Using LPG for your business
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is becoming increasingly popular in the commercial sector, this clean modern fuel has become a trusted energy source for many businesses in South Africa. LPG is a versatile and easy to use substance, its clean burning qualities allow for lower carbon emission whilst retaining its effectiveness and efficiency.
LPG is ideal and economical for cooking and baking equipment, space heaters, boilers and more, it holds favorable environmental benefits over a number of other energy alternatives. In fact, LPG generates heat which is instantly available and easily controlled. LPG is a safe energy source that seldom causes any accidents. However, it is vital to follow the Pressure Equipment Regulations (PER) and relevant South African National Safety Standards when having your gas equipment installed.
The Pressure Equipment Regulations.
According to the Pressure Equipment Regulations (PER), all LPG cylinders, appliances and equipment should meet the specified standards to ensure safety. These regulations refer directly to the relevant standards which, in turn, set out the requirements regarding the design, manufacture, operation, repair, modification, maintenance, inspection and testing of pressure equipment. In terms of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993, the PER also requires persons handling the installation of any gas systems to undergo specific training and to be registered with the South African Qualification and Certification Committee – Gas (SAQCC Gas). The Registered Gas Practitioner must issue a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) for any equipment they install or modify.
What is a CERTIFICATE OF CONFORMITY?
A Certificate of Conformity (CoC) for Gas installations is a legal document which must be obtained whenever a gas system is installed, modified or repaired and should be retained for possible future requirement.
Only Registered Practitioners may issue a CoC and a complete list of these practitioners can be found on: www.saqccgas.co.za
COC and Insurance.
Business owners are often oblivious to the absolute necessity of holding a CoC for every gas installation they use. Unfortunately, the importance is generally realised when it is too late. It is usual for people to get insurance cover for their properties and assets, however, it is a staggering truth that owners could be paying insurance premiums for years and end up receiving no cover in the occurrence of an incident or accident involving LPGas – or virtually ant flammable gas for that matter. Should there be no valid Certificate of Conformity, many insurance companies will not accept liability for the costs of damage caused to property or assets. The loss and damage suffered by an owner/user due to a Gas installation for which a valid CoC has not been issued, falls entirely on the owner. Regardless of cost of reparation the insurance will most likely not cover it.
About the LPGSASA
Established in 1989 and based in Johannesburg, the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Safety Association of South Africa (LPGSASA) is non for profit company (NPC) that represents companies which are involved in the supply,, distribution, hardware, retailing and installation of LP Gas and LPGas appliances and equipment.
As the industry body we are dedicated to the safe use of LP Gas, everywhere in Southern Africa – in domestic, commercial, industrial and a number other, diverse applications . The LPGSASA works very closely and assists various Government Departments including the Departmernt of Labour, the Department of Energy, the South Africa Bureau of Standards and the various Fire Departments in the control and approval of all LP Gas sites, SABS National Standards and the Codes and Practices as they pertain to the industry.
The LP Gas Safety Association promotes safety in the industry and to this end presents a variety of training courses to cover all needs. As from August 1997 in terms of the OHS Act, only Registered LP Gas Installers shall install and maintain LP Gas installations.
