A common non-compliance we expereince at rental properties is insufficient clearance for gas cooking appliances. Where a manufacturer fails to specify the clearance, we defer to Energy Safe Victoria to follow their requirements.
Extracted from AS/NZS 5601.1:2013
6.10.1 Domestic gas cooking appliances
6.10.1.1 Clearance around a gas cooking appliance
The required clearance between a gas cooking appliance, other than those covered under Clause 6.10.1.7, and a combustible surface shall be in accordance with the cooking appliance manufacturer’s specification. In the event that clearances are not specified, clearances shall be as in Figure 6.3 and as follows:
FIGURE 6.3 REQUIRED CLEARANCES AROUND
DOMESTIC GAS COOKING APPLIANCES
(a) Requirement 1—Overhead clearances—(Measurement A)
Range hoods and exhaust fans shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s relevant instructions.
Clearance A, between the highest part of the highest burner of the gas cooking appliance and a range hood or exhaust fan (overhead clearance), shall be no less than 600 mm for a range hood, and no less than 750 mm for an exhaust fan. Any other downward facing combustible surface less than 600 mm above the highest part of the highest burner shall be protected for the full width and depth of the cooking surface area in accordance with Clause 6.10.1.2. However, this clearance to any surface shall not be less than 450 mm.
b) Requirement 2 —Measurements B (side clearances) and C (height)
Where B, measured from the periphery of the nearest burner to any vertical combustible surface, is less than 200 mm, that surface shall be protected in accordance with Clause 6.10.1.2 to a height (C) of not less than 150 mm above the periphery of the nearest burner for the full dimension (width or depth) of the cooking surface area. Where the gas cooking appliance is fitted with a ‘splashback’, protection of the rear wall is not required provided the splashback achieves protection of any combustible surface less than 200 mm from the periphery of the nearest burner to a height not less than 150 mm above the periphery of the nearest burner.
(c) Requirement 3—Additional requirements for freestanding and elevated gas cooking appliances—(Measurements D and E)
Where D, the distance from the periphery of the nearest burner to a horizontal combustible surface is less than 200 mm, then E shall be 10 mm or more, or the horizontal combustible surface shall be above the trivet. See Details I and II in Figure 6.3.
NOTES:
-
Requirement 3 does not apply to a freestanding or elevated gas cooking appliance which is designed to prevent flames or the cooking vessels from extending beyond the periphery of the gas appliance.
-
The ‘cooking surface area’ is defined as that part of the gas appliance where cooking normally takes place and does not include those parts of the gas appliance containing control knobs.
-
Consideration is to be given to window treatments and painted surfaces on glass splashbacks when located near cooking appliances.