Certificate of Conformity for Gas Appliances
Category Internal
On the 15th July 2009 new regulations in terms of the Occupational Health and Safety Act of 1993 were published governing "Pressure Equipment Regulations".
In terms of the same there is now a duty on the homeowner to hold an external inspection and leak test after the installation or reinstallation and before the commissioning of a gas system. The same can only be done by authorized persons who must issue a certificate of conformity after the completion of a gas installation, modification, alteration or change of user or ownership. It is therefore probably safer to now include the following clause in the standard agreement of sale:-
"The Seller shall ensure that all the equipment and gas installations in the property comply with Regulation R734 issued in terms of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 1993 and shall within 15 (fifteen) days after acceptance of this offer, in terms of Regulation 6(2)(e) provide the Purchaser with a valid Certificate of Conformity issued by an authorised person in respect of the gas system".
What Is A Gas Appliance Certificate Of Conformity?
A Conformity Certificate for Gas Appliances (more commonly referred to as a “gas compliance certificate”), is a certificate issued by an authorised party who is duly qualified and registered to deliver a conformity certificate in terms of the relevant regulations.
The Conformity Certificate will state and warrant that any gas appliances on the property are deemed safe according to the various and applicable standards.
This conformity certificate must be obtained whenever there is a gas appliance installed, modified or altered and when there is any change of ownership of the property.
What Is Deemed To Be A “Gas Appliance”?
The terms ‘gas’ and ‘gas system’ are very broadly defined and would seem to include any appliance or item that uses any amount of gas.
This would seem to include hot water systems, gas fires/fireplaces as well as built in gas braais. Rather be safe than sorry on the issue of whether or not a system could be deemed to be a gas appliance and obtain a gas compliance certificate.
The above information should be seen as a brief comment and AN interpretation thereof and therefore should not be seen as an extensive guideline on the subject. Please obtain a comprehensive legal opinion if you wish to act on any aspect hereof as the guideline is not deemed to be an exhaustive guide or fully comprehensive.
Author: Chas Everitt