Splashbacks In Perth Need To Comply With Australian Standards

Splashbacks are becoming very popular in Perth homes today as more and more homeowners discover how hygienic and practical they are, however there are some very real safety guidelines and regulations that need to be followed when it comes to the distance between splashbacks and gas cooktops.
 
It is very important to understand that glass splashbacks are toughened glass built to a code of heat resistance, they are not a “heat shield” as some people may assume and therefore it is absolutely paramount that the installation of any glass splashback behind the kitchen cook top is compliant with the Australia/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 1288, and should be built from toughened glass.   
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Glass splashbacks installed behind open-flame gas cooktops are carefully regulated in order to prevent them from being a source of sufficient heat to cause a fire. These regulations are specifically contained within the requirements for the installation of gas appliances.
 
Whether you are building a brand new home or you are updating an existing kitchen, make sure you are pro-active with the installation of your new gas cooktop, by talking to the cabinet maker and builder or renovator to specify the exact dimensions of the cooktop and ensure that it is very clear that the distance between the splashback and the back burners of the gas cooktop must comply with the Australian/New Zealand Standard regulations.
 
Does Your Splashback Comply?
 
The Building Codes specify that a clearance between the nearest gas burner to any combustible substrate (timber framing or any other combustible material) needs to be at least 200mm.
 
Under the previous Standard if a gas burner was less than 200mm from a combustible surface the surface had to be protected. This could be achieved by several methods including using 5mm minimum thick ceramic tiles over any substrate or a glass or metal splashback with a ‘fireboard’ substrate that has been tested to satisfy the requirements of that standard.
 
The new Standard now only requires splashbacks with either standard cement sheet or gypsum plasterboard substrates to protect combustible surfaces, with some conditions.
This removes the need to use a specific fireboard material.
 
The requirements for splashbacks less than 200mm from the edge of any gas burner can now be satisfied by the following:
• Ceramic tiles minimum 5mm thick over either 10mm minimum thick gypsum based plasterboard or 6mm minimum thick fibre cement sheet
• Toughened safety glass (glass splashbacks) minimum 5mm thick over either 10mm minimum thick gypsum based plasterboard or 6mm minimum thick fibre cement sheet
• Sheet metal minimum 0.4mm thick over either 12mm minimum thick cement sheet or a combination of 6mm minimum thick fibre cement sheet and 10mm minimum thick gypsum based plasterboard. This protection must extend the full width or depth of the cooktop or cooking surface, which does not include control knobs, to a minimum height of 150mm above the periphery of the nearest burner.
Safety glass for glass splashbacks should comply with the relevant Australian Standard AS/NZS 2208 ‘safety glazing materials in buildings’ and the glass marked ‘safety glass’ to ensure that it’s fit for purpose
 
IMPORTANT NOTE: The appliance manufacturers installation specifications override these minimum requirements if the manufacturer requires greater clearance or greater protection of combustible surfaces.
 
DISCLAIMER- The above is intended to provide general information in summary form only. The contents do not constitute specific advise and should not be relied upon as such. Formal specific advise should be sought with respect to particular matters before taking any action.
 
 
With regard to electric cooktops, if you have a splashback adjacent to an electric cooktop, there is no regulated minimum clearance; however your builder will still need to follow the basic minimum clearance guidelines set out in AG/601.
 
Peace Of Mind With Splashbacks Perth
 
Here at All Things Glass, we have been providing the residential and commercial market in Perth with stunning splashbacks for over 11 years, specialising in all forms of glass finishes and colours.
Our team takes a lot of pride in the quality of any glass products that we install, the service that we provide, and our pricing.
 
When you choose us, you are choosing quality and outstanding service, we will do everything we can to ensure your complete satisfaction from start to finish, and with such a huge range available, we are very competitively priced for all forms of glass, mirror or imaged glass splashbacks.
 
We provide an unconditional 12-month guarantee on all installs, with a 10-year guarantee against fading or splashback defects. Important note: Common sense must prevail if you have minimal clearance from the burner to the face of any splash back as there may be an opportunity for the surface to become discoloured due to excessive heat caused by the flames coming into direct contact with the splash back surface.
 
Where splash backs have been fitted too close to the gas burners common sense must prevail as there is a distinct possibility that scorching of the colour may occur and as such we would recommend the use of a stainless steel upstand ( can be removed) that will help deflect any excess heat from the surface of the glass.
 
Call us now on
08 9302 2281 to chat to your Perth glass splashbacks specialists or arrange for a free home service that includes quote and shade selection.