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6 8
PLUMBING CONNECTION
SUMMER 2015
SAFETY:
A BURNING ISSUE
H
ere’s a popular paradox that is especially relevant
in today’s fast-moving world: change is the only
constant.
During a discussion about the Type A side of gas installations
and service procedures a friend said ‘we cannot dwell on the
past.’ New technologies and methods should be embraced.
I agreed, because I had attended a training development
group in which we were given the ‘change’ and asked to
expand on what it meant to individuals and groups.
Innovations in any field will always be ahead of the
Standards.
When a product has surfaces that are quite hot during
operation but it meets the Standard for that product, then
the safety criterion is met.
However, if innovation causes heat and potential danger
in areas not normally covered by a Standard, this should be
tackled immediately.
Some readers may recall the article ‘State of Confusion’
in the summer 2014 issue of
Plumbing Connection
. It
included a reference to one of the findings in a report by
the Australian Gas Association as commissioned by the Gas
Technical Regulators Committee regarding carbon monoxide
safety measures:
∫ The level of negative pressure required to cause a flow
reversal when the heater was operating was typically less
than 4Pa and as low as 2Pa in one case. This is what can
happen to a flue that is already warm.
∫ The negative pressure required to prevent normal flow
establishment was, as might be anticipated, even lower at
between 2Pa and 1Pa. This is what can happen when the
flue is cold.
The procedure – described in Appendix R of AS/NZS
5601.1:2013 where all fans had to be turned on prior to
operation of the gas appliance and the flue getting warm –
challenged potential safety aspects for the operator and the
consumer.
The main theme of the ‘State of Confusion’ article was
to highlight the difference between requirements in the
Appendix R spillage test for flued appliances and those in
Gas Information Sheet No. 38 produced by Energy Safe
Victoria (ESV).
They are quite different in their application and in what
plumbers and gasfitters are legally bound to follow.
A recent draft put for public comment on AS/NZS
5601.1:2013 Amd 2:2015 that includes a rewrite of
Appendix R still raises concerns as to its practicality.
CHANGE FOR THE SAKE OF CHANGE CAN LEAD TO RISKY SITUATIONS.
ROGER LAMBIE
OUTLINES SEVERAL
CONCERNS HE SEES ABOUT TESTING FOR CARBON MONOXIDE.
GAS MATTERS
ROGER LAMBIE
Heat exchangers can fail due to cracks or seals opening up
over a period of opertional use.