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| South African pipeline association draws up more stringent criteria
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The South African Pipeline Gas Association (Sapga) has instituted an updated registration process, with more stringent criteria, that calls for a membership register which details the individual’s particular area of expertise.
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This step is integral to the creation of an improved and more efficient and accurate database of credible and qualified installers within the gas industry.
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| “The most important function is to take stock,” comments Sapga chairperson Roy Lubbé.
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This more controlled register will also allow Sapga to recommend certified and registered installers to its members.
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| The membership and installer database, with password access, will be available online early next year.
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| Sapga is currently in discussion with government and the Department of Labour (DoL) in order to identify each body’s objectives and to coordinate activities. This role clarification is crucial to ensuring that each body aug-ments the other’s policies and that they are working in parallel, not against one another.
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| Sapga emphasises that it has not established itself as a com- petitive association, but rather as a body that will work to facilitate positive change in the pipeline gas industry.
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| On Sapga’s agenda at present is SANS 329 (South African National Standards), which was drawn up in conjunction with the South African Bureau of Standards and other gas associations. The standard aims to regulate the applications of thermoprocessing equipment – safety requirements of combustion and fuel-handling systems. “It is an upgrade from ANSI Z223.1, which was not sufficient for industrial customers, but rather suited for commercial and domestic application,” explains technical services manager Riaan van der Walt.
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| This standard is the latest version for industrial applications and is currently being circulated throughout the industry for comment.
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| Necessary adaptations will be made in accordance with the general feedback and the standard is proposed for publication by next month. |
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| The focus on safety has extended to the development of a safe appliance scheme.
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| This scheme requires all equipment, that is manufactured locally for the gas industry, to be tested for compliance with safety regulations, at a Sapga approved facility, and then given the Sapga stamp of approval. All approved equipment will be added to the Sapga database and kept on a legal register.
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| Van der Walt explains that, owing to the fact that natural gas was only introduced as an energy source in 2004, there is a need to regulate the equipment being used for gas applications.
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| He adds that it happens from time to time that end-users use substandard equipment that is not suitable for gas use.
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| The register will incorporate everyone that sells gas equipment, which includes, for example, braais, fire places, heaters and burners.
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| Sapga hopes that the safe appliance scheme will eliminate the use of unsafe equipment and set a high standard of safety for local manufacturers. Aside from safety, another top priority for Sapga is education and training and, through gap analysis, it has identified the needs of the industry and where there is room for improvement.
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| With the introduction of SANS 329 Sapga has recognised the need for training in order to facilitate the change to the new standard.
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| As of March 2007, Sapga will promote training modules to assist the industry, through education, to become more safety compliant. |
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