In view of the latest standards and regulations (August 2014), it is imperative that all gas installations, new and old, comply with current laws. On all installations performed by The Gas Gents, photographs are taken and kept on file, for future reference. We also visit our clients on a yearly basis and by doing so we keep them updated with the latest standards. I have to date created a huge port
folio with snapshots of installations and repairs done of my customers. This is done for my protection and also the protection of my customers should they require the pictures for any reason. Increasing electricity costs has resulted in a growth in popularity among SA home-owners to utilise gas equipment in their homes. However, most homeowners are unaware that they must comply with specific regulations to ensure that their home insurance policies remain valid. According to the 2009 regulations, all gas installations must have a Certificate of Compliance according to the pressure equipment regulations under the Occupation Health and Safety Act (No 85 of 1993). It is merely a certificate that states that the installation has been properly inspected and was determined to be safe and leak free. The certificate must be issued by someone who is registered with the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Safety Association of Southern Africa (LPGAS). According to the regulation, any home-owner who has a liquid gas installation installed in their home must be in possession of such a certificate, which is usually obtained during the installation phase. However all home-owners considering gas installations need to know that the onus is on them, the homeowner, to ensure that they have this certificate in their possession, not the installer. If a home is damaged or destroyed as a result of a defective gas appliance – and the owner does not have a valid certificate issued by someone registered with LPGAS – the insurance implications could be significant. An insurance company could repudiate a claim, which could have severe financial repercussions for the home-owner. Having the installation inspected and approved is a quick and easy process – provided that the installation has been done correctly – much in line with similar requirements for electrical installations which also requires a certificate of compliance under the Machinery and Occupational Safety Act of 1983. The types of gas installations that require this certificate include gas generators, gas fires or braai's, gas stoves, hobs and ovens, as well as hot water systems. It is vital for all home-owners to realise that such an inspection is not just essential for their insurance policy to remain valid, but even more importantly, that it is conducted to ensure that the installation is safe and their family is not put at risk. If a gas appliance has been incorrectly installed and results in a gas leak this could have major health implications for a family, not to mention the huge danger and damages involved in a possible explosion. It is also important for homeowners to know that if they wish to sell their home and they have a gas appliance installed, they are required to obtain the certificate and deliver a copy thereof to the new purchaser. LPGAS provides the following useful tips regarding gas safety:
- Always use a registered installer
- Always use a qualified gas dealer
- Always use a verified and tested gas product
- Always check whether the seal on a cylinder matches the brand of the cylinder
- Always check gas appliances before use
If one suspects your gas appliance is unsafe it is best to turn the appliance off immediately and not to touch it until it has been checked by a registered gas engineer. Open all the doors and windows to air out the room and ensure you have shut off the gas supply at the meter control valve. To ensure your gas installations are always in top working order ensure that a registered gas installer performs an annual maintenance and service check. For all homeowners with gas installations already installed on their property or for those planning on doing so in the future it is vital to ensure compliance with all the above regulations. This is not only to adhere to stipulations within their home owners insurance policy but to also make sure that they and their precious family members are safe from any possible gas related disasters. Yours faithfully
Alex de Arruda
The Gas Gents
Website: www.thegasgents.co.za e-mail: [email protected]
e-mail: [email protected]
076 150 9730
