| 1. |
Concerning the National Qualification Framework (NQF), the Gas Industry standards work group of which SAPGA is an active member has completed the NQF level 2 and 3 qualifications (entry levels for qualifications in the gas industry) and is currently awaiting approval at the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). The next step is to obtain funding from the Chieta for the development of learner study material per qualification.
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| 2. |
The SANS 329 (Industrial thermo processing equipment - safety requirements of combustion and fuel handling systems) has been developed and in the process of being formally published. A training module on SANS 329 is being developed to assist industry to become more safety compliant. Courses on SANS 329 are being developed and will be scheduled for April to June 2007. SANS 329 will be regarded as bridging training for all installers. All installers who have successfully passed the course and meet the applicable criteria need to register for certification as qualified and credible installers. Registration will be to SAPGA who will review all applications for recommendation to an independent certifications institution namely the South African Qualifications and Certifications Committee (SAQCC (Gas)). Certified installers under the official name of SAQCC, will be issued with a card reflecting information such qualifications, gas applications, registration, personal details and photo of the installer. |
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| 3. |
Another course currently under review for upgrade is the course “NG conversion for qualified LPG installers”. A work group has been established to upgrade the course. The course becomes the property of SAPGA for presentation by qualified and selected trainers. |
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| 4. |
A Safe appliance scheme for domestic, commercial and industrial equipment is being formalised to ensure compliance to safety regulations and fit for use. Suppliers need to take stock and submit a list of their equipment and appliances with respective declarations of conformity to SAPGA for registration with the Department of Labour. Test houses have been identified and ultimately all equipment will have a SAPGA stamp of approval.
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| 5. |
A regional road show for customers is in planning for early this year which is part of a communication drive to create industry awareness regarding the association and inform on important matters affecting uses of gas. |
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| 6. |
As time progresses and goals are achieved change is inevitable. The time to rethink the road ahead to meet new challenges becomes more vital. The association is currently undergoing restructuring and new portfolios are being created to accommodate these challenges. New portfolios such as managing the safe appliance scheme, improved installer administration, training and learnership have either been newly created or expanded to accommodate future needs. The marketing and administration portfolios are also under review for expansion. |
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| 7. |
A compliance audit of the total Natural Gas (NG) pipeline supply chain was initiated to determine whether shortcomings exist in the form of standards that do not exist to cover legislation and regulations criteria and to ensure the safe use and installation of NG. The audit remains in progress and shortcomings have been identified and appropriately addressed at the recent SABS Standards Technical Committee (TC 5120.19) meeting held on the 27 of Feb 2007 in order to establish a working group to evaluate documents supplied by SAPGA for overprinting as SANS standards for the Safe Use and Installation of Natural Gas. The aim eventually is to ensure the total pipeline supply chain is in compliance with official standards and regulations against which proper training can be ensured and the supply chain can be audited to ensure the safe use and installation of NG. |
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| 8. |
On the issue of incidents regarding safety there appears to be slackness on the reporting of such incidents to interested parties of which the Department of Labour is one. From a statutory and regulatory perspective this situation requires urgent attention and a positive mind set needs to be established to ensure all types of incidents are reported and corrective actions recorded. The industry also needs to become more proactive by ensuring qualified personnel and equipment is safe and fit for use. The association aims to assist the Department of Labour to record all incidents and derive lessons learnt which then need to be communicated so that the industry can improve current practices and ensure a climate conducive to safety for all stakeholders. |
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| 9. |
After all, the slogan of ‘we value your safety” needs to be embraced and rolled out in the coming year.
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