Safe and compliant gas installation: what you need to know
Many South Africans are switching to gas due to the rising costs of electricity as well as the unpredictability of loadshedding. There are, however, specific regulations that homeowners need to comply with when installing their gas equipment to ensure their insurance policies remain valid.
Gas installations can pose considerable risks if installed incorrectly. Gas leaks could result, which would have significant health risks for anyone exposed to the fumes and pose a massive danger of explosions and fires.
In 2009, regulations were introduced which state that all gas installations must have a certificate of conformity according to the Pressure Equipment Regulations promulgated under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993.
These regulations also state that any homeowner who installs a liquid gas installation must be in possession of such a certificate (which should be obtained from the LPGAS-registered installer at installation phase). The onus rests on the homeowner to ensure that they have this certificate and that they present it to their insurance company as soon as installation is complete.
If you do not have a valid certificate issued by an LPGAS-registered installer and your home is damaged or destroyed due to a gas-related incident, the insurance ramifications could prove dire. An insurer would be fully within their rights to reject a claim, which will have far-reaching financial consequences for the homeowner.
What is a Gas Certificate of Compliance (COC)?
It is easy to think that such an important certificate would be a complicated legal document, but it is, in fact, a simple certificate stating that the installation was done by an authorised person registered with the Petroleum Gas Safety Association of Southern Africa (LPGAS) and that the installation has been thoroughly inspected, is certified leak-free, and is in compliance with South African National Standards (SANS).
Getting a COC is a quick and simple process if the installation was done correctly. If installation was poorly done, upgrades will need to be done before the certificate can be issued. The process is very similar to that of getting an electrical compliance certificate.
Gas installations that require a COC include gas fires or braais, gas stoves and ovens, and hot water systems. While it is critical for inspection and certification of compliance to be done for insurance purposes, it is also vital for the safety of the homeowner and their family who reside in the residence.
Why do you need a COC?
A certificate of compliance assures you safety from fires, explosions and health hazards like carbon monoxide poisoning, it is also a legal requirement in terms of OHSA and SANS, and all insurers require a legal COC to insure your home. Having a COC is also a prerequisite to selling a property, and the COC must be passed on to the new owner once registration has taken place.
Does a COC need to be updated?
In short, yes. A new COC is required when a new gas installation is done or when there have been significant repairs or modifications to the installed system. A new COC will also be required if, during a routine inspection, the current installation is deemed unsafe.,
Gas installation regulations
There are multiple regulations that govern gas installations, including where gas bottles must be placed and what materials must be used for the installation.
Gas bottles must be placed:
- More than 1m across from windows and doors.
- More than 2m from any air vents and drains.
- More than 3m below any window.
- More than 1m from your boundary wall.
- More than 5m from an electrical point or plug with switches.
Hoses and piping:
- Only approved gas piping can be used, i.e., Class 1 or 2 copper piping.
- Copper pipes that run through walls must be sleeved.
- The flexible hose cannot be more than 2m long or run through any partition such as cupboard walls, wood, or dry walling.
- The flexible hose must be made from approved material.
Best practices for homeowners
Here are some tips to ensure you always practice gas safety:
- Only use a registered gas installer and dealer.
- Always use a tested and verified gas product.
- Be sure to check that the seal on the cylinder matches the brand of the cylinder.
- Always check your gas appliances before use.
- Conduct annual maintenance check with a registered installer.
NB! If you suspect your gas appliance is unsafe, turn it off immediately and don’t touch it until it has been checked by a registered gas engineer. Open all the doors and windows to ventilate the room and ensure that you have shut off the gas supply at the meter control valve.
It is essential for all homeowners with gas installations installed on their property, or those planning to have an installation done, to ensure they are compliant with the regulations mentioned above and within their homeowners insurance policy.
Indwe Risk Services can offer you all the advice and cover you need to keep you and your family safe from gas-related disasters.
Indwe Risk Services is an authorised Financial Services Provider FSP 3425