General News
1 August, 2022
Open-flue heaters axed by ESV
Energy Safe Victoria (ESV) will prohibit the sale of certain types of open flued gas space heaters that do not meet safety standards. As of yesterday, Monday, August 1, any open flued gas space heater sold or installed in Victoria must automatically...

Energy Safe Victoria (ESV) will prohibit the sale of certain types of open flued gas space heaters that do not meet safety standards.
As of yesterday, Monday, August 1, any open flued gas space heater sold or installed in Victoria must automatically shut down if they start spilling carbon monoxide in a negative pressure environment, with it now illegal to sell or supply heaters without this feature.
The ESV has used its regulatory powers under the Gas Safety Act to prohibit the sale of open flued gas space heaters, including second-hand heaters, to ensure these types of heaters are phased out.
ESV commission chair Marnie Williams said this particular type of heater posed an “unacceptable safety risk”.
“ESV has taken this action in the interests of community safety. The dangers of carbon monoxide leaking from open flued gas space heaters are well established and well known,” she said.
“These heaters are old technology and pose an unacceptable safety risk, so we have prohibited their sale.
“Manufacturers and suppliers have raised objections to this action and we have given them fair hearing and consideration.
“Industry has been given time to adapt their supply lines to include the shutdown safety capability. It is time to draw a line in the sand and prohibit these heaters from sale to ensure their eventual phase out.”
According to the ESV, open flued gas space heaters pose a risk of releasing unhealthy and sometimes lethal concentrations of carbon monoxide into buildings under certain circumstances.
In collaboration with the Victorian Government and other agencies, ESV has done a significant amount of work to raise awareness among Victorians of the risks associated with open flued gas space heaters, and the need to get them serviced by a licensed gasfitter at least once every two years.
Working with the Victorian Building Authority and Master Plumbers, ESV has delivered an education program to gasfitters to ensure they understand their obligations when it comes to servicing these appliances.
ESV has also led a cross-government statewide awareness advertising campaign over the last five years.
Victorians with open flued gas space heaters already installed should ensure their heater is serviced at least once every two years by a licensed gasfitter.
ESV also recommends that people do not operate exhaust fans such as a kitchen rangehood or bathroom fan while their heater is on, and have adequate ventilation.
“Everyone with an open flued gas heater already installed should ensure they get it serviced at least once every two years by a qualified gasfitter,” Ms Williams said.
“I’d also encourage people to replace their heater when possible. There are many alternative heating options that are cost effective and more efficient.”
For more information go to esv.vic.gov.au/about-esv/faqs/ofgsh-faq.