People filling containers with gases under pressure, including cylinders, aerosols, and non-refillable containers must be trained and hold an approved filler compliance certificate. An approved filler compliance certificate must be issued by a compliance certifier.

Search for a compliance certifier(external link)

There is an exception for people filling LPG cylinders of 110 kg water capacity if they follow the requirements set out in a safe work instrument. 

People filling containers with gases under pressure must be trained and hold an approved filler compliance certificate.  This applies to all gases under pressure, including air.

Gas containers include:

• industrial gas cylinders
• liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders.  An LPG cylinder of less than 110 kg water capacity can be filled by someone who is not an approved filler if they follow the requirements set out in a safe work instrument. 
• self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA)
• self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), which is used extensively by the Fire Service and in industrial applications.
• fire extinguishers
• aerosol cylinders
• Non-refillable cylinders
• paintball cylinders. If you fill paintball cylinders of more than 500 millilitres water capacity, you must be an approved filler. You need to know about the gases you are using to fill the cylinders and how to do so safely.

Becoming an approved filler

To become an approved filler, you need to apply to a compliance certifier for an approved filler compliance certificate.  The compliance certifier will assess your application and if the requirements are met issue the certificate, which is valid for a period of five years. The certificate will specify the forms and classes of gases and types of gas containers you may fill. Search for a compliance certifier(external link).

Requirements for becoming an approved filler

To become an approved filler, you need to demonstrate that you have the necessary training, knowledge and skills to fill gas containers safely.

Knowledge and skills required of approved fillers:

• How to fill gas containers safely
• The different forms of gases under pressure. Specifically:
  • low-pressure liquefiable gas
  • high-pressure liquefiable gas
  • permanent gases
  • cryogenic gases that may be held at very low temperatures
• Factors that can trigger the failure of a gas container
• Consequences of a failure of a gas container associated with the different forms of gases under pressure, including asphyxiation
• Inspecting a gas container.

Providing evidence of your competence

The compliance certifier will need evidence of your competence. This evidence must describe how your knowledge and practical skills were assessed and the results of that assessment. It may be obtained from:

• Training providers: If you completed a relevant training course, provide evidence, signed by the trainer, of the qualification gained.
• Work supervisors: If you were trained at work, a supervisor or manager can provide evidence for you.

Training for approved fillers

The knowledge and skills required to become an approved filler may be from:

• Training providers that deliver Industry Training Organisation unit standards
• Industry in-house training

Renewing an approved filler test certificate

Approved filler compliance certificates need to be renewed at least every five years.  To renew your approved filler certificate, contact a compliance certifier able to issue certificates for the gases and containers your certificate covers.  The compliance certifier will assess whether you have retained your knowledge and practical skills for filling gas cylinders.