Approved Filler Test Certificates are required by all persons filling cylinders with compressed gases. This includes both hazardous gases such as LPG and non hazardous gases including air.
Filling Cylinders with Compressed Gases
The HSNO Act, specifically the Hazardous Substances (Compressed Gasses) Regulations, covers the filling of compressed gas cylinders and it affects everyone who fills compressed gas cylinders, including SCUBA ( self contained underwater breathing apparatus ) cylinders and paintball cylinders. A person must not fill a compressed gas container unless that person is an Approved Filler and has a Test Certificate to this effect, issued by a Test Certifier.
Although this means there are some changes to the way things are done now, much remains the same . For example, you can only fill a cylinder with gas if satisfied that the cylinder is marked correctly, is within its inspection date and there is no evidence of damage or corrosion to the cylinder, valve or over-pressure protection device that suggests the cylinder may fail a Periodic Test.
What do I need to know to be Approved Filler?
An approved filler must , for the gases they deal with:
- be able to demonstrate the procedures for safe filling of compressed gas containers
- know about and be able to describe:
- different forms of compressed gases, notably, low pressure liquefiable gas, high pressure liquefiable gas, permanent gas and gas that may be held at cryogenic temperatures
- factors that can cause failure of a compressed gas container
- consequences of a failure of a container associated with the different forms of compressed gas, including asphyxiation
- need for visual inspection and safe charging of compressed gas into a container.
For SCUBA this is straightforward as you will generally only be dealing with one form of compressed gas. The training may be achieved in a number of ways that are set out below.
How do I become Approved Filler?
To be an Approved Filler you must get a Test Certifier to issue you with a Test Certificate. The Test Certifier will need a written application from you that is signed by a trainer or by your work supervisor and includes:
- a record of any training that you have attended
- describes the method used to assess your knowledge
- the results of your assessment
- a description of your practical skills.
If satisfied, the Test Certifier will issue you with an Approved Filler Test Certificate that is valid for five years. After five years you must re-apply and demonstrate that your knowledge is up to date. The certificate will specify the forms and classes of gases and types of containers that you may work with. It is an official document that you must produce for an Enforcement Officer if requested.
Do I have to go through Training again?
If you have already attended a training course or have received instruction and have experience filling cylinders this should be sufficient. You will, however, need to confirm your level of training and experience - get your supervisor and/or trainer to sign it off - and provide this to a Test Certifier to get your Approved Filler Test Certificate.
Where will I find a Test Certifier?
Search our Test Certifier register. Look for a Test Certifier with the Approved Filler' approvals and check any limitations they may have. You can use any Test Certifier as you only need mail them information.
What training is available?
There will be a number of organisations that provide training. ERMA New Zealand does not endorse individual courses. Your industry has identified the following:
- New Zealand Underwater
- Training providers delivering Sports, Fitness and Recreation Industry Training Organisation Unit Standards.
What if I fill my own cylinders?
You will still have to be an Approved Filler. You will need to contact a Test Certifier, provide them with details of your training and experience and get the necessary Test Certificate.
Where should I take my cylinder to be filled?
You should always take your cylinders to an organisation with the necessary skills to fill cylinders correctly, remember, it is your life that is at stake. Insist that an Approved Filler fills the cylinder. Anyone else filling the cylinder is operating outside the law.
What about training a new Approved Filler?
Clearly, there is a need to train people in the filling operation. Any trainee must gain both the theoretical and practical experience. The trainee must be directly supervised, i.e. the approved filler must be in attendance during filling, until the trainee is judged to have the necessary skills. Unsupervised filling of cylinders can only be done by a certified Approved Filler
What about Paintball Cylinders?
This guideline applies to paintball cylinders that have a water capacity of 500 millilitres or more where the gas in the cylinder is air or carbon dioxide (CO2). Cylinders used for paintball that are smaller than this are not regulated, however, all cylinders need to be managed with a high degree of caution. The Guidelines can be found here
Where do I go for more information?
- Contact: ERMA New Zealand phone 0800 ERMADG (376 234) email hsinfo@ermanz.govt.nz
- New Zealand Underwater