ASSOCIATIONS
A local start-up in the gas industry has recently made it possible for over 25 000 South Africans to purchase gas at any desired quantity . This is just one of the many ways gas consumers can easily access this reliable energy source .
Gas has several applications in both domestic and commercial settings and it takes about three times as much energy to produce and deliver electricity to a stove ! It is the clear winner in the energy efficiency battle between gas and electric when cooking . This is very real when considering the recent rejection of the national electricity utility ’ s request to hike tariffs by 38.1 % for 2022-2023 .
Gas ’ s superior efficiency and accessibility is obvious . So how can you start fully utilising gas in your business ? Safety is key . That ’ s why the South African Qualification and Certification Committee ( SAQCC ) works tirelessly to keep growing higher levels of competency and compliancy in the gas industry .
Gas is the winner in efficiency and accessibility
As a non-profit company , it was formed to establish a central database for registered and authorised gas practitioners to work with gas and on gas systems . SAQCC Gas believes South Africa needs more awareness on gas-work competency and safety . By registering , gas practitioners ensure business safety and that every employee gets home safe too .
SAQCC Gas provides gas practitioners with the latest regulations , training and the competency they need to remain safe on the job and support the safety of our communities . Any consumers utilising a gas system in domestic , commercial , industrial or specialised capacities must be sure to only make use of registered gas practitioners . Responsible owners should have legitimate Certificates of Conformity ( CoCs ) for their gas systems as well as regularly have inspections to avoid being caught off guard when selling or if there is a costly fault due to poor maintenance .
By SAQCC Gas
For many South Africans , gas is an implementable energy source in their businesses which combats surging energy bills .
Consumers can ensure a CoC ’ s authenticity by verifying that the gas installation matches the association , e . g ., LPGSA for LP gas installations or SARACCA for refrigerant gasses . Registered gas practitioners can now also efficiently and seamlessly provide electronic CoCs by using the SAQCC Gas mobile app .
Whether you are a consumer or gas practitioner , you can do your part to increase awareness of safe gas use and installation . The four member associations who form SAQCC make it simple for the consumers and practitioners to report incidents or installations that do not meet current regulations .
Registered gas practitioners always have the experience , competency , equipment and knowledge to do the work safely the first time . Be cautious of the fastest and cheapest quote ! Your own and others ’ wellbeing is worth more than saving a few extra rands . If you suffer losses due to non-compliant gas work , insurance companies may not cover fire or public liability claims caused by nonregistered persons . CLA
ABOUT THE SAQCC GAS The SAQCC Gas is a non-profit company that has been constituted by the four ( 4 ) member associations to establish a central database that displays details of registered gas practitioners authorised to work on gas systems . The SAQCC Gas is mandated by the Department of Employment and Labour to register gas practitioners within the following gas industries :
• Liquefied Petroleum Gas
• Compressed Industrial and Medical Gases
• Refrigerant Gases
• Natural Gas
14 www . coldlinkafrica . co . za COLD LINK AFRICA • January / February 2023