AFRICAN ENERGY
21
The importance of PER
As South Africa ’ s gas consumption and production increases , so do the number of illegal installations and risks . Why do we need the Pressure Equipment Regulations ( PER ) and how do you stay within the law ?
By
John Parry of SAQCC Gas
When it comes to gas consumption in Africa , South Africa has had a history of relatively low gas consumption . Countries like Nigeria far outstrips South Africa ’ s consumption . In addition , South Africa produces very little gas of its own and relies on imports from Mozambique and further afield in Asian , European , and American territories . However , this is changing .
Over the past five years alone , South Africa ’ s gas consumption has grown significantly . The negative impact of this can be felt through the increase in illegal gas installations countrywide . This implication means that South Africans have a greater chance of incurring harm through everyday gas use if certified gas practitioners do not do the gas installations .
Through the PER , the Department of Labour ( DOL ) is tasked with safeguarding and enforcing the regulation of the safe handling and installation of gas . This pertains to all equipment with a pressure threshold of greater than 50kPa . PER also accounts for all gas practitioners to be registered with the South African Qualification Certification Committee for Gas ( SAQCC Gas ).
ILLEGAL INSTALLATIONS Installations are deemed illegal when the criteria outlined in the PER are not met . The PER outlines the duties of the different role players , from manufacturers through to users . If a gas installation is not done correctly , parties not adhering to the regulation will be held responsible . The user , if found in violation of the regulation , will be held responsible for any person ( s ) affected , or liable for any costs to damage , including the third party .
Many first-time gas users are not aware that gas practitioners are required to issue a certificate of compliance ( COC ). In many instances , users tend to look at cost before qualification when choosing an installer . In these instances , the user will be held liable as per the PER . It is up to the user to ensure that qualified practitioners are used .
PURPOSE OF PER Like illegal electricity connections , gas can be harmful if not used properly . Gas is a relatively safe energy source , but if the equipment is not certified , gas could become deadly . PER is designed for incident prevention . It is advisable for all users to understand the importance of the gas regulations by visiting the SAQCC Gas website at www . saqccgas . co . za .
GAS INSPECTORS To ensure that the PER is enforced , the DOL has entrusted the function of inspections to well-trained inspectors . These inspectors address any reported violations of the PER as well as conduct surprise inspections .
REGISTERED PRACTITIONERS AND WHAT TO DO SAQCC Gas has experienced a growth in registered practitioners , making gas regulation in South Africa safer than ever before . The onus is on the user to assist in driving registration through using registered practitioners only . When commissioning a gas installation , ask these two questions :
• Who can fit the gas ? Whenever you call a gas practitioner , you need to ensure that they have proper certification to work on the gas installation . There are different types of certifications that SAQCC Gas issues for different kinds of gas installations . To find a registered practitioner , visit www . saqccgas . co . za .
• What certification do I need ? A COC must be issued for all gas installations , as specified in the PER . The COC is issued by a registered practitioner on completion of work .
With the overall increase in the use of gas in South Africa , it is vital that all users understand the PER and what certification is required before commencing the work . Although illegal connections are predominantly restricted to residential use , industrial users are required to ensure that they maintain certification if a line is moved or tank banks altered in any way or form . PA
www . plumbingafrica . co . za November 2017 Volume 23 I Number 9