COURSE OVERVIEW:

Welcome to the Fire Safety & Emergency Evacuation for Gas Plumbing Operations course. This program will provide you with the knowledge and practical skills required to manage fire safety risks and emergency procedures specific to gas plumbing environments.

Gas fitting and installation tasks present unique fire hazards due to the presence of flammable fuels, pressurised systems, and confined workspaces. Embedding fire prevention and emergency preparedness into daily operations is essential to protect workers, meet legal and regulatory obligations, and ensure rapid, coordinated responses during fire-related incidents.

This course begins by highlighting the importance of fire safety in gas plumbing operations. Participants will gain an understanding of the inherent fire risks associated with gas installations, including ignition sources, gas accumulation, and uncontrolled leaks. Emphasis is placed on legal responsibilities under WHS legislation, gas safety regulations, and fire codes to ensure that all gas plumbing professionals meet their duty of care and compliance requirements on every site.

Understanding how fires start and spread is foundational to fire prevention. This section introduces the fire triangle—fuel, heat, and oxygen—and examines how these elements interact in gas-rich environments. Participants will explore common sources of ignition on gas plumbing sites, such as power tools, pilot lights, or static discharge, and learn how LPG and natural gas behave in enclosed or open-air settings, increasing awareness of the physical properties that influence fire risk.

Accurate identification of fire hazards is a vital step in controlling risk. This section teaches participants how to recognise faulty joints, unsealed pipework, poorly handled gas cylinders, and hazardous environments like roof cavities or underfloor areas. Emphasis is placed on early detection and proactive hazard management to reduce fire potential during gas works.

Compliance with standards is non-negotiable in fire safety. This section outlines the Australian Standards relevant to gas installations—particularly AS/NZS 5601—as well as key fire safety codes and building regulations. Participants will also understand the role of WHS legislation in defining fire prevention duties for employers, workers, and contractors operating on gas plumbing worksites.

Risk assessments must be tailored to the job. This section covers how to conduct site-specific fire risk assessments before starting gas plumbing tasks, evaluate the likelihood and severity of fire scenarios, and implement controls that mitigate those risks. These steps are essential to reducing exposure and protecting both property and personnel.

Safe handling and storage of gas cylinders is essential for fire prevention. Participants will learn the correct procedures for securing cylinders, ensuring proper ventilation, maintaining separation from ignition sources, and complying with labelling and orientation requirements in accordance with code.

During installation, fire risk must be carefully controlled. This section provides instruction on sealing and purging gas lines, verifying appliance clearances, and ensuring proper ventilation. Leak testing procedures using approved methods are covered to ensure systems are safe and compliant before energising.

Hot work is one of the most significant fire hazards in gas plumbing. This section explains what constitutes hot work—such as brazing or grinding—and how to apply for and comply with hot work permits. Fire spotter roles, monitoring periods, and shutdown procedures are explored to prevent post-work ignition.

Fire extinguishers must be properly selected, placed, and maintained. Participants will learn about Class B dry chemical extinguishers for gas fires, where to position them on site, and how to conduct monthly visual checks and servicing in accordance with WHS and fire safety regulations.

A clear emergency response plan is critical in gas-related incidents. This section details how to prepare for fire emergencies by assigning roles, outlining responsibilities, and considering site-specific needs such as vulnerable persons or complex layouts. Emergency preparedness is key to effective evacuation and incident control.

Evacuation procedures must be rehearsed and documented. Participants will learn how to plan and mark evacuation routes for gas plumbing worksites, including multi-storey, confined, or industrial locations. Conducting headcounts, checking assembly points, and reporting missing persons are covered in detail.

Responding to gas leaks and fire events requires fast, informed action. This section explains how to recognise the early signs of a leak—such as gas odours, hissing sounds, or weak flame colour—and how to isolate the supply, notify emergency services, and initiate evacuation immediately.

Isolating the gas supply is a critical safety response. Participants will learn how to locate emergency valves, disconnect LPG cylinders, and apply lockout/tagout systems to prevent accidental reactivation during fire or leak incidents.

Worksites must be equipped with the right fire safety tools. This section outlines requirements for fire blankets, hose reels, alarms, and portable fire equipment. Proper inspection, access, and signage are essential to ensure equipment is ready and effective in an emergency.

First aid knowledge is essential when responding to fire-related injuries. This section provides instruction on treating burns, smoke inhalation, and shock in the field. The correct use of burn gel, first aid kits, and coordination with paramedics ensures appropriate care until emergency services arrive.

Training and competency in fire safety are legal requirements. This section explains mandatory training obligations under WHS regulations, the importance of conducting regular drills and simulations, and the need for maintaining up-to-date training records and refresher schedules.

Coordination with other trades is vital in shared workspaces. Participants will learn how to manage fire risk from overlapping activities such as electrical or welding work, and how to communicate planned gas work and hot tasks through exclusion zones, safety signage, and toolbox talks.

Finally, continuous improvement ensures that fire safety practices evolve. This section covers how to conduct incident investigations, record near-misses, and use findings to update procedures, enhance training, and implement preventative actions across future projects.

By the end of this course, you will be equipped with the technical knowledge, practical protocols, and safety leadership skills to manage fire risk and emergency response effectively in gas plumbing operations—protecting your team, your clients, and the broader community from preventable harm.

Each section is complemented with examples to illustrate the concepts and techniques discussed.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:

1. Introduction to Fire Safety in Gas Plumbing Work

• The importance of fire safety in gas fitting and installation tasks
• Legal obligations under WHS and gas safety regulations
• Overview of fire risk exposure specific to gas plumbing operations

2. Understanding Fire Behaviour and Ignition Risks

• Fire triangle: fuel, heat, and oxygen in gas environments
• Common sources of ignition in gas plumbing
• Characteristics of LPG and natural gas in confined or open spaces

3. Identifying Fire Hazards in Gas Plumbing Settings

• Leaking joints, unsealed pipework, and faulty connections
• Storage and handling of gas cylinders
• Hazardous work environments

4. Australian Standards and Regulatory Requirements

• Overview of AS/NZS 5601 for gas installations
• Relevant fire safety codes and building requirements
• Employer responsibilities under WHS legislation and fire codes

5. Fire Risk Assessment for Gas Plumbing Tasks

• Site-specific fire hazard identification
• Evaluating likelihood and consequences of fire incidents
• Implementing fire risk control strategies before starting work

6. Safe Handling and Storage of Gas Cylinders

• Separation distances from ignition sources
• Securing and labelling cylinders properly
• Storing cylinders upright and ventilated per code

7. Fire Prevention During Gas Appliance Installation

• Ensuring proper sealing and purging of gas lines
• Verifying appliance clearance and ventilation
• Checking for leaks using approved testing methods

8. Hot Work Procedures and Permits

• Definition of hot work in gas plumbing
• Applying for and complying with hot work permits
• Fire spotter duties and post-work monitoring procedures

9. Use and Maintenance of Fire Extinguishers

• Types of fire extinguishers suitable for gas fires
• Placement and accessibility of extinguishers on site
• Conducting visual checks and monthly maintenance inspections

10. Emergency Response Planning and Preparedness

• Developing an emergency response plan for gas-related fire events
• Assigning emergency roles and responsibilities
• Planning for vulnerable persons or high-risk sites

11. Evacuation Procedures in Gas Plumbing Environments

• Site-specific evacuation route planning and signage
• Evacuation procedures for high-rise, underground, or industrial sites
• Conducting headcounts and reporting missing persons

12. Responding to Gas Leaks and Fire Incidents

• Recognising signs of gas leaks
• Immediate actions: isolating supply, alerting authorities, evacuating
• Communication with emergency services and gas network operators

13. Isolation of Gas Supply During Emergencies

• Locating and shutting off emergency valves
• Procedures for LPG cylinder disconnection
• Use of lockout/tagout systems for safety assurance

14. Fire Safety Equipment for Gas Plumbing Worksites

• Requirements for fire blankets, hose reels, and alarms
• Inspection of portable fire protection systems
• Ensuring equipment is clearly marked and accessible

15. First Aid Response for Fire-Related Injuries

• Treating burns, smoke inhalation, and shock
• Use of first aid kits and burn gel in the field
• Coordinating care until emergency services arrive

16. Fire Safety Training and Competency Requirements

• Mandatory fire safety training under WHS regulations
• Conducting regular fire drills and simulations
• Maintaining training records and refresher schedules

17. Communication and Coordination with Other Trades

• Managing risks posed by simultaneous operations
• Notifying others of gas activities and hot work tasks
• Using signage, exclusion zones, and verbal briefings

18. Continuous Improvement and Post-Incident Review

• Investigating incidents and near-misses to determine root causes
• Updating fire safety procedures and training programs
• Implementing corrective actions and lessons learned

COURSE DURATION:

The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.

COURSE DELIVERY:

Purchase and download course content.

ASSESSMENT:

A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.

CERTIFICATION:

Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.