Plumbing and Gas

Plumbing and Gas

The information contained in this fact sheet is designed to assist food stall holders with Plumbing, Gas and Electrical Installation compliance.

Plumbing and Gas

1.Minor storage of LP Gas – Stall holders with portable gas appliances and cylinder storage must comply with the below requirements set out below:-

  • Gas bottle to have a date stamp less than 10 years old.
  • When storing LP Gas cylinders in-doors, the space needs to be adequately ventilated.
  • Cylinders to be kept upright and away from any flame, heat or other ignition sources.
  • Cylinders to be protected from excessive temperature increase.
  • Any cage or trolley cylinders are stored in is to be constructed in metal and protected from physical damage.
  • Cylinders are to be stored in a way that does not hinder the escape of people in an emergency situation.
  • Cylinders to be kept at least 3 meters away from oxidizing gases, except when being used in combination for oxy-fuel.
  • Cylinder valves are to be closed when not in use.
  • Cylinders should be checked for leaks after installation and prior to the first use;
  • For events that have more than 10 marquees and LP Gas is being used, the maximum amount of marquees that can be grouped together is 10. There should be at least 10 meters clear space between each group of 10 marquees.

2.Gas Instillation – All fixed/temporary gas installations must be performed by an ACT licensed gasfitter. A brief overview of the requirements for compliance are set out below:-

  • Stall holders with 45kg Exchange or In-situ fill cylinders (see example pictured below) piped to multiple gas appliance, must use an ACT licensed gasfitter endorsed in LPG vapour phase to certify the installation. Please note a fee for the ‘Gas Start of Work Notice’ which includes the gas certificate of compliance will apply. It is important to engage an ACT gasfitter prior to an event to apply for a permit.
  • Food vans/trailers must be certified from the state or territory they are registered with. Certification must be displayed by a Gas data plate of certification affixed near the LP Gas cylinders or by presenting a gas certificate of compliance when requested by an authorised inspector. Please note if the stall holder cannot present a copy of the gas certificate of compliance or gas data plate, a start of work notice will need to be lodged through an ACT licensed gasfitter. A fee is payable for this application which includes the gas certificate of compliance.

(Pictured above left - 45kg Gas bottle, above right – example gas data plate)

3.Unsafe Portable Gas Cooking Equipment –

  • All gas appliances must be certified for Australian use, this can be quickly identified by looking for a certification badge.
  • The use of portable butane ‘lunchbox’ style gas cookers (also called portable gas barbeques) is not recommended due to many brands not complying with the Australian Safety Standards posing a significant safety risk.

(Pictured above – ‘lunchbox’ cooker)

Electrical

4.Using Pre Existing Power Outlets

  • If you are plugging into pre existing power outlets and are not running multiple power cords then you do not need to engage a licensed electrician.

5.Power Installations –

  • All ‘works’ completed in the ACT are to be by a ACT licensed electrician. An interstate licensed electrician can apply in the ACT for an equivalent licence under mutual recognition.
  • After any works are completed the electrician is required to submit a Certificate of Electrical Safety (CES) form within 14 working days of completion, please note that the form is required to be submitted prior to the event start date.

6.Electrical Leads –

  • All electrical leads must be tested and tagged by a competent person within the last 12 months.
  • Heavy Duty or Commercial use electrical leads must be used. Leads marked with ‘Residential use only’ are not acceptable.
  • Electrical leads/cables being suspended must be hung and supported overhead. The minimum height is 5.5m above vehicles and 2.5m above other areas.
  • Electrical leads/cables being run along the ground must be covered in pedestrian areas so as not to create a trip hazard.
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