, ovens, upright cookers, space heaters, wall furnaces, decorative fires and instantaneous water heaters. For new consumer piping and pressure testing of the whole installation, use a gas fitting template as well. Appliance installation is often classed as HRCW because purging and leak testing can create a flammable atmosphere, so this template lists that type. Work on roofs to fit flues adds a fall risk over 2 metres.
The hazards that injure people from appliance work are often after the installer leaves. A badly installed flue, a blocked flue, an appliance installed without enough ventilation, or an exhaust fan that pulls combustion products back into a room can cause carbon monoxide poisoning, which has killed Australians in their homes. Gas leaks at the new connection can cause fire or explosion. During the job, hazards include moving heavy appliances in tight kitchens, cutting benchtops, working on roofs to fit flue terminals, and clearances to combustible materials such as rangehoods and cabinets.
Gas appliance installation must be done by a licensed gasfitter holding the licence required in your state or territory, and comply with AS/NZS 5601 and the manufacturer's instructions. Appliances must be certified for use in Australia. A compliance certificate or notice is generally required at completion, depending on your state. Electrical connection of appliances that need a new circuit or hardwiring needs a licensed electrician.
Your SWMS must cover isolation and leak testing, flue installation and roof access, ventilation and clearances, combustion and spillage testing, and handover to the occupant.
Customise this template with the appliance make, model and gas type, the gas supply pressure, the flue type and termination location, the ventilation provided, the clearances required by the manufacturer, the combustion test instrument and calibration date, and the gasfitter's licence number.
Personal Protective Equipment
High Risk Construction Work Types
- •Work in an area that may have a contaminated or flammable atmosphere
Risk Assessment
1.Pre-installation check of supply, location and ventilation
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appliance installed where flue, ventilation or clearances cannot be met | High | Check the proposed location against the manufacturer's instructions and AS/NZS 5601 before starting: clearances to rangehoods, cabinets and combustibles, flue terminal distances from windows, doors and boundaries, and room ventilation for flueless appliances. Do not install where requirements cannot be met; tell the customer in writing. | Low | Licensed Gasfitter |
| Supply pipe too small for the new appliance load | Moderate | Check the total connected load and pipe sizing against the new appliance's input. Upgrade pipework if pressure at the appliance will be below the manufacturer's requirement under full load. | Low | Licensed Gasfitter |
2.Isolation and removal of existing appliance
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gas release when disconnecting the old appliance | High | Turn off the appliance isolation valve or meter valve and confirm gas is off by trying to light a burner. Cap or plug the open line immediately after disconnection. Monitor with a gas detector. No naked flames or sparks in the area. | Low | Licensed Gasfitter |
| Back injury moving old ovens, cookers and heaters | Moderate | Remove oven doors and racks to reduce weight. Use two people and an appliance trolley. Protect floors and plan the exit path. | Low | Licensed Gasfitter |
3.Installing the appliance and flue
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall from roof while installing or extending a flue | High | Plan roof access before the job. Use a secured ladder extending at least 1 metre above the gutter. Where there is a risk of falling more than 2 metres, use edge protection or a fall arrest system to AS/NZS 1891 anchored to a rated anchor. Do not work on wet or steep roofs without the right controls. | Low | Licensed Gasfitter |
| Flue joints separating or spilling combustion products into the roof or room | Catastrophic | Use the flue system the manufacturer specifies, with joints sealed and supported at the required intervals, the correct slope and the terminal at the required height and clearance. Fit a flue cowl to keep out birds and rain. | Low | Licensed Gasfitter |
| Cuts from sheet metal flues and benchtop cut-outs | Moderate | Wear cut-resistant gloves when handling flue sections. Use the right saw for the benchtop material with dust extraction, and wear glasses and hearing protection. | Low | Licensed Gasfitter |
4.Gas connection and leak testing
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leak at the new connection causing fire or explosion | Catastrophic | Use connectors and hoses approved for the appliance and location. Leak test the connection and the consumer piping as required by AS/NZS 5601, using a manometer test and leak detection solution on joints. Do not use a flame to find leaks. | Low | Licensed Gasfitter |
| Ignition during purging of air from the line | High | Purge to a safe, ventilated location or through the burner as the manufacturer instructs, with ignition sources removed. Monitor the area with a gas detector. | Low | Licensed Gasfitter |
5.Commissioning, combustion and spillage testing
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon monoxide from incorrect burner pressure or combustion | Catastrophic | Set the burner pressure to the data plate. Check flame appearance on every burner and measure CO with a calibrated combustion analyser where the manufacturer or state rules require. Do not leave an appliance operating if CO readings are above limits. | Low | Licensed Gasfitter |
| Combustion products spilling into the room due to negative pressure | Catastrophic | For open-flued appliances, carry out a spillage test with all exhaust fans, rangehoods and clothes dryers running and doors closed, following the procedure your state requires. If spillage occurs, isolate the appliance and do not leave it operating. | Low | Licensed Gasfitter |
6.Handover and compliance
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Occupant unaware of safe use or warning signs | Moderate | Show the occupant how to operate and turn off the appliance, explain that it needs regular servicing, and point out signs of a problem (yellow flames, soot, smell of gas, headaches). Recommend a CO alarm for flued or flueless heaters. | Low | Licensed Gasfitter |
| Non-compliant installation not recorded | Low | Complete and lodge the compliance certificate or notice required in your state, and leave the manufacturer's instructions with the occupant. | Low | Licensed Gasfitter |
Relevant Codes of Practice
Worker Acknowledgement
By signing below, I confirm that I have read, understood and agree to comply with this Safe Work Method Statement.