Support
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• " repair " means restoration to original standard by the application of heat or welding to any pressure equipment , or the replacement of expanded tubes , and in the case of nonmetallic equipment it means the application of heat , welding , solvent cement , laminate or curing of thermo-set ;
• “ risk-based inspection " means an inspection scope based on the results of a formal risk assessment , including inspection and test intervals ;
Johan , as you can see there are several references to the pressure vessel containing a fluid ‘ gas ’ with a design pressure equal to or greater than 50kPa . So , in summary the systems mentioned in your question have to comply – in full with the regulation , as do you , the manufacturer , and the user .
Johan , the scope of application includes :
1 . ( a ) These regulations shall apply to the design , manufacture , operation , repair , modification , maintenance , inspection and testing of pressure equipment with a design pressure equal to or greater than 50kPa , in terms of the relevant health and safety standard incorporated into these Regulations under section 44 of the Act . ( b ) Regulations 3 , 4 , 5 , 9 ( 1 ), 9 ( 2 ) and 9 ( 3 ) shall not apply to pressure equipment in use or on order prior to the publication of these regulations , which equipment shall be designed and constructed according to the requirements applicable at the time of order .
General requirements :
2 . ( 1 ) Any person who manufactures , imports , sells , offers , or supplies any pressure equipment described in these regulations for use in the Republic shall ensure that such equipment complies with these regulations . ( 2 ) Any person who erects or installs any pressure equipment for use in the Republic shall ensure , as far as is reasonably practicable , that it is erected or installed in a safe manner and without risk to health and safety when properly used . ( 3 ) All pressure equipment for use in the Republic shall be categorised and submitted to the applicable conformance assessments of SANS 347 in addition to the requirements of the relevant health and safety standard incorporated into these regulations under section 44 of the Act .
Johan , let ’ s have a look at duties of users that have specific impact on you .
The user shall ensure that the pressure equipment is operated and maintained within its design and operating parameters .
The user shall , subject to the relevant health and safety standard incorporated into these Regulations under section 44 of the Act a . ensure pressure equipment has a certificate issued by the repairer or modifier , including a verification signature by an approved inspection authority when required , which certifies that the pressure equipment has been modified or b .
c . repaired in accordance with the relevant health and safety standard incorporated into these Regulations under section 44 of the Act ; ensure that pressure equipment has a certificate issued by an approved inspection authority before commissioning , where applicable ; and ensure that a gas system has a valid certificate issued by an authorised person .
Records
1 . Every user of pressure equipment shall keep a record , which shall be open for inspection by an inspector , in which the certificate of manufacture , and the results , after manufacturing , of an inspections , tests , modifications and repairs shall be recorded .
2 . When pressure equipment is sold , the manufacturer shall ensure that it is accompanied , where relevant , with instructions for the user , containing " the necessary safety information relating to : a . mounting , including the assembling of different pieces of pressure equipment ; b . putting into service ; and c . maintenance , including checks by the user : Provided that those instructions shall cover information affixed to the pressure equipment in accordance with these Regulations and the relevant health and safety standard incorporated into these Regulations by section 44 of the Act , with the exception of serial identification , and be accompanied , where appropriate , by technical documents , drawings and diagrams that are necessary for a full understanding of the instructions : Provided further that , if appropriate , the instructions shall also refer to hazards arising from misuse of the pressure equipment .
3 . The manufacturer shall keep the original manufacturing records of the pressure equipment for a minimum period of 12 years .
Johan , thank you for the question , as I have said before , there exists some confusion , particularly in the automotive air conditioning sector with regards to exemption of these systems under the pressure vessel regulation . These systems are not exempt , this has been confirmed by SARACCA and SAQCC gas .
REFERENCES :
• SARACCA
• SANS 10147
• OHS Act / Pressure Vessel Regulation
• SAQCC gas
Thank you for all your questions . Send your problems ( and sometimes your creative solutions ) to acra @ netactive . co . za with ‘ Solutions Page ’ in the subject line . You may include pictures . RACA
www . hvacronline . co . za RACA Journal I January 2022 45