Gas Safety Certificate Perth: What You Need to Know

If you've had any gas work done in Perth, you should have received a gas compliance certificate. But many homeowners don't fully understand what these certificates mean, when they're required, or why they matter.

A gas compliance certificate isn't just paperwork—it's legal proof that your gas installation or repair meets Australian safety standards. Without one, you could face problems selling your home, insurance claims being rejected, or worse, living with a dangerous gas installation.

This guide explains everything Perth homeowners need to know about gas compliance certificates: what they are, when you need one, what they cover, legal requirements, and what to do if you don't have certificates for past work.

A gas compliance certificate (formally called a "Certificate of Compliance for Gas Fitting Work") is an official document certifying that gas work has been completed to Australian Standard AS/NZS 5601.

Who issues them:

Only licensed gas fitters can issue gas compliance certificates. In WA, gas fitters are licensed by Building and Energy (formerly EnergySafety).

What the certificate confirms: - Work was performed by a licensed gas fitter - Installation meets Australian safety standards - All gas connections are leak-free - Gas appliance is safe to operate - Work complies with current regulations

Information included on the certificate: - Gas fitter's license number and details - Date of work - Property address - Description of work performed - Appliance details (type, brand, model) - Test results (pressure test, leak test) - Gas fitter's signature - Unique certificate number

Certificate types:

Installation certificates: - New gas appliance installations - Gas line extensions - New gas connections to properties

Alteration certificates: - Relocating gas appliances - Modifying gas lines - Upgrading gas systems

Service/repair certificates: - Some repairs require certificates - Annual servicing may include certification - Any work involving gas connections

Digital certificates:

WA now uses a digital certificate system. Your gas fitter submits the certificate electronically, and you receive a copy. These are stored in a government database.

Understanding when certificates are legally required helps you know your rights:

ALWAYS required for:

New installations: - Installing any new gas appliance - Connecting a property to gas supply - Adding gas points for future appliances - Installing gas hot water systems - Installing gas heating (ducted or otherwise) - Installing gas cooktops, ovens, or ranges - Installing gas fireplaces

Relocating or altering: - Moving gas appliances to new locations - Extending gas lines - Replacing gas appliances (even like-for-like) - Modifying existing gas installations

Major repairs involving gas connections: - Replacing heat exchangers - Replacing gas valves - Repairing gas leaks - Work involving disconnecting and reconnecting gas

NOT always required for:

Minor servicing: - Routine cleaning and maintenance - Replacing parts that don't involve gas connections - Filter changes - Thermostat adjustments

However: A good gas fitter will provide a service report even if a formal certificate isn't legally required.

When in doubt: If gas connections are disturbed in any way, a compliance certificate should be issued. If your gas fitter doesn't offer one, ask for it.

WA has specific laws governing gas work and compliance certificates:

Gas Fitting Regulations:

In Western Australia, the Gas Standards (Gas Fittings and Consumer Gas Installations) Regulations 1999 govern gas work.

Key legal requirements:

1. Only licensed gas fitters can do gas work - Illegal for anyone else to work on gas installations - Includes homeowners (can't DIY gas work) - Penalties: Up to $50,000 fines

2. Certificates must be issued within 7 days - Gas fitter must provide certificate within 7 days of completing work - Certificate must be submitted to Building and Energy - Homeowner should receive a copy immediately or within days

3. Records must be kept - Building and Energy maintains database of all certificates - Homeowners should keep copies for property records - Required for insurance and home sales

Rental property requirements:

Landlord obligations: - Ensure all gas appliances are maintained - Provide compliance certificates for any work done - Keep records of gas safety inspections - In some states (VIC, ACT), gas safety checks are mandatory every 2 years for rentals - WA doesn't have this requirement yet, but it's considered best practice

Tenant obligations: - Report gas faults immediately - Don't attempt DIY gas repairs - Allow access for maintenance

Home sale requirements:

While not legally mandatory in WA for all home sales, buyers often request: - Proof of gas compliance certificates for appliances - Recent gas safety inspection - Documentation of gas system maintenance

Failure to provide these can: - Delay or derail sales - Reduce property value - Give buyers negotiation leverage

Insurance implications:

Most home insurance policies require: - Gas work performed by licensed professionals - Compliance certificates for installations

Without certificates: - Claims may be denied - Coverage may be void - You could be personally liable for damages

Understanding what's actually being certified helps you appreciate its importance:

Safety testing performed:

Leak detection testing: - All connections tested with electronic leak detector - Soap bubble test for visible confirmation - No leaks found before certificate issued

Pressure testing: - Gas system tested at required pressure - Holds pressure for required duration - Confirms system integrity

Ventilation checking: - Adequate ventilation for appliance type - Flue system functioning correctly (if applicable) - Combustion air supply adequate

Appliance operation: - Appliance ignites properly - Burner flames correct color (blue, not yellow) - Safety devices functioning - Controls operating correctly

Installation standards verified:

Correct appliance positioning: - Minimum clearances maintained - Proper support and securing - Accessible for servicing

Proper gas line sizing: - Pipe diameter adequate for appliance - Gas pressure sufficient - Flow rate meets requirements

Appropriate materials used: - Approved pipe materials - Correct fittings and connections - Proper flexible hose if used (approved for gas)

Safety devices installed: - Isolation valves accessible - Tempering valves (hot water systems) - Pressure relief valves - Emergency shutdown accessible

What certificate does NOT guarantee:

Not a maintenance report: - Doesn't confirm overall appliance condition - Only certifies the installation/work done - Doesn't predict future problems

Not an ongoing warranty: - Valid only at time of issue - Later modifications or damage not covered - Normal wear and tear not covered

Not a substitute for regular servicing: - Appliances still need periodic maintenance - Certificates don't eliminate need for servicing

Not all certificates are legitimate. Here's how to verify yours:

Check the gas fitter's license:

Building and Energy WA license search: - Visit: building.wa.gov.au - Search licensed gas fitters - Enter license number from certificate - Verify license is current and valid

What to check: - License is currently valid (not expired or suspended) - Licensed for type of work performed - Name matches person who did work

Certificate details to verify:

Must include: - Gas fitter name, license number, and signature - Date work was completed - Property address - Specific work description - Appliance details - Test results - Certificate serial number

Red flags: - Missing any required information - Appears to be a photocopy or template - No test results documented - Gas fitter license number seems wrong format - Date doesn't match when work was done

Checking the database:

Building and Energy maintains records of certificates submitted: - You can request confirmation of certificate - Call Building and Energy: 1300 489 099 - Provide certificate number and address - They can confirm if certificate was lodged

If certificate seems suspicious:

1. Contact Building and Energy to verify 2. Check gas fitter license validity 3. Request new certificate if current one invalid 4. Report unlicensed gas work

Time limits:

Certificates don't expire, but: - Only prove work was compliant when done - Later modifications may require new certificates - Very old certificates less valuable (standards change)

Missing gas compliance certificates is common in older homes. Here's what to do:

For recent work (last 7 years):

Contact the original gas fitter: - They should have records - Can issue duplicate certificate - May charge small fee ($20-$50)

Check Building and Energy records: - They keep database of submitted certificates - Call 1300 489 099 - Provide property address and approximate date - They can confirm certificates on file

For older work (7+ years ago):

Grandfather clause: Work completed many years ago doesn't require retrospective certification if: - It was compliant at the time - No apparent safety issues - System working properly

However: You may still want documentation for: - Home sales - Insurance claims - Peace of mind

Options:

1. Gas safety inspection: - Licensed gas fitter inspects system - Provides safety report (not a compliance certificate) - Confirms current condition - Cost: $120-$200 - Acceptable to most buyers and insurers

2. Recommissioning certificate: - If modifications or repairs needed anyway - Gas fitter can provide new certificate for that work - Brings system up to current standards

3. Full recertification: - Gas fitter tests entire system - If everything meets current standards, may provide certification - Cost: $200-$400 depending on complexity

When selling your home:

If you can't provide certificates: - Be transparent with buyers - Offer gas safety inspection - May need to adjust price - Consider getting inspection before listing

Building new home or major renovation:

All new gas work requires certificates—no exceptions.

For rental properties:

Landlords should: - Keep all certificates on file - Get gas safety inspections if certificates missing - Document all gas work - Maintain proper records for tenant safety and legal compliance

Understanding the certification process and costs:

Certificate costs:

Included in work: Most gas fitters include the compliance certificate in their quote: - Installation work: Certificate included - Repair work: Certificate included if required - No separate charge

If charged separately: - Certification fee: $0-$50 - Some gas fitters charge small admin fee - Should be disclosed in quote

For standalone certification: - Gas safety inspection: $120-$200 - Recommissioning certification: $150-$250 - Full system audit and certification: $200-$400

The certification process:

Step 1: Work completion - Gas fitter completes installation/repair - Cleans up work area

Step 2: Testing - Pressure testing of system - Leak detection testing - Operational testing of appliance - Safety device verification

Step 3: Documentation - Gas fitter completes certificate - Records all required information - Signs and dates certificate

Step 4: Submission - Certificate submitted electronically to Building and Energy - Must be within 7 days of work completion

Step 5: Your copy - You receive copy of certificate - Usually same day or within days - Digital copy typically provided

Step 6: Record keeping - Keep certificate with property records - File with appliance manuals and warranties - Have available for home sales, insurance

Timeline: - Certificate issued: Same day as work - Submitted to Building and Energy: Within 7 days - Your copy: Immediately or within a few days

What to do when you receive your certificate:

1. Check all details are correct (address, date, work description) 2. Verify gas fitter details included 3. Keep in safe place (digital and physical copies) 4. Add to property file with other important documents 5. Keep with appliance warranty information

Gas compliance certificates protect everyone—homeowners, gas fitters, and the community. Here's what you need to know:

Your rights:

You have the right to: - Receive a compliance certificate for all required gas work - Verify your gas fitter's license - Receive the certificate within 7 days - Request a copy if lost - Report unlicensed gas work

Your responsibilities:

You must: - Only use licensed gas fitters - Keep certificates for property records - Provide certificates when selling property - Maintain gas appliances regularly - Report gas faults promptly

Never: - Attempt DIY gas work (illegal and dangerous) - Use unlicensed workers for gas jobs - Ignore gas safety concerns - Accept work without proper certification

Red flags to watch for:

Be suspicious if: - Gas fitter won't provide license number - No certificate offered after installation - Work seems very cheap (cutting corners?) - Paid cash with no receipt or certificate - Can't verify license online

Key takeaways:

1. Always use licensed gas fitters - it's the law and protects you 2. Always get a certificate for installations and alterations 3. Keep certificates in property records 4. Verify licenses using Building and Energy website 5. Gas safety inspections can substitute for missing old certificates 6. Certificates matter for sales, insurance, and safety

Need gas work done in Perth?

We're fully licensed gas fitters (check our license anytime at building.wa.gov.au). Every job includes:

- Full compliance certificate issued same day - Digital and physical copies provided - Certificate lodged with Building and Energy - All work guaranteed to meet Australian standards - Public liability insurance - Written quotes before starting work

Don't risk unlicensed gas work. Call us today for professional, certified gas fitting services across Perth metro.

Your safety and compliance are guaranteed!