The advent of natural gas from Mozambique towards the end of this year has prompted many gas users to investigate their own installations, to see how they measure up to the new Gas Standards, which are about to be introduced.
Under the umbrella of the O.S.H. Act, the responsible person in a factory or establishment burning gas as a means of raising heat for a process or other application is required to ensure that the employees were not exposed to hazards. This was quite difficult to comply with, as there were no real standards in force to give guidance. Most combustion equipment companies recommended that overseas standards were used. However, there were so many to choose from that it was very difficult to ensure that an installation complied with one of them.
Industry had no real guidance for many years, until SANS decided to adopt a standard that had been introduced in Europe in 1997. This was DIN EN 746-2 'Industrial Thermoprocessing Equipment Part 2: Safety requirements for combustion and fuel handling systems'. Currently, this standard is being 'South Africanised' but, in the meantime, it can be employed as it is written. The cross references to other standards are not valid but at least, it is a good starting point for combustion safety. It will take some months for the Working Group to finalise the adoption of EN746-2 but in the interim, all gas users, for combustion purposes, should ensure that any new installations comply fully with these requirements. Taking this step now will ensure that there will be no problems at a later date.
When it comes into force, it is not envisaged that EN746-2 will be retrospective. In other words, existing systems will not have to be converted to conform to the new standard, providing they comply with another standard covering the use of such equipment.
Although the changeover from Sasol gas to natural gas has highlighted the safety aspect of combustion, it should be remembered that The LPG Association of South Africa has been very busy for a number of years to ensure the safe use of its gas and has been instrumental in preparing and promulgating (through the SABS) a number of standards for equipment used for the combustion of LPG. All equipment that is designed for use with LPG has to be tested and approved by them. Such is the power of this organisation that it can enlist the help of the appropriate government department to place a ban on the sale of non-compliant items.
Unfortunately, this state of affairs does not currently exist with equipment designed for use with other fuel gases. The end user therefore, should ensure that existing equipment that he has in his factory or plant or a new installation, should be from a reputable manufacturer and conform to overseas standards. Questions should be asked to the local supplier regarding the origin of the equipment and if in doubt, alternative opinions should be sought. It is false economy to use sub-standard or non-approved equipment of doubtful origin.
The Combustion Group, together with other combustion equipment suppliers, has been actively working to hasten the introduction of EN 746-2 into industry. Hopefully, simultaneously with the coming of natural gas, a new era of safety consciousness will pervade the industry. The introduction of EN746-2 as South Africa's standard will be a leap in the right direction.
For more information contact The Combustion Group, 011 452 5060.
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