Specification for reticulated natural gas – revised
Standards New Zealand has revised the Specification for reticulated natural gas, NZS 5442:2008, to update and replace the 1999 version. This Standard defines the requirements for providing natural gas suitable for transportation and use in natural gas appliances and equipment, and for use as a fuel in natural gas vehicles. Users include gas producers and network operators for both transmission and distribution systems.
This revision provides an assurance of consistency in gas quality, guidelines relating to the management of situations when the specification is in danger of being breached, and clarification of the requirements to demonstrate compliance, and updated test methods.
Proper handling of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to manage risk – revised Standard
Standards New Zealand has published a revised Standard for The storage and handling of LP Gas, AS/NZS 1596:2008, to update and replace the 2002 version. This Standard has been significantly revised to address new technologies, storage methods, and the management of emergencies. It includes updated procedures to reflect industry best practice.
Major changes have been made to the section covering storage and usage, to make the quantities more realistic and address concerns from regulatory authorities and fire services. All general requirements, such as the use of firewalls and vapour barriers to achieve separation distances, have been consolidated in a new section.
The updated Standard provides those involved with storing and handling LPG with the relevant, user-friendly information they need to apply safe handling practices at all times.
Specification for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) – amendment
The Specification for LPG, NZS 5435:1996, has been amended. Amendment 1 provides stakeholders with assurance of consistency in LPG quality, and clarity on compliance. It allows the industry to use more up-to-date test methods, and to improve the usefulness of test results. Legislation referenced in the Standard has also been updated.
Download this Amendment (free).
(Note that a charge applies for hard copies of amendments.)
Users of the Standard include LPG producers, wholesalers, retailers, appliance manufacturers, and importers.
Fuel Standards recently referenced in regulations
The Department of Building and Housing (DBH) recently referenced the following Standards in Compliance Documents to the New Zealand Building Code, effective from 1 November 2008:
- Gas installation, NZS 5261:2003, referenced in Clause G (G4/AS1). Gas installation, Amendments 1 and 2 to NZS 5261:2003, referenced in Clause C (C/AS1). Download this Amendment (free). (Note that a charge applies for hard copies of amendments.)
- Natural ventilators – Classification and performance, AS/NZS 4740:2000, referenced in Clause G (G4/AS1).