Do not install, relocate, alter, repair or certify fixed gas equipment yourself. Use a contractor and gas worker whose current Queensland licences cover the exact work, then keep the compliance certificate.
Off-grid does not mean outside Queensland’s gas-safety rules. A safe installation begins with the right licensed contractor and finishes with testing, certification and records for the owner.
Who can perform the work?
Queensland defines gas work broadly. It includes installing, removing, altering, repairing, servicing, testing or certifying a gas system. Work on ordinary mass-produced Type A appliances—such as cookers and gas hot-water systems—requires the relevant gas work licence. A servicing-only licence does not authorise a new installation or alteration.
The person or company contracting directly with the property owner may also need the appropriate QBCC contractor licence. Check both the contractor and the individual gas worker rather than relying on a logo, invoice or verbal assurance.
BUSINESS QUEENSLANDGas work licence types and their permitted workOpen source ↗QBCCWhen a Queensland contractor licence is requiredOpen source ↗Designing the cylinder installation
A licensed gas fitter must assess the real site: cylinder size and number, building openings, ignition sources, drains and low points, ventilation, access for safe delivery, impact risks, regulators, changeover equipment, pipe sizing, appliance demand and corrosion exposure. Island transport and salt air make accessible isolation, durable components and maintenance records especially important.
There is no single separation distance that is safe for every layout. The applicable legislation, prescribed standards, appliance instructions and the licensed fitter’s assessment determine the installation. Do not copy the cylinder position at another property or move cylinders after certification without professional advice.
BUSINESS QUEENSLANDQueensland gas work, device and installer obligationsOpen source ↗Certificates and records
After completing installation work, the gas worker must issue the owner or operator an original gas system compliance certificate through the RSHQ process. Requirements for physical compliance plates changed in July 2025 and most installations no longer require one, but the certificate remains an essential property record.
Keep the certificate with appliance models, manuals, invoices, regulator details, service history and any defect notices. Before buying or renting, ask for these records and have an appropriately licensed gas fitter inspect older, altered or undocumented work.
BUSINESS QUEENSLANDGas certificates, compliance plates and defect noticesOpen source ↗Cylinder handling and everyday safety
- Keep LPG cylinders upright, secured and protected from damage, heat and ignition sources.
- Do not keep cylinders in enclosed or low-lying spaces where leaked LPG can collect.
- Use cylinders that are in test date and suitable for the installed system; do not improvise fittings or adaptors.
- Keep the area clear of vegetation, rubbish and combustible storage, without blocking ventilation or access.
- Arrange servicing when appliances burn unusually, soot appears, a flame changes, equipment is damaged or the installation has been disturbed.
- Follow the LPG supplier and transport operator’s rules when moving cylinders by road or water.
If you smell gas
Do not operate switches, flames, engines or anything that may create a spark. If it is safe, turn off the cylinder supply, move people away, ventilate from a safe position and contact the gas supplier or a licensed gas fitter. For fire, a strong leak or immediate danger, leave the area and call Triple Zero (000).
A practical property checklist
- Identify every cylinder, regulator, pipe run, isolation valve, appliance and flue.
- Check the gas worker’s RSHQ licence and the contracting party’s QBCC licence where required.
- Request the gas system compliance certificate and records for later alterations.
- Confirm cylinder-delivery access and who supplies, exchanges or refills cylinders.
- Ask a licensed fitter whether the installation remains compliant with its present surroundings and use.
- Budget for inspection, servicing, regulators, corrosion, appliance replacement and island transport.
Scope and corrections
This guide summarises public Queensland guidance and does not certify a particular installation or replace a licensed gas fitter’s site assessment. Requirements can depend on the equipment, quantity, site and work proposed. Send a sourced correction to ops@southstradbroke.co.