Our birthday Standards Heroes have been nominated by their peers to represent all our contributors - individuals we consider to be the real heroes of standards, in Australia and internationally. We thank those who contribute their knowledge and expertise, service, and time to Standards Australia for the benefit of the Australian community.  

Enzo Alfonsetti is the Head of Type A Gas Appliance and Component Safety for Energy Safe Victoria. In addition, he currently chairs the Standards Australia AG006 committee for gas installations, is a member of the ME-093 committee for Hydrogen Technologies and convenor of the End Use Applications working group under ME-093.
 
Enzo is also the current chair of the Gas Technical Regulators Committee (GTRC) and a member of our Standards Development and Accreditation Committee (SDAC).
How did you become involved in standards development? 

I initially became involved early in my career in the mid to late 1980s while working in the manufacturing sector and attending gas appliance committee meetings when gas appliance standards were at that time Australian Gas Association standards. Later in my career, through my role as Program Manager for SAI Global’s Gas Certification Scheme, I continued my involvement through the Standards Australia AG-001 Gas Appliance Committee.

What role have standards played in your career?   

Standards enabled me to design and develop both gas and electric appliances early in my career whilst working in Research and Development in the manufacturing sector. Later, standards were an integral part of my work as a NATA signatory senior testing officer while working for a NATA accredited test laboratory for gas appliance and components. During my time at SAI Global, standards were instrumental in processing the certification of gas appliances and components. Finally, in my current role at Energy Safe Victoria, standards allow me to continue to keep Victorian consumers safe through the compliance and enforcement of Victorian gas safety legislation, which references relevant gas safety standards.

What is a project you’ve been particularly proud to have helped deliver? 

The development of a suite of standards that has allowed for the transition of the Type 21 LPG cylinder valve to the safer Type 27 cylinder valve with matching appliance connection.

Also, the introduction of flame failure devices on all cooker burners to prevent the accidental leakage of unburnt gas through inadvertently leaving a gas control valve open without the presence of a flame. Incident data from Emergency Services indicated that this was a common occurrence with the elderly suffering from dementia, who were still living at home.    

Outside of standards development, what have been some highlights of your career? 

Chairing the Gas Technical Regulators Committee and receiving the National Meritorious Contribution Award from Standards Australia in 2015.

What do you think the future of standardisation looks like? 

The pathway for the development of standards will need to change in order to keep pace with emerging technologies. This is especially so in the energy sector with the development of renewable energy sources. Furthermore, the digitisation of standards will allow for greater access to standards through various forms. There will also be opportunities for making standards more affordable through new business models.

Is there anything you’d like to say or mention about Standards Australia’s centenary year?

I would like to congratulate Standards Australia on its Centenary and its achievements over that period and look forward to contributing further to the future development of standards.

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