The Department for Energy and Mining continues to promote the safe and responsible use of electrical, gas and plumbing equipment in South Australia.
Being more aware of your environment, behaviours and product know-how helps you stay safe in your home and the community.
On this page
Barbecue safety
A few simple safety checks means you can enjoy your barbecue safely. Follow these top tips:
Tip 1: Check your LPG cylinder is in date and certified as safe to use.
Tip 2: Check the hose is not cracked, kinked, crushed or stretched before every use.
Tip 3: Use a soapy water solution to spray connection joints to ensure there are no leaks.
Tip 4: Clean drip trays and grills of grease and oil and ensure burners are not blocked.
Tip 5: When you've finished cooking, turn off your gas at the cylinder and then the BBQ.
Keep your outdoor gas appliances outdoors to avoid potential and harmful carbon monoxide poisoning.
Do not use adaptors to connect an old gas cylinder (Type 21 POL) to a new LCC27 appliance. Read more about LPG cylinder valves and the their connection to your appliances: Warning on the use of LP Gas (LPG) cylinder adaptors
Make sure your barbecue is safety certified for use in Australia.
Find more information and tips about barbecue safety on the SA.GOV.AU website
Buying electrical, gas and plumbing appliances online
Follow these top tips to ensure the safety and certification of the products you are considering buying online:
Tip 1: Shop with a reputable Australian-based online seller.
Tip 2: Ask for the product's Australian safety approval.
Tip 3: Check that the safety certificate details match the product's markings and specifications.
Tip 4: Buying or using electrical, gas or plumbing appliances from overseas is not recommended.
Tip 5: Buy electrical, gas or plumbing appliances that have been safety tested and approved for use in Australia.
Find more information and tips on buying electrical and gas appliances on the SA.GOV.AU website
Use a licensed tradie
It is illegal to do your own electrical, gas and plumbing work. These top tips give advice on how and when to use a licensed tradesperson:
Tip 1: Use a licensed tradie who holds an appropriate South Australian trade licence.
Tip 2: Get a certificate of compliance for all gas, electrical and plumbing work.
Tip 3: You can perform some tasks yourself - ensuring the work is safe - such as installing a television, connecting a gas cylinder or installing a garden watering system.
Tip 4: Stop using electrical appliances and call a licensed electrician if you see any damage and/or your circuit breaker keeps tripping.
Tip 5: Turn off your gas supply and call a licensed gas fitter if the gas appliance is burning incorrectly or you see damage to gas pipes.
Get your electrical wiring checked
Many electrical fires are caused by old or faulty wiring that is worn out or unable to cope with the demands of modern electrical equipment. Follow these top tips to help make sure that you keep safe in your home:
Tip 1: Get your electrical wiring checked if your home was built more than 10 years ago.
Tip 2: Make sure you use a licensed tradesperson who holds an appropriate SA trade licence.
Tip 3: Get a certificate of compliance.
Remember:
- Making contact with aged or faulty wiring can be fatal.
- Faulty wiring can cause house fires.
Find more information on certificates of compliance and the work you can and can’t do yourself on the SA.GOV.AU website
For issues with electrical, gas or plumbing tradies, contact the Office of the Technical Regulator
Free gas inspection
Have you recently had gas installation works completed at your home that you are not happy with?
Express your interest for a free gas inspection by an auditor from the Office of the Technical Regulator.
To apply for an inspection:
- Have a copy of the Electronic Certificate of Compliance (eCoC) the gas fitter supplied, with the eCoC number.
- Make sure you have the correct email address the gas fitter sent the eCoC to.
- Use this link to express your interest in getting a free gas inspection
If you don't have the above information but believe your gas installation is unsafe, contact the Office of the Technical Regulator as soon as possible.
Hot water safety
Hot water scalding can occur when the temperature from a hot water tap is set too high.
It can take just five seconds at 60ºC to scald an adult with third-degree burns - and one second for a child. Follow these top tips to keep you and your family safe:
Tip 1: The maximum bathing temperature recommended for young children is 37ºC to 39ºC.
Tip 2: Hot water needs to be stored in a hot water system at 60ºC to prevent stagnation and bacteria growth.
Tip 3: Ensure you have a thermostatically controlled tap or a tempering valve installed.
Tip 4: All water temperature devices require regular maintenance and testing by a licensed plumber.
Tip 5: Over 90% of hot water accidents happen in the home, ensure you always run cold water first and never leave a child alone in the bathroom.
Find more information and tips on hot water safety on the SA.GOV.AU website
More electricity and gas safety information
Information on buying appliances, safety systems and other advice related to using electricity, gas and hot water safely, is available on the SA.GOV.AU website.
Lithium ion batteries
Lithium ion batteries feature in a number of household devices because of their high power and capacity, and their fast-charging capability.
Information about using lithium ion battery products safely is available from the SA.GOV.AU website.
