Gas measurement Standard – amendment published

Amendment 1 to NZS 5259:2004 was published in November 2009 and developed so that the Standard can be cited in the revised Gas Regulations.

Changes to Table 3 of NZS 5259 have been made so that it conforms to the accuracy of conversion requirements given in the current regulation 9. Additionally, changes have been made to the energy conversion section to clarify accuracy requirements, and the competency requirements have been updated.

Also, a small number of technical corrections have been included in this amendment. Two new appendices have been introduced: a new Appendix B which provides guidance for low pressure accuracy of turbine meters calibrated at high pressure and Appendix N to provide guidance for time-stamped data.

LPG cabinet heater review

The Ministry of Economic Development (MED) has been evaluating responses to the request for proposal for the LPG Cabinet Heater review, which closed on 25 November 2009. The MED expects the review to commence as soon as a reviewer is appointed.

The reason MED has initiated this review is that while cabinet heaters have attractions as a heating option for New Zealanders, their suitability has come under scrutiny on both safety and health grounds. Cabinet heaters are perceived as less safe than other heating options. Health and environmental agencies in New Zealand have been aware that the use of unflued gas heaters, including cabinet heaters, can have a detrimental effect on indoor air quality, which can in turn lead to adverse health effects.

Bioenergy – international Standard to be developed to address sustainability

ISO will develop an international Standard to address sustainability issues linked to bioenergy. The Standard will be produced by the new ISO project committee (PC) 248, 'Sustainability criteria for bioenergy'. ISO/PC 248 will hold its first meeting in April 2010.

ISO/PC 248 will bring together international expertise and state-of-the-art best practice to discuss the social, economic, and environmental aspects of the production, supply chain, and use of bioenergy, and identify criteria that could prevent it from being environmentally destructive, or socially aggressive.

STANDARDS IN DEVELOPMENT

Gas appliance safety

Committee: P5262
Project Manager: Vicki Allison
Estimated Publication Date: Mid 2010
Comments: This project is on hold until the exposure draft to the Gas Regulations is released.

Gas installations

Committee: AG-006
Manager: Vicki Allison
Estimated publication date: June 2010
Comments: The committee last met in September and finished reviewing the public comments for parts 1 and 2. The committee is continuing to update the draft. Postal ballot is expected to start in early February and a stakeholder workshop will be held during this period for the New Zealand committee members to discuss the changes to the proposed Standards with stakeholders.