Compliance is an ongoing necessity as it plays a large role in safety. The gas industry is no exception to this principle, many heating, ventilation, ait-conditioning and refrigeration gas-related breakdowns are a result of non-compliance to the approved gas regulations and standards. The proper regulation of HVAC installations and maintenance is essential as these installations involve various gases that need to be handled as stipulated by the Pressure Equipment Regulations (PER). The Department of Employment and Labour (DEL) has appointed 500 inspectors across all 9 provinces to assist in keeping the gas industry safe, including installations that require refrigeration gases. The increased number of inspectors will ensure all HVAC+R installations completed in South Africa have been inspected timeously and thoroughly.
The South African Qualifications and Certifications Committee of Gas (SAQCC Gas) is mandated by the DEL to ensure the gas industry operates as specified by the PER. SAQCC Gas is made up of 4 member associations, regulating the HVAC+R industry within SAQCC Gas is the South African Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors Association (SARACCA). SARACCA’s primary objective is to ensure both the end-user and the refrigeration Gas Practitioner are safe, this involves ensuring all installations have been completed in compliance with the PER and the relevant HVAC+R standards.
To equip the new inspectors, SAQCC Gas in conjunction with the DEL conducted a training session on the 2nd -5th November with over 100 new inspectors. SARACCA conducted a section specific to the HVAC+R industry, this was to help the inspectors know what to look for when conducted an HVAC+R inspection, this session included theoretical and technical knowledge.
Key pointers:
- Refrigerants commonly used
- The phasing out of HCFCs and HFCs
- The aspects of safety in refrigeration equipment
The HVAC+R industry is growing rapidly. We are happy that growth comes with an increase in inspections, a safe industry is a prolific industry. – SARACCA
The objective of the training was to fully equip the inspectors to conduct thorough inspections and keep the gas industry safe and compliant.
As an industry, we are excited about the increase in the number of inspectors. This will make a huge difference in the gas industry in terms of policing and enforcement. – SAQCC Gas