Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board
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AUTHORISATION CARDS

Hiring a plumber, gasfitter
or drainlayer?


First check to see if they are
authorised to undertake the work
by asking to see their card.

All authorised tradespeople must carry
their authorisation card issued by the Board.

The card also details what a person's supervision requirements are, if any (on the reverse).

You can also check to see if a person is authorised on our online register or phone
us on 0800 743 262.

  
Public > Gasfitting

Gasfitting

Gas extracted from the ground from fossilised reserves has been used in New Zealand for many years, beginning with coal gas around the turn of the century. Natural gas and LPG have replaced coal gas and are used widely for water heating, cooking, space heating and commercial and industrial processes. Although natural gas and LPG are an efficient energy source, they do pose a risk of fire or explosion if installed or used in an inappropriate manner.

But it is not just the fuel gas itself that is a hazard. When fuel gas is burnt it produces by-products. If the appliance is burning efficiently then the by-product is largely carbon dioxide, however if there are problems with the burning of the fuel gas the by-product can be carbon monoxide which is lethal if inhaled over time. This is why it is important that only highly skilled authorised gasfitters undertake gasfitting

Regular maintenance of all gas appliances is recommended at least once a year and must be undertaken by a person authorised by the Board.



What is gasfitting?

Gasfitting is any work involved in installing, altering or repairing gas appliances including the fixing or unfixing of any gas pipes, ventilation or flue pipes, commissioning gas appliances and ensuring their safe operation (including the testing, setting, checking and adjusting of safety devices, combustion conditions and controls associated with the gas installation and ensuring there is adequate ventilation).

Gasfitting includes work on appliances fitted to ships, boats, caravans, motorhomes, trains and any other vehicles, and also includes work on gas appliances fixed within buildings that are supplied by gas bottles of any size.

People who are not gasfitters are able to work on portable gas appliances which have the gas bottle attached such as barbecues, cabinet heaters and patio heaters, although the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board strongly recommends that a gasfitter is used.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If 100kg of LPG is stored on any site, the site itself must be certified by an Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA) site certifier. This may entail changes to the location of the bottles, or further building development on the site. For further information please visit ERMA

How is gasfitting defined in the Act?



Who can undertake gasfitting work?

 
Authorisation type
Licence category Certifying gasfitter

This is the highest qualification available. These people are responsible for ensuring both their own work, and the work of anyone they supervise is done competently.

Licensed gasfitter

These people are qualified and licensed but must be supervised by a certifying person who is ultimately responsible for ensuring the work is done competently.

Limited certificate trainee gasfitter

These are people who are working towards becoming qualified. They can do the work but a certifying person must ensure it is done competently.
Exemption for gasfitting under supervision Exemption 20

These people are not registered and don't have a full qualification, but they can do gasfitting work within the scope of the exemption that has been granted.

Exemption 21

These people are not registered and don't have a full qualification, but they can do gasfitting work provided they are supervised by a certifying person, who must ensure that the work is done competently.


Further information on living safely with gas in NZ

Here are a range of resources containing important safely information for households where gas appliances are installed:



 This leaflet, produced by Energy Safety and in association with PGDB, contains important safety information for households where gas appliances are installed.

This leaflet, produced by Energy Safety, explains the roles and activities of the different agencies involved in the safety of gas.
 
 

 Visit Energy Safety for more information about consumer safety