Unsafe gas purging practices

What happened?

A licensed gas installer sustained burns to his face, hands and legs from a 'flash over' fire caused by a build-up of LP gas in a plant room.

How did it happen?

A licensed gas installer conducted an unsafe purge practice during the commissioning of a LP gas system in a nursing home plant room. The concentration of air/gas mixture released into the room through the unsafe purge method exceeded safe levels. After completing the pipework purge, the installer attempted to ignite the hot water units. This ignited the gas build-up in the plant room resulting in a 'flash-over' fire and injuries to the installer.

Key issues

The gas system was not purged in accordance with a safe 'purge procedure'.
Large volume installations should only be purged directly to outside atmosphere.
The unsafe purge process conducted allowed a build-up of gas within the plant room.
The hot water unit was turned on before it was established any gas released during the purge had dispersed.
The hot water unit ignited the build-up of gas resulting in a 'flash-over' fire.

Recommendations

Gas Work license holders should ensure they are familiar with the principals of purging.
Gas work license holders should undertake refresher training if they are not confident in purging methods.

Investigations are ongoing and further information may be published as it becomes available. The information in this publication is what is known at the time of writing.

We issue Safety Notices to draw attention to the occurrence of a serious incident, raise awareness of risks, and prompt assessment of your existing controls.

Comments

Purging is carried out to avoid the possibility of an explosive air/gas mixture existing or forming in piping, appliances or confined spaces. Purging is required when commissioning or decommissioning a gas system, part of a gas system or a gas appliance. Purging is the displacement of—
(a) air, or an inert gas, by a fuel gas; or
(b) a fuel gas by air, or an inert gas.
Note: Nitrogen is the preferred inert gas.

Smaller volume gas systems can be purged inline with the methods provided in AS/NZS5601.
Where large volume gas systems (>30ltrs = 0.03m³) are to be purged a specific 'purge procedure' will be required.

References and further information

AS/NZS5601.1 Gas installations Part 1 General installations.

Clauses 2.2.2, 2.2.9, 3.3.2, 3.3.3
Appendix D

Authorised by Bill Date - Chief Inspector

Contact: Paul Beaumont, Principal Inspector (Gas Work) , +61 7 5459 6189 gassafe@dnrme.qld.gov.au

Issued by Queensland Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy

Safety: This information is a guide only and is issued to promote safety through experience. It is not to be taken as a statement of law and must not be construed to waive or modify any legal obligation.

Placement: Place this announcement on noticeboards and ensure all relevant people in your organisation receive a copy.

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All information on this page (Unsafe gas purging practices - https://www.rshq.qld.gov.au/safety-and-health-alerts/petroleum-and-gas/unsafe-gas-purging-practices) is correct as of time of printing (Nov 12, 2026 5:16 pm).