Gas safety check: appliances & fittings

Gas – natural gas and LPG – is a popular way to provide heat – whether that be for cooking, heating water, or heating your home.

But gas is combustible, so can pose a danger to life if fittings and appliances aren't up to standard.

What are the requirements?

Anyone listing or selling a gas appliance, new or used, must:

Ensure that the product is safe and meets Gas (Safety and Measurement) Regulations 2010.
Have an SDoC – in most cases.
Have a Safety Compliance Label.
Ensure the appliance is functioning safely before offering for sale.

You can't contract out of these requirements with an 'as is' statement.

WorkSafe NZ has a full compliance guide.

What is an SDoC?

A Supplier Declaration of Compliance (SDoC) declares that an item complies with safety standards and has passed a safety test. There must be an issued SDoC when selling or importing any new or used gas appliance or fitting.

You must have access to this documentation and be able to supply it on request.

If you're an importer, you can request the appropriate test reports from your supplier and then fill in an SDOC.

What appliances and fittings need an SDoC?

Any gas appliance or fitting.

Exceptions

Items supplied prior to November 2002,
Items imported for the client's own use (it has not been supplied)
Items endorsed by an approved practitioner.

However, in all cases, it must be safe.

Source: Worksafe NZ

When is an SDoC needed?

Any time you list or sell gas fittings or appliances.

WorkSafe NZ regularly conducts audits and may request SDoC from Trade Me members for inspection. If asked by Trade Me directly, we expect you to supply the appropriate documentation within 24 hours.

If the required documentation isn't supplied, the listings will be removed. If a member repeatedly lists electrical goods without the required paperwork, we may need to suspend or terminate their membership.

Caravans and motorhomes

Many caravans have gas cookers and appliances installed. They are required to be declared to the Gas Appliance Database and have the appropriate documentation. If you're importing a caravan, you must make the declaration before listing the vehicle on Trade Me.

Worksafe has a guide on requirements for caravans and motorhomes.

Concerned about the safety of an item?

Notify our Compliance team via Community Watch.

Find out how

Author

Trust and Safety