Speciality Gas System Installer

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to function as a Specialty Gas System Installer. Specialty Gas System Installers install, construct, inspect, maintain, modify, repair and perform commissioning activities on speciality gas systems. Speciality gases include but not limited to toxic, corrosive, pyrophoric, gas mixtures, high and ultra-high purity gas. A qualified learner will be able to: • Construct and install gas systems as per scope of work. • Perform commissioning activities on gas systems. • Conduct handover sessions when required by the scope of work with the end-user. • Inspect, maintain and repair gas systems to required legal requirements. • Modify gas systems according to engineering management of change (EMOC) requirements.

The South African gas industry is highly regulated, and legislation requires gas practitioners to have formally recognised qualifications. It is a growing industry with an increasing demand for gas systems in domestic, commercial and industrial settings. There are several inert gases of which helium, neon and argon is the most commonly known. Inert gases have a wide range of application. It ranges from light bulbs, neon signs, high speed photography, coolants, scientific balloons, arc welding, firefighting and the like. Various industries in South Africa will benefit by implementing the cost effective and improved processes that gas options provide. Industries such as, manufacturing, visual arts, food and beverage will benefit from better service delivery which includes consistency in safety and quality standards according to the national and international requirements. It also opens opportunities to industry to introduce new manufacturing technologies requiring gas supply. The spin-off of safe supply of gas through competent service providers is enormous, e.g. reducing the risk footprint in the country, reducing the possibility of incidents and reducing economic losses. It will make South Africa more attractive in the international market for manufacturing of products, through cost cutting technologies relying on gas supply. This qualification will contribute to the full development of the learner within the gas installation industry by providing recognition as well as further mobility within the gas field. The skills, knowledge and understanding demonstrated within this qualification are essential for social and economic transformation and will contribute to progression and economic growth within the gas installation and maintenance industry. This qualification has been designed to meet the training needs expressed by the gas industry for the following gas categories: Flammable gases, food and beverage gases, inert gases, medical gases, oxidant gases and speciality gases. This will contribute towards the development of competence in the installation and maintenance of gas equipment and systems. A Speciality Gas System Installer will be equipped to follow an independent career in gas installations and maintenance. Most learners for this qualification are likely to be learner-installers in small independent gas companies and it is foreseen that the learners will eventually be able to independently run their own gas installation and maintenance operations. However, employment in big companies is also a possibility. This occupation co-exists with similar occupations. Proficiencies recognised by the industry as employment opportunities were identified in this occupation. These are: • Flammable Gas System Installer. • Food and Beverage Gas System Installer. • Inert Gas System Installer. • Medical Gas System Installer. • Oxidant Gas System Installer. Typical learners include school leavers who wish to pursue a career in the gas industry as well as persons currently employed or operating in the gas industry but with no formal recognition for their skills. Through the employment of competent installation personnel, employers and, in turn, the field and sub-field, will have confidence that this critical work in the industry is safely and efficiently carried out.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): RPL for Access to the External Integrated Summative Assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of results or by certifying a work experience record. RPL for Access to the Qualification: Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements. Entry Requirements: NQF Level 2 qualification with Mathematics.

• Apply theory of speciality gas and speciality gas systems.
• Compile a bill of materials for a legally compliant gas system.
• Assemble, construct and test a speciality gas system based on volume, pressure and integrity according to speciality gas system demand which is legal and code compliant.
• Commission and conduct a final sign-off of a legally and code compliant installation of own scope of work on specialised gas systems.
• Conduct fault finding and take remedial action on a speciality gas system or maintain installation to ensure safe working conditions of the system.
• Comply with safety and quality industry codes and legal aspects when installing a speciality gas system and working with gases.