Heat and cook safely

Gas is an efficient way to heat your home and cook. Find out how to safely enjoy the benefits of gas

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In the kitchen

See our page on 'Take Care When Cooking' campaign for more information.

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Gas cookers

It is important that your kitchen complies with certain safety standards. Gas cookers and hotplates must have adequate clearance from combustible surfaces, for example:

• Range-hoods must be at least 600mm above the cooking appliance
• Exhaust fans must be 750mm above the appliance
• Burners must have clearances of 200mm, unless the nearby wall or surface is suitably protected.

Gas heating

Gas heating is clean and safe, but appliances require- regular maintenance:

• Have your gas heater serviced, including checking and cleaning the fan, every two years
• Make sure that your heating system is installed and maintained by a licensed gasfitter
• Ask your gasfitter for a Compliance Certificate on completion of any installation work
• Consider replacing old appliances (20+ years)
• Avoid buying second-hand appliances

Prohibited installations

Certain appliances have been prohibited within the home, including:

• A flueless space heater operating on Natural Gas where combustible products are released less than 2.5m above floor level.