Loadshedding in South Africa has meant that more property owners are switching to gas for cooking or heating because of unreliable power supplies. Safety regulations governing the installation and safe use of gas appliances have been in place for over a decade now, covering everything from the professionals that are permitted to supply and install gas and gas appliances, to the safety procedures for installation and operation, as well as the requirements when property-ownership is transferred. This is where the Gas Compliance Certificate comes in.
A Gas Compliance Certificate is a document that confirms that your gas installation is safe and up to standard. If you’re selling a property with a gas installation, this certificate is extremely important.
And, starting 01 April 2023, the Gas Compliance Certificate went digital and has now expanded to five pages. It’s the only one you can use when transferring property, plus there is a new committee in charge of registering gas experts in South Africa.
Importantly, the seller needs to get this certificate at their own cost. Also:
- The certificate may only be issued by an authorised person registered with the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Safety Association of Southern Africa (LPGAS) or an approved Inspection Authority.
- The certificate will state that the gas system, including any changes made to it, is safe and complies with the law.
- The certificate covers everything: from the gas pipelines to the appliances.
- If anything’s broken or not working, the seller has to fix it before the property’s officially handed over.
Can the certificate be used again if the property is sold?
No – every time the property gets a new owner, a new certificate must be needed.
Are you thinking of removing a gas cylinder?
You can, as long as your purchase agreement doesn’t say otherwise. Just make sure you have a valid certificate from a qualified person for your gas system.
What’s looked at before giving the certificate?
- Valves – That the correct valves are used.
- Position – The areas where gas equipment is placed are legal.
- Gas leaks – No leaks in the gas installation.
- Gas equipment – Equipment is SABS approved.
Issuing of the certificate is quick if everything’s okay. If repairs are needed, it could take a few hours to a day or two. And the costs? You’ll know after the inspection.
What’s on this 5-page certificate?
- Certificate number (always visible at the top).
- Your details: name, address, and contact.
- Your name and signature.
- Details of the person receiving the certificate.
- Gas expert’s info:
- Full name
- Contact details
- Registration details
- Their declaration and more.
This new certificate provides a thorough check and ensures that all gas systems in homes are safe and up to code. Always prioritise safety, especially when it comes to gas installations!
Article by Tyla Goodwin and Conri Botha
