On 1 March 2023, WA introduced new rules that have improved the process for acquiring a Class I Gasfitting Permit and allow the permit holder to apply to the Electrical Licensing Board for a Restricted Electrical License to work on Type B gas appliances.
These welcome developments, which are designed to improve efficiency without any compromise on safety, are the result of extensive consultations between industry and the Building and Energy Division of the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS).
There are three main parts to these changes, as follows.
- Logbook system for Class I Gasfitting Permit on-the-job training
- Restricted Electrical Licence (REL) for gasfitters working on Type B gas appliances
- Clarification of three pathways to a Class I(a) Gasfitting Permit
Here is an overview of each of these followed by links for further information.
Logbook system for Class I Gasfitting Permit on-the-job training
Under the new rules, there is now a logbook system for keeping a record of the on-the-job training required for a Class I Gasfitting Permit.
A Class I(a) Gasfitting Permit is required to perform work on a consumer’s gas installation associated with a Type B gas appliance.
A Type B gas appliance has a maximum hourly input rate exceeding 10 MJ but is neither a Type A gas appliance nor a mobile engine. Some examples are gas turbines, bake ovens, industrial ovens, heat-treatment furnaces and incinerators.
A Class I(b) gasfitting permit is required to work on gas piping systems operating above 200kPa (except for work covered by Class G, E or P Gasfitting Permits).
From 1 March 2023, anyone who wants to apply for a Class I(a) or Class I(b) Gasfitting Permit must do their on-the-job training under supervision and maintain a logbook. Prior to starting this training, they must obtain a Class I(a) or Class I(b) Gasfitting Permit restricted to working under supervision.
Previously, there was no requirement for a formal record of on-the job training prior to obtaining a Class I Gasfitting Permit. The logbook system is a clear and consistent method for keeping a training record and makes the process of applying for a Permit more efficient.
Restricted Electrical Licence (REL) for gasfitters working on Type B gas appliances
Under the old rules, there was no REL for gasfitters with a Class I Gasfitting Permit. If a gasfitter needed to disconnect or reconnect or perform electrical fault finding on a Type B appliance, they had to engage an electrician. However, because the gasfitter has a better understanding of the appliance and its safety systems, it is safer and more practical for them to do such work themselves if they are competent and trained.
Under the new rules, the Electrical Licensing Board (ELB) has introduced a Restricted Electrical Licence (REL) that allows Class I Gasfitting Permit holders to do electrical work related to disconnecting, reconnecting and troubleshooting a Type B gas appliance.
The first step in obtaining this new REL is for the gasfitter to submit a request to the ELB for a REL System Training Record and Logbook. They must use the logbook to record their supervised on-the-job training and, when ready to apply for the REL, they must also provide evidence they have completed the relevant training modules.
Clarification of three pathways to a Class I(a) Gasfitting Permit
There are three pathways to obtaining a Class I(a) Gasfitting Permit, depending on the scope of work the gasfitter will perform.
- Pathway one - install and commission Type B gas appliance
- Pathway two - service Type B gas appliances
- Pathway three - install, commission and service Type B gas appliance
For more information
See the DMIRS website for information about the Class I Gasfitting Permit and the new logbook and the ELB policy for the new REL.
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