Know the Requirements for Gas Installations

According to the regulations that were introduced in 2009, all gas installations must have a Certificate of Conformity.

This is according to the Pressure Equipment Regulations that have been promulgated under the Occupation Health and Safety Act (No 85 of 1993).

According to the regulation, any home-owner who has a liquid gas installation installed in their home must have this certificate.

However, all home-owners considering gas installations need to know that the onus is on them to ensure that they have this certificate in their possession.

In the event of your home being damaged as a result of a defective gas appliance an insurance company would be well within their rights to repudiate a claim, which could have severe financial repercussions.

Having the installation inspected and approved is a quick and easy process – provided the installation has been done correctly – much in line with similar requirements for electrical installations, which also requires a certificate of compliance under the Machinery and Occupational Safety Act of 1983.

The types of gas installations that require this certificate include built-in gas fireplaces, braais, gas stoves and ovens, as well as hot water (Gas Geyser systems).

It is vital for all home-owners to realise that such an inspection is not just essential for their insurance policy to remain valid, but even more importantly, that it is conducted to ensure that the installation is safe and their family is not put at risk.

If a gas appliance has not been correctly installed, it could have major health implications for a family. Not to mention the danger involved of an explosion.

Homeowners also need a certified certificate in the event of the house being sold if they have a gas appliance installed.