LPGas Safety Information

Many thanks to the LPGas Sasafety Association of South Africa (LPGSASA) for the valuable information below as published on their website www.lpgas.co.za

==========================================================

Thursday, January 09, 2014

Important LPG Safety Information

Using LP Gas Safety!

We take it for granted that our gas geysers, cookers and gas fire places are safe. It is only when there is a problem with an appliance that many people take any notice of it at all.
What are the gas safety risks of dangerous gas work?

Dangerous gas work can be deadly. Badly fitted and poorly serviced appliances can cause the following gas safety risks:

gas leaks
fires
explosions
carbon monoxide poisoning
Lack of adequate ventilation leading to suffocation

LP Gas is hazardous. Similar to electrical installations, only use a registered installer to install, fix or maintain your appliances. Please do not try to do it yourself “DIY”. You may be putting the lives of your loved ones at risk, as well as your property.
Everyone should understand how to use gas safely in their homes.
Always read the instructions that come with LP Gas appliances.

1. Immediately put out all smoking material and other flames.
2. If you are able to, safely turn off the cylinder valve. To close the valve, turn it to the right (clockwise).
3. Immediately leave the area and call your local fire department.
4. Before you restart the appliance, have a qualified gas installer inspect your cylinder and appliance.

1. Always use a registered installer

to install, repair and service your gas appliances, including your: gas geyser, gas fireplace, gas cooker or hob. On completion of the work, they will provide you with a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) ensuring the job has been done according to the minimum safety requirements and SABS technical specifications.

2. Always ask for the installer’s card.

Registered installers all carry a SAQCCGas Registration ID card. It shows you what they look like and what gas work they are qualified to do. It also gives you a unique registration number that you can use to check they are still on the register.
Only allow an engineer to work on your gas appliances after you have checked their SAQCCGas ID card. If you have any doubts check the the unique licence number on your installer’s ID card or visit www.SAQCCGas.co.za and check that they appear on the database.If you suspect a person is not registered and working illegally, you should report it to either the Department of Labour or SAQCCGas using the ‘Report’ service. Alternatively contact us on +27 (11) 886 9702.

3. Check that your installer is competent to do the work.

Not all installers are qualified to carry out all types of gas work. Make sure you check the qualifications on the back of their ID card to make sure they are competent to work on your appliance. You can also check them on the SAQCCGas website.
If you have a complaint about work carried out by a registered installer, then let us know by using our contact form.

4. Check your appliances before using them.

Sometimes we pack away our gas heaters until winter. Or we think or appliances will last forever! There are seals and hoses that can degrade with time. Make sure your appliance is safe before using it, by checking the manufacturers instructions regarding maintenance or alternatively, get hold of a registered installer to check if for you. Always follow the instructions when connecting and disconnecting appliances from gas cylinders. Your registered installer will carry out tests and checks to establish your appliances are operating safely.

SABS Standards and Codes of Practice control the industry and are obtainable from:
SABS, Private Bag x191, Pretoria , 0001
Tel No: (012) 428 6666
www.sabs.co.za

At SAQCCGas there are currently in excess of 1500 registered Installers Nationwide

SAQCCGas Registered InstallersIt is important that interested parties apply for registration to the SAQCC(Gas), which is a Department of Labour body.
Please visit www.saqccgas.co.za for more details concerning registration.