The Gas Man

•  It is part of the national health and safety act. Therefore a legal requirement.
• Registration for lp gas installers is compulsory in terms of the OHS Act specifically concerning the Pressure Equipment Regulation (PER)
• The Installer is the only person that can issue the Certificate of Compliance.

 

• For you insurance, in case of a fire and the cause is a unregistered installation you insurance would be void.

•  Required when selling your house

 

Never use damaged or corroded cylinders – this can lead to leaks and fires. Check cylinders for the date stamp. Cylinders manufactured before 1969 are no longer in use and must be withdrawn. If you see damage or rust, don’t use the cylinder – take it to the supplier

 

Liquid LPG expands on temperature variances. With LPG you need 20% of the space on top of the liquid for expansion. LP Gas can only be filled to 80% of the water capacity

 

Supply pressure is important both for safety and efficient use. The supply pressure is critical in design of combustion systems and low pressure could lead to incomplete combustion, and hazard

 

A key difficulty with LPG leakage is that it cannot disperse easily (as it is heavier than air) and tends to collect and move at ground level.

 

It is important that you ensure LPG appliances are complete and not defective. Missing or damaged parts can lead to carbon monoxide emissions that are highly dangerous. If in doubt, have it checked out by a registered LPG installer or contact the: LPG Association

 

In addition to above points:
• Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions
• Never use the valve on the cylinder to adjust flame size or the amount of heat, use the controls provided
• Never attempt to check for leakage with a naked flame.
• Do not try to force any fittings or connections.
• Some LPG appliances operate at high pressure directly from the cylinders, and many others must be connected through a regulator – never connect a low pressure appliance directly to a cylinder
• Always use and store LPG cylinders in an upright position.
• Use competent registered LPGas installers to adjust or repair your LPG appliances

 

Portable gas heaters such as LPG cabinet heaters and other unflued space heaters need special care:
• Test your connections – cabinet heaters: After securely connecting a new or refilled cylinder, apply soapy water to the cylinder connections and turn off the cylinder. If bubbles appear, you have a leak. Close the valve and call an LPG service agent.
• Safe space: Always keep your heater at least one meter away from anything that could catch fire. Put a safety guard around your heater if you have young children in your home or if there is a lot of traffic.
• Fresh Air: Keep a window open when you use your unflued heater, to help remove heater emissions (combustion products) and to keep the air fresh and reduce condensation. Never use unflued heaters in bedrooms or bathrooms.
• Use your nose: If you smell gas fumes turn off your heater and cylinder immediately. Call an appliance service agent or gas installer to have the appliance checked.
• Get a check-up: Before winter every year, get your heater checked and serviced by a service agent to ensure that it is in a safe condition for winter

 

In order to assist in detecting LPG leaks a smelly chemical has been added to the LPG. The stencher or odorant stinks like rotten eggs

 

Any damage to the cylinder may be serious enough to weaken the cylinder shell and so allow gas to escape which is very dangerous

 

LPG must never be stored with other flammable substances
It is also advisable NOT to store with other flammable gases

 

Good Afternoon Miriam, Thank you for the question. Most of the gas hobs on the market today can be switched on by means of a match or a long stem fire lighter although some of the manufacturers has opted to go for battery ignition eliminating the need for any electricity connection. Regards Theo