GIS 03: Protection of Combustible Surfaces

Overview

The protection of combustible surfaces when installing gas appliances is critical for achieving a safe gas installation. This can be achieved by either:

• installing the appliances with the clearances prescribed in AS/NZS 5601 or manufacturers installation instructions (whichever is the greater)
• where these clearances can’t be achieved protecting the combustible surface.

Inadequate protection to the combustible surface can lead to a dangerous gas installation and in worst case scenario result in a fire. This can be avoided if the correct method of providing protection for combustible surfaces is implemented.

When installing fire resistant material

Where the means of compliance is to install fire resistant material, Energy Safe Victoria requires a written confirmation from the manufacturer stating:

“The material complies with the requirements of AS/NZS 5601.1 Appendix C”.

Written confirmation

The written confirmation must:

• Be on the board manufacturer’s or supplier’s letterhead
• Identify the fire resistant material proprietary (brand) name
• State the fire resistant material’s thickness
• State the load bearing or non-load bearing nature of the board and is dated in the same year it is submitted to Energy Safe.

In addition, a Combustible Surfaces Means to Comply Report will need to be provided. This will be issued when Energy Safe set the conditions of acceptance following the review of a gas application.

This form can be completed online via GasTrac or alternatively a printable option is available here:

Energy Safe reminds gasfitters that without the required information we cannot accept your gas installation.

If you’re new to GasTrac, watch our series of GasTrac User videos. These short videos will show you how to register for GasTrac, manage your details and lodge new gas applications.