Gas systems and appliances affected by flood waters and storms

What happened?

Recent rain, wind and flooding has inundated homes and businesses, potentially affecting gas devices and systems. Gas piping, equipment and appliances that have been immersed in water, subjected to heavy direct rain or dislodged/damaged by high winds should not be used until they have been checked for safe and correct operation.

How did it happen?

An adverse weather system has affected SE Queensland, causing flooding, heavy rain and strong winds.

Key issues

Gas systems, components and fittings that have been inundated with water (by rain or flood) may have residue water within the operating parts and cause the equipment to not work correctly. Water / debris in the breather of a gas pressure regulator may cause fluctuating or no gas pressure or supply to appliances. This can also result in excessive pressure passing to sections of the gas system that is not rated for that pressure.

Gas appliances that have been inundated may have residue water that could cause incorrect and unsafe operation. Incorrect ignition timing can result in explosive and unsafe ignition of the appliance. In addition, water laying within the airway or flueways can cause incomplete combustion of the gas and produce large quantities of carbon-monoxide.

Gas appliances, parts of appliances, or equipment that have been dislodged or moved by strong winds or water may become damaged. This potentially unseen damage can cause gas to leak and / or incorrect and potential unsafe operation. Burners and heat shields within barbecues and other outdoor appliances can become dislodged, causing incorrect or unsafe operation if used. LP Gas cylinders that have moved or dislodged can break or damage gas hose assemblies which may cause a gas leak when used.

Recommendations

If you smell gas call 000.

Contact your gas supplier, if any gas meters, regulators, or LP gas cylinders have been damaged or dislodged.

When safe to do so, check all mobile and portable gas appliances for visible damage and refer to the manufacturer’s assembly and operating instructions to ensure correct and safe assembly.

All gas systems, gas equipment and gas appliances that have been subject to flooding, water inundation, strong winds or damage from debris should be checked by a gas work licence holder for correct and safe operation.

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.

References and further information

Petroleum and Gas (Production and Safety) Act 2004
Petroleum and Gas (Safety) Regulation 2018
For more information on consumer gas safety visit: Gas safety

Authorised by Bill Date - Chief Inspector – Petroleum & Gas

Contact: Paul Beaumont, Principal Inspector (Gas work) , 0481 005 660 Paul.Beaumont@rshq.qld.gov.au

Issued by Resources Safety & Health Queensland

Safety: This information 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.

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All information on this page (Gas systems and appliances affected by flood waters and storms - https://www.rshq.qld.gov.au/safety-notices/petroleum-and-gas/gas-systems-and-appliances-affected-by-flood-waters-and-storms) is correct as of time of printing (Apr 20, 2024 1:49 am).