Product Overview

Summary: This Gas Meter Installation Safe Operating Procedure sets out a clear, step-by-step method for installing gas meters safely, compliantly, and consistently across Australian workplaces. It helps businesses control gas-related hazards, meet regulatory obligations, and protect workers, customers, and property during new installations, replacements, and upgrades.

Gas meter installation involves working directly with gas supply infrastructure, live services, and customer premises, where a minor error can lead to leaks, fire, explosion, or carbon monoxide exposure. This Safe Operating Procedure provides a structured, practical framework for planning, carrying out, and verifying gas meter installations in line with Australian WHS laws, gas fitting regulations, and relevant Australian Standards. It covers everything from pre-start checks and isolation through to pressure testing, leak detection, commissioning, and handover documentation.

By implementing this SOP, organisations can reduce variability between technicians, demonstrate due diligence, and support both new and experienced workers with a clear, repeatable method. The procedure helps businesses manage interface risks with other trades, work in public or residential environments, and maintain a strong safety culture while still delivering efficient, customer-focused service. It also supports compliance with licensing requirements, utility provider specifications, and audit expectations, giving your business a defensible record of safe work practices for gas meter installations across domestic, commercial, and light industrial sites.

Key Benefits

• Ensure gas meter installations are carried out safely and consistently in accordance with Australian WHS and gas fitting requirements.
• Reduce the risk of gas leaks, fire, explosion, and carbon monoxide exposure during and after installation activities.
• Demonstrate compliance to regulators, utilities, and clients through clear, documented procedures and records.
• Streamline technician training and onboarding by providing a step-by-step, field-ready reference for gas meter work.
• Minimise project delays, rework, and call-backs by embedding robust pre-checks, testing, and verification steps.

Who is this for?

• Licensed Gas Fitters
• Plumbers and Gas Installers
• Field Service Technicians
• Utilities and Network Service Providers
• Site Supervisors
• WHS Managers
• Facilities and Maintenance Managers
• Project Managers – Gas Infrastructure
• Compliance and Risk Managers

Hazards Addressed

• Uncontrolled release of gas during meter changeover or installation
• Fire and explosion risks from ignition sources in the work area
• Exposure to combustion products, including carbon monoxide, in poorly ventilated spaces
• Working in confined spaces such as meter cupboards, basements, or pits
• Manual handling injuries from lifting and positioning meters and associated pipework
• Slips, trips, and falls around excavations, trenches, or cluttered plant rooms
• Contact with live electrical components near combination gas–electric metering installations
• Use of tools and hot work (cutting, grinding, soldering) near gas lines
• Public and occupant safety risks in residential or commercial environments
• Vehicle and mobile plant interaction when working on street-side meter installations

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Abbreviations
• 3.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and References
• 4.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Competency Requirements
• 5.0 Required Licences, Permits and Authorisations
• 6.0 Tools, Equipment and Materials
• 7.0 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements
• 8.0 Pre-Start Planning and Site Assessment
• 9.0 Hazard Identification and Risk Controls for Gas Meter Installation
• 10.0 Isolation, Lockout and Tagout of Gas Supply
• 11.0 Removal of Existing Gas Meter (if applicable)
• 12.0 Installation of New Gas Meter and Associated Pipework
• 13.0 Pressure Testing, Leak Detection and Tightness Testing
• 14.0 Commissioning, Relighting and Functional Verification
• 15.0 Working Near Electrical Installations and Other Services
• 16.0 Public, Occupant and Traffic Management Controls
• 17.0 Confined Space and Ventilation Requirements (where applicable)
• 18.0 Housekeeping, Waste Management and Environmental Considerations
• 19.0 Documentation, Labelling and Handover to Customer or Network Operator
• 20.0 Incident Reporting, Non-Conformance and Corrective Actions
• 21.0 Training, Competency and Review of Procedure

Legislation & References

• Gas Supply Acts and Gas Safety Regulations applicable in the relevant Australian state or territory (e.g. Gas Safety Act and Gas Safety (Gas Installation) Regulations)
• AS/NZS 5601.1: Gas installations – General installations
• AS/NZS 5601.2: Gas installations – LP Gas installations in caravans and boats for non-propulsive purposes (where relevant)
• AS/NZS 1596: The storage and handling of LP Gas (where LP Gas metering is involved)
• AS/NZS 4645: Gas distribution networks (for network operator and service provider requirements)
• AS/NZS 60079 series: Explosive atmospheres (for hazardous area considerations where applicable)
• Safe Work Australia – Model Work Health and Safety Regulations
• Safe Work Australia – How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks: Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace: Code of Practice
• Relevant network operator or gas utility technical and metering installation standards