The increasing availability of gas in South Africa has impacted many households and commercial spaces as homeowners and business owners migrate to gas as an energy alternative. The increase in availability has impacted the increase in demand, however, this could have also initiated an increase in “chancers”. 

Anyone who has not been trained and registered to undertake a gas installation is unqualified to do so. This person is the “guy on the street” who is most likely self-taught and experimental. Such individuals hold no certification that warrants them to work on a gas system. Gas is a safe and predictable energy source to work with, however, if one uses the’ ’guy on the street’’ operating illegally, gas can be harmful.  

Regulations

Home owners and commercial business owners are covered under the Pressure Equipment Regulations (PER) which outlines the duties of the different role-players, from manufacturers of equipment through to Users. These regulations 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 as a Gas Practitioner with the South African Qualification and Certification Committee for Gas (SAQCC Gas) as mandated by the Department of Labour

A Gas Practitioner is an individual who adheres to the PER, who is; trained, holds competency certification, and is registered with SAQCC Gas. This is a proficiently trained, experienced and legally registered individual who can be entrusted with a specific gas system. Due to the variety of gas systems, Practitioners hold different certifications, therefore when requesting a Gas Practitioner; the User needs to make sure that the Gas Practitioner’s certifications are aligned with the required work. This information can be found on the Gas Practitioners identification card. Only registered Practitioners can issue a Certificate of Conformity (COC).   

What is a Certificate of Conformity?

A Certificate of Conformity (COC) for Gas installations is a legal document that must be obtained whenever a gas system or appliance is installed, modified or repaired and must be retained for future requirement. This document can only be issued by a Registered Practitioner. It shall be noted that, should there be no valid COC, many insurance companies will not accept liability for costs of damage caused to property or assets.

When an end-user chooses to contract someone who is not trained and registered, they place themselves in an alarmingly dangerous situation, where their safety and assets lie jeopardised.