Obligations for Gas Installations
196. Regulation 12(1) requires every person who installs a gas installation to comply with Part 1 of NZS 5261 Gas installation. NZS 5261, however, does not apply to gas installations for which the supply pressure exceeds 700 kPa.
197. The Ministry considers that the regulatory requirements could be extended to cover high pressure gas installations also. Two options are thus proposed:
Proposal 1
Carry forward the current regulatory requirements of existing regulation 12.
Proposal 2
Amend the obligation in current regulation 12(1) to be more general so that installers and importers of installations are required to meet a set of essential installation safety requirements.
The essential installation safety requirements would embrace the following:
- safety is maintained throughout the construction and commissioning of the installation;
- all practicable steps are taken to ensure the completed installation is safe when used. All practicable steps include, but is not limited to:
- design;
- competency; and
- reference to Standards for compliance, e.g. NZS 5261
- safety of the installation addresses, but is not be limited to:
- the type and specification of gas that might be used in the system;
- degradation of the installation during use; and
- instructions to users for use and maintenance of the installations.
Questions
- Which of the proposals do you consider the most appropriate?
- Are there other aspects that need to be taken into consideration?
Imported Installations
Proposal
To set a high level safety obligation, accompanied by reference to the Standard "NZS 5428:2006 LPG installation for non-propulsive purposes in caravans and boats" as a means of compliance, where appropriate.
198. Current regulation 12 sets out requirements for persons who install gas installations in New Zealand. There is, however, no equivalent obligation that addresses imported gas installations, for example, those in caravans, boats and motor homes. Given that imported installations will be operating on New Zealand's LPG supply there should be some obligation regarding the safety of such installations (including the suitability of appliances in the installation). It is also noted that installations may be imported as prefabricated buildings and these will need to comply with the relevant requirements in New Zealand, which will include certification.
199. Accordingly, it is proposed to set a high level safety obligation, accompanied by reference to the Standard "NZS 5428:2006 LPG installation for non-propulsive purposes in caravans and boats" as a means of compliance, where appropriate.
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