The rapid increase in the cost of electricity has resulted in many South African homeowners opting to utilise gas installations in their homes.
If your home is damaged or destroyed as a result of a defective gas appliance and you do not have a valid certificate issued by someone registered with LPGAS – the insurance implications could be significant.
However, most homeowners are unaware that there are specific regulations that they must comply with when installing gas equipment in their homes to ensure their insurance policy remains valid, says Christelle Fourie, managing director of MUA Insurance Acceptances.
She explains that the regulations introduced in 2009 state that all gas installations must have a Certificate of Conformity, according to the Pressure Equipment Regulations that have been promulgated under the Occupation Health and Safety Act (No 85 of 1993).
This certificate states that the installation has been properly inspected and is safe and leak free, she says.
“Without this certificate any insurance claim related to a defective gas appliance, could be rejected.”
It is critical that this certificate is also issued by an authorised person who is registered with the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Safety Association of Southern Africa (LPGAS).
According to the regulation, any homeowner who has a liquid gas installation installed in their home must have this certificate, which is usually obtained during the installation phase.
Homeowners considering gas installations need to know that the onus is on them to ensure that they have this certificate in their possession and not the installer, says Fourie.
If your home is damaged or destroyed as a result of a defective gas appliance and you do not have a valid certificate issued by someone registered with LPGAS – the insurance implications could be significant.
Fourie says it is vital for all homeowners 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.
“An insurance company would be well within their rights to repudiate a claim, which could have severe financial repercussions for the homeowner.”
Having the installation inspected and approved is a quick and easy process – provided the installation has been done correctly.
This is in line with similar requirements for electrical installations which also require a certificate of compliance under the Machinery and Occupational Safety Act of 1983.
The types of gas installations that require this certificate include gas fires or braais, gas stoves and ovens as well as hot water systems.
Fourie says it is vital for all homeowners 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 the installation is safe and their family is not put at risk.
If a gas appliance has been incorrectly installed and results in a gas leak this could have major health implications for a family, not to mention the huge danger involved of an explosion.
It is also important for homeowners to know that if they wish to sell their home and they have a gas appliance installed, they are required to obtain the certificate and deliver a copy thereof to the new purchaser.
LPGAS provides the following useful tips regarding gas safety:
- always use a registered installer
- use a qualified gas dealer
- use a verified and tested gas product
- check the seal on a cylinder matches the brand of the cylinder
- always check gas appliances before use
If you suspect your gas appliance is unsafe it is best to turn the appliance off immediately and do not touch it until it has been checked by a registered gas engineer.
Open all the doors and windows to air out the room and ensure you have shut off the gas supply at the meter control valve.
To ensure your gas installations are always in top working order ask a registered gas installer to perform an annual maintenance and service check.
For all homeowners with gas installations already installed on their property or if for those planning on doing so in the future it is vital to ensure compliance with all the above regulations.
She adds that this ensures adherence to stipulations within the homeowners’ insurance policy and safety of family against any gas related disasters.
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