79Power to make gas infrastructure or gas installation safe

79 Power to make gas infrastructure or gas installation safe

(1)  If an authorised officer finds that any gas infrastructure, automotive gas fuel system or gas installation is unsafe, or does not comply with this Act, the officer may –

(a) disconnect the gas supply or give a direction requiring the disconnection of the gas supply; or

(b) give a direction requiring the carrying out of the work necessary to make the infrastructure or installation safe and compliant with this Act.

(2)  Subject to this section, a direction under this section must be given –

(a) in respect of gas infrastructure, to the licensee in charge of the gas infrastructure; or

(b) in respect of a gas installation or automotive gas fuel system, to the person in charge of the installation or system or the occupier of the place in which the installation or system is situated.

(3)  A direction under this section may be given by written notice or, if the authorised officer is of the opinion that immediate action is required, orally.

(4)  If a direction is given orally it must be confirmed in writing as soon as practicable after being given.

(5)  A person to whom a direction is given under this section –

(a) must not contravene the direction; and

(b) must not reconnect or permit the reconnection of the gas supply unless the work required by the direction under this section has been carried out, or an authorised officer approves of the reconnection of the gas supply.

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 500 penalty units.