Why Registration of Persons Working on Gas Matters
The South African Qualification and Certification Committee (SAQCC Gas) is calling on all non-compliant practitioners to register or face the full might of the law.
The gas industry has recently been rocked by reports of deaths occurring due to non-compliant installations. SAQCC Gas urges industries to use registered gas practitioners. Gas in the wrong hands can be deadly and non-compliant gas practitioners do not have the required training to ensure safe handling of gas. Whether installing, repairing, or servicing gas equipment it is against the law to use non-compliant gas practitioners.
How to Find a Registered Gas Practitioner
The gas industry is regulated by world-class legislation and safety standards. Mandated by the Department of Employment and Labour (DEL) SAQCC Gas registers gas practitioners. Those wanting to enter the gas business must undertake relevant training. There are tried and tested criteria and guidelines in place to maintain the safety levels and standards the industry enjoys today.
Gas practitioner registration can be verified by:
- Requesting to see the gas practitioner’s registration card.
- Visiting www.saqccgas.co.za and verifying the gas practitioners’ credentials via the verification portal.
Gas practitioners are registered for 3 years. On renewal of their registration, practitioners are required to undergo refresher training courses or provide ongoing competence. The gas industry is sliced into 4 key gas specialities, they are:
- Refrigerant Gases
- Liquefied Petroleum Gas
- Natural Gas
- Industrial and Medical Gases
It is important to note that gas practitioners may not install, repair or service gas equipment outside their designated specialty.
Bypassing Compliance
Gas practitioners that ensure their registrations are up to date will enjoy the full benefits of belonging to a regulated industry. By avoiding the registration process and entering the industry, a non-compliant gas practitioner is effectively putting industries at risk. Non-compliance will be followed by the required legal action taken against the gas practitioner and in certain instances the customer.
In April, a guesthouse owner was arrested for the deaths of two guests. The toxicology report revealed that the couple died of carbon monoxide poisoning suspected to be caused by a gas leak from the shower’s gas geyser*. In addition to the owner, in cases where deaths occur, the non-compliant practitioner could be held liable. Recently an unregistered mechanic lost his life when a refrigeration system exploded while being pressure tested with Nitrogen from a cylinder without a pressure regulator.
Registration Benefits
The ultimate benefit to registering as a gas practitioner is the knowledge, skill, and workmanship that gas practitioners will use when installing, repairing, or servicing gas equipment. Only registered gas practitioners can issue Certificates of Conformity (CoC) and offer the reassurance of compliance. Investigations into non-compliant installations, repairs or services can not only be detrimental to a non-compliant gas practitioners’ livelihood but could result in charges being laid against the gas practitioner. The investigation is thorough and in certain cases the practitioner could lose their registration cards.
The Right Thing to Do
In a country reeling from state capture and high corruption levels, it is now the time for industries to drive compliance by using registered gas practitioners. The onus is on companies to verify every gas practitioner that installs, repairs or services gas equipment.
To report a non-compliant gas practitioner or to register visit www.saqccgas.co.za.
*According to media reports, the investigation is still underway.
