The Ultimate Guide to Gas Certificates of Compliance in Gqeberha/Port Elizabeth
All permanent gas installations in South Africa must have a Gas Certificate of Compliance (COC) issued by a registered installer. In South Africa the use of liquified petroleum gas (LPG) has grown substantially due to many factors such as Electricity costs and frequent power outages. Also, gas installations also provide a certain degree of self-reliance.
This guide will provide you with a detailed overview of everything you need to know about Gas Compliance Certificates (COC’s) —why you need one, when it’s required, how to obtain it, and the specific regulations you must follow according to SANS 10087-1:2024.
What is a Gas Compliance Certificate (Gas CoC)?
A Gas Compliance Certificate (Gas CoC) is a formal document issued by a registered gas installer like True Clean that certifies that your gas installation is safe, leak-free, and compliant with South Africa’s relevant regulations also known as SANS (South African National Standards). This certification is not only crucial for legal compliance but also serves as a key requirement in keeping valid homeowner’s insurance coverage. According to the SANS 10087-1:2024 standards, this certificate ensures that your installation is fully inspected and adheres to all the required safety procedures.
Definition of a Gas COC:
The Gas CoC essentially serves as your proof of compliance, and it is required for every permanent gas installation. Such as stoves, geysers, fireplaces, and outdoor braais (not the little. Without a Gas CoC, you could be putting your family and property at risk, and you might face severe consequences from insurers or authorities in case of an incident.
When Do You Need a Gas Certificate of Clearance?
- With the sale of a property: Whenever a property that has a gas installation is sold, a Gas CoC must be obtained and transferred to the new owner. This requirement applies irrespective of when the gas installation was completed. Even if it was before the enactment of the regulations in October 2009, the certificate is still mandatory. It assures the new buyer that the installation has been inspected and follows the latest safety regulations.
- Insurance Requirements: Insurance companies require a Gas CoC to validate any claims that may be associated with a gas installation. If you have a gas leak that causes fire damage or an explosion, your insurer has the right to deny your claim without a valid Gas Compliance Certificate. A compliant and regularly inspected gas installation reduces the risks associated with gas, ensuring that your insurance stays valid, and you stay covered. You will have to follow up with your insurance company but many times they need a new certificate every 2 years.
- Regular Maintenance: SANS 10087-1:2024 says that gas installations should be inspected at least every five years to ensure continued compliance. In some cases, particularly if required by your insurance policy, inspections may need to be conducted more often. This regular maintenance ensures that your installation stays safe and efficient. It is also a good idea to have your gas installation inspected after you have done major renovations as damage to the pipes and fittings may occur.
Cost of Obtaining a Gas Clearance Certificate
The cost of obtaining a Gas Compliance Certificate includes the call-out and inspection fee, which is typically around R750 – R950. This fee covers the full inspection, leak tests, and pressure tests to ensure compliance with SANS 10087-1 standards. At True Clean we offer a Free inspection and Certificate if the installation is up to standard*.
If more appliances are connected to the gas installation, they may incur an extra fee, usually R150 per appliance beyond the first one. This is due to the added checks and tests required to verify compliance for each appliance. This is just a guideline price, and many companies have different pricing structures.
If the installation does not meet the necessary compliance requirements, a quote for remedial work will be provided by the inspector. The homeowner will be responsible for those costs, and only after corrective measures can the certificate be issued.
Inspection Fees Breakdown: The fee not only covers inspection but also involves testing for safety factors like proper ventilation, secure fittings, and proper equipment placement. Problems with the installation will be discussed with the owner and a quote issued to rectify any shortcomings.
The Process of Obtaining a Gas CoC
Inspection by a Registered Installer: The inspection must be conducted by a registered gas installer. The installer will assess the entire installation, including connections, appliances, piping, and cylinder placement, ensuring all aspects follow regulatory standards.
Leak and Pressure Tests: A key part of the inspection process is conducting leak and pressure tests to verify that the installation is safe. This step includes ensuring the correct pressure in the system and using SABS-approved equipment throughout the installation. All the connected appliances will also be checked and tested to ensure 100% safe working order.
Issuing of the Certificate: Once the installer is satisfied that the installation is compliant with all safety requirements, they will issue the Gas CoC. This formal certification signifies that your installation is safe and meets all the prescribed regulatory standards.
Digital CoCs: The industry has moved to digital Gas Compliance Certificates instead of paper copies. This system streamlines record-keeping, reduces fraud, and allows for easy verification of certificates online. Your COC is emailed to you as soon as the inspector has loaded it onto the system.
Important Legal Requirements and Standards for Gas Installations
The regulations for gas installations in South Africa are laid out in SANS 10087-1:2024** under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (No. 85 of 1993). This standard details requirements for the materials, installation, maintenance, and safety checks of gas systems in both residential and commercial settings.
Placement of Containers: LPG containers must be placed on a firm, non-combustible base and must be easily accessible in case of emergency. They should not be placed near doors, windows, drains, or any heat sources, and they should be installed in a well-ventilated area to reduce the risk of gas buildup. These requirements are designed to prevent ignition and ensure prompt access in case of emergencies.
Gas Cylinder Placement distances outside: Containers must be at least 1 meter from doors and windows, 2 meters from drains, and 3 meters from power outlets or open flames. These specific distance requirements are critical to minimize the risks associated with gas leaks and to provide sufficient separation from ignition sources.
Indoor Installation Restrictions: When placing gas containers indoors, certain maximum gas quantities must not be exceeded depending on the type of building. For residential areas, no more than 9 kg per unit can be placed indoors, and there must be adequate ventilation to prevent gas accumulation in case of a leak.
Distances and Placement Requirements: The safety of gas installations greatly depends on maintaining specific distances from various elements in and around the building:
From Doors and Windows: Gas bottles must be positioned at least 1 meter away from any door or window. This requirement helps prevent gas from entering the living space in case of a leak.
From Drains and Air Vents: Gas bottles must be positioned at least 2 meters from any drain or air vent. Gas leaks near these areas can lead to gas buildup, which could create dangerous conditions.
From Power Outlets and Electrical Points: Gas bottles must be at least 3 meters from any electrical power outlet, switch, or any other potential source of ignition. This distance is critical to avoid accidental ignition of gas vapours.
Under Roof Overhangs: Gas bottles should not be placed directly under a roof overhang unless there is sufficient open ventilation. The overhang should not trap gas in case of a leak, which could lead to explosive conditions.
Near Boundary Walls: When placing gas bottles near boundary walls, they must be positioned at least 1 meter away from the wall unless the wall is constructed as a firewall. This requirement ensures that, in the case of a fire, the spread is controlled and delayed.
Next to Braai or Fire Areas: Gas bottles are permitted next to braai or fire areas only if installed with sufficient clearance and using materials that can resist direct heat exposure. Proper insulation and spacing prevent gas from heating up.
Above Ground Level: Gas bottles must be placed above ground level to avoid corrosion from moisture or waterlogging. The ground should be solid and non-combustible, reducing the risk of subsidence or bottle tilting. We at True Clean always install an arrester chain to keep bottles in an upright position.
Approved Materials: Only Class 1 or 2 copper pipes or other approved materials may be used for gas piping. Flexible hoses used in installations must not exceed 2 meters in length and must not pass through walls or partitions to ensure the structural safety of the gas lines. This is because there is chance for movement and that could cause failure of the pipes.
Safety Guidelines and Best Practices when issuing a Gas Certificate of Compliance
The Liquefied Petroleum Gas Safety Association of Southern Africa (LPGAS) provides several guidelines to ensure that installations stay safe and compliant:
Always Use a Registered Installer: Only registered gas installers may issue a Gas CoC. Installers must be knowledgeable about both the SANS 10087-1:2024 standards and other applicable local regulations, ensuring compliance and safety.
Ventilation: Any gas container installed indoors must have proper floor-level ventilation to prevent the dangerous buildup of gas. Examples include installing air bricks near the bottom of external walls or ensuring there are gaps of at least 6 mm under external doors. Proper ventilation is a fundamental requirement to allow any leaked gas to disperse safely and reduce explosion risks. The gas is also heavier than air and this is why it will vent through the bottom.
Fire Prevention: The area surrounding the LPG installation must be kept free of combustible materials, including long grass and weeds. Adequate fire-fighting equipment, such as a 9 kg dry powder fire extinguisher, should also be kept nearby. This ensures quick response in case of a fire emergency involving the LPG system.
Proper Use of Equipment: It is crucial to always use equipment that is compliant with SABS standards. This includes gas regulators, valves, and hoses that are specifically designed for LPG installations, minimizing the risk of malfunctions and ensuring compatibility. This all pertains to installed devices and such devices should have thermocouples in place to reduce the chance of gas escaping from an appliance where the flame has gone out.
What the Gas Compliance Certificate Does NOT Cover:
Portable Appliances: The Gas CoC only covers the installation itself, not portable appliances such as BBQs, patio heaters, or portable indoor heaters. These items are not considered part of a permanent gas installation and are typically removed when a property is sold.
Aesthetic Adjustments: If the current position of a gas container is compliant but aesthetically unpleasing, the inspector does not have to relocate it. Compliance and safety are the primary concerns, rather than looking good.
Larger Installations and Upgrades: The Gas CoC focuses on certifying the current installation as safe and compliant, but it does not cover upgrades, expansions, or modifications that go beyond regulatory requirements. If any changes are made to the gas system, a new inspection will be needed. Because the entire system is certified.
Non-Compliance Items: Items such as flexible hoses passing through partition walls, or the use of incorrect copper piping are immediate non-compliance issues. During the inspection, these will be noted and a quote for rectification issued before work will begin and a certificate be issued.
Common Gas Installation Mistakes:
Even with clear standards from SANS 10087-1:2024, mistakes can still be made. Here are some common issues met:
Inappropriate Positioning: Gas cylinders placed too close to drains, hollows, or electrical points can create significant safety risks. Inspectors often recommend adding diversion walls or extending the distance to create safety zones and minimize potential dangers.
Lack of Firewalls: For installations that are closer than 3 meters to other compressed gases or heat sources, a firewall is typically required. This firewall serves as a critical safety measure to prevent the spread of fire in case of an emergency.
Electrical Hazards: Electrical equipment must not be installed near gas cylinders due to the risk of accidental ignition. All sources of ignition must be kept outside the restricted zones around gas containers to prevent potentially explosive incidents.
Improper Ventilation: Many non-compliant installations lack the proper ventilation needed for safe indoor storage of gas. This can cause hazardous gas accumulation, leading to an increased risk of asphyxiation or explosion. An example of this is where there are no vents in cupboards.
Improper Pipe Materials: Only approved materials such as Class 1 or 2 copper pipes should be used for gas installations. Using incorrect materials can lead to gas leaks and serious safety hazards. Installers must also ensure that copper pipes passing through walls are properly sleeved to prevent damage.
Final Thoughts: Gas Safety is Crucial
Obtaining and keeping a Gas Compliance Certificate is not just a legal requirement but a crucial part of protecting your property and family. A Gas CoC ensures that your gas installation is safe, compliant, and ready to use without risk. Ensuring that any gas-related work is carried out by a registered installer minimizes the risk of accidents and provides peace of mind that your installation has been inspected and certified to meet South African standards.
True Clean provides licensed and experienced gas installer that can help you meet all the necessary regulatory standards. Our services include full inspections, regular maintenance, and issuing Gas Compliance Certificates for both residential and commercial properties. If you are buying a property, considering a new gas installation, or need an updated Gas CoC for insurance purposes, contact us today.
With an efficient, safe, and compliant LPG installation, you can enjoy the benefits of gas-powered living with complete confidence.