NEWS
The burning new rule for gas cooktops The minimum clearance requirements between a gas cooktop and a range hood have increased from 600mm to 650mm. This is in accordance with the new edition of AS/NZS 5601.1: 2022 Gas installations Part 1: General installations that was published on the 30 September 2022. A six-month transition period was provided under the Queensland Petroleum and Gas legislation. All gas work licence holders now have an obligation when they issue a Gas System Compliance Certificate to ensure any gas system they install complies with the new standard. These new rules kicked in on 30 March 2023. New Installations For new building work, the rangehoods and exhaust fans shall be installed in accordance with the rangehood, exhaust fan, and appliance manufacturers instructions. Where a difference occurs, the greater clearance shall apply. In any event, or where no dimension is specified in the appliance manufacturer’s instructions, the overhead clearance between the supporting surface of the trivet for the cooking vessels of the gas cooking
appliance and a rangehood or exhaust fan shall not be less than 650mm for a rangehood, and not less than 750mm for an exhaust fan. Kitchen Renovations For kitchen renovations in an existing property where new cupboards and rangehoods have been installed, gasfitters will be expected to install the gas cooking appliance in accordance with the new gas installation clearances, 650mm minimum or the clearance prescribed in the gas appliance installation instructions or rangehood installation instructions, whichever is greater. Existing Installations In a case where the appliance is being replaced, the overhead clearance from the highest part of the highest burner of the appliance to the range hood shall not be less than 600mm unless the appliance manufacturer’s instructions specify a greater clearance. Where no dimension is specified in the manufacturer’s instructions, the overhead clearance from the highest part of the highest burner of the appliance to the rangehood shall be not less than 600mm, and not less than 750mm for an exhaust fan.
Trivet Measurements The measurements are to be taken from the top of the trivet of a gas cooking appliance. Removable accessories such as a wok trivet that sits upon a hob trivet or minor elevations in trivets for wok burners are not considered when measuring from the gas cooking appliance. This is a change from previous editions of the standard, which was measured from the top of the highest burner. When you replace a gas cooking appliance in an existing kitchen built before 30 March 2023, the measurement is to be taken from the highest part of the highest burner of the gas cooking appliance or the highest part of the hob in accordance with the old editions of the gas standard. For further advice, call the Master Builders Building Services team on 1300 30 50 10.
Action your future game plan at Roadshow The annual Master Builders BUSSQ Roadshow kicks off next month. Master Builders representatives and experts will travel across Queensland to each of our regional centres, bringing the latest industry news to members while showcasing exciting and innovative products. With 2023 shaping up to be another challenging year, with labour and materials shortages and even more new regulations and laws on the horizon including the National Construction Code (NCC), we’ve got a jam-packed Roadshow event with a future game plan to see you through. Our panel of contractual, financial, and building code experts will break down the jargon and tell you exactly what you need to know about the implementation of the Livable Housing and Energy Efficiency NCC changes from 1 October 2023. They’ll also
have some important advice and strategies you can use when quoting and contracting for future jobs, so you can avoid being caught out down the track and keep the all-important cashflow moving. Our expert panel will cover: • How the NCC changes will impact new homes and substantial renovations • When you need to start complying
DATE
Master Builder
• Practical steps on how to protect your business now and into the future, including pricing and estimating strategies and must-know contract tips • Projected skills shortages on the horizon for your region and how this might impact your business.
ROADSHOW DATES REGION
VENUE
Tuesday, 9 May 2023
Brisbane
Kedron-Wavell Services Club
Wednesday, 10 May 2023
Downs and Western
Rumours International Convention Centre
Tuesday, 16 May 2023
Sunshine Coast
Venue 114
Wednesday, 17 May 2023
Hervey Bay
Beach House Hotel
Thursday, 18 May 2023
Bundaberg
Bundaberg Multiplex Convention Centre
Monday, 22 May
Central Queensland
The Frenchville Sports Club
Tuesday, 23 May
Mackay
Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre (MECC)
Wednesday, 24 May
Townsville
Townsville RSL Club
Thursday, 25 May
Cairns
Pullman Reef Hotel
Tuesday 30 May
Gold Coast
Aquis Park, Gold Coast Turf Club & Events Centre
* Dates and locations are subject to change.
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with NCC requirements in contracts and how to comply with the legislative requirements during the transition