Gasfitter compliance and regulatory obligations
Learn about what gasfitting work includes and your obligations as a gasfitter working in NSW.
What is gasfitting work?
In NSW, you must be licensed to complete any gasfitting work as stated in the Gas & Electricity (Consumer Safety) Act 2017.
Gasfitting work means any work involved in:
- the installation, alteration, extension or repair of a gas installation
- the installation, alteration, extension, removal or repair of any flue associated with a gas installation
- the connection or disconnection of a gas container, gas regulator or gas appliance to, or from a gas installation except where it is designed to be readily detachable from the installation. Changing over cylinders is exempt from the definition of gasfitting work.
Gas installation means a system of pipes and associated fittings that are designed to convey gas from the meter control valve or other connection point of a gas container to the control valve or other connection point of a gas appliance or another gas container.
It includes any flue associated with the installation, but does not include a gas container.
Gas appliance means any gas burning or gas using appliance that is manufactured, adapted or designed for connection to a gas installation, whether by means of a gas outlet socket or otherwise.
It includes any liquefied petroleum gas dispenser, catalytic burner or vaporiser, but doesn't include an internal combustion engine that is installed in, or forms part of, a vehicle, vessel, or machine.
Who can do gasfitting work?
In NSW, you need a license or certificate to do any plumbing, draining or gasfitting work regardless of the cost of the work or whether the work is residential, commercial, or industrial.
There are several types of licence available depending on the work you need to do.
You need to be licensed in every category you intend to work in or under either the 'immediate supervision' or 'general supervision' of a person who is appropriately licenced.
Learn more about the licensing and supervision requirements for gasfitting work.
Consumer safety laws
The Gas and Electricity (Consumer Safety) Act 2017 and supporting Gas and Electricity (Consumer Safety) Regulation 2018 started on 1 September 2018.
The legislation consolidates separate electricity and gas laws in NSW and aims to ensure the safe use of gas and electrical goods by consumers.
The Act provides minimum consumer safety standards, outlines requirements for equipment and installations and supports a robust compliance and enforcement regime.
For more information, see the legislation administered by Building Commission NSW page.
Gas compliance requirements
Gasfitters must submit certificates of compliance or certificates of inspection after completing work. This ensures legal compliance, protects customers, and supports safe gas installations.
Certificate of compliance
Gasfitters must provide a certificate of compliance when gasfitting work is carried out on a gas installation connected to a gas network. Within 5 business days after completing work on a network gas installation the gasfitter must:
- test the installation for defects
- submit a certificate of compliance to Building Commission NSW.
Certificate of inspection
Gasfitters must provide a certificate of inspection when gasfitting work is carried out on a gas installation not connected to a gas network. Within 5 business days after completing work on a non-networked gas installation the gasfitter must:
- inspect all gas containers, gas regulators and gas appliances connected to the installation
- test the whole installation for defects
- attach a compliance plate to the installation
- provide a certificate of inspection to the owner of the installation.
The gasfitter must also keep a copy of the certificate of inspection for 5 years.
How to submit certificates of compliance and certificates of inspection
Gasfitters must provide a completed copy of a certificate of compliance or certificate of inspection within 5 business days following any gasfitting work.
Between 1 December 2025 and 1 March 2026
Gasfitters must provide a completed copy of a certificate of compliance or certificate of compliance within 5 business days using the BCNSW eCert portal or the MyInspections gateway following any gasfitting work.
From 1 March 2026
Gasfitters must provide a completed copy of a certificate of compliance or certificate of inspection on the BCNSW eCert portal within 5 business days following any gasfitting work.
MyInspections will no longer be available for submitting gasfitting certificates of compliance and certificates of inspection.
Compliance plates
The requirements for compliance for gas installations have been updated to ensure the numbers better reflect modern appliances. The appliances are now numbered as shown in the table below.
| Type of appliance | Number |
|---|---|
| Stationary engine power generator or air conditioner | 0 |
| Cooktop or wok cooker | 1 |
| Refrigerator or absorption chiller | 2 |
| Instantaneous water, pool or spa heater | 3 |
| Tank hot water heater | 4 |
| Hot plate, grill or BBQ | 5 |
| Oven for baking, curing or drying | 6 |
| Decorative flare or gas light | 7 |
| Room heater or space heater | 8 |
| Other appliance | 9 |
Compliance plates must be in an approved form as per clause 55(1)(a) of the Gas and Electricity (Consumer Safety) Regulation 2018.
Compliance plates can be manufactured as per the approved form specified below:
