As the vast majority of South Africans stay at home, many gas practitioners in the energy industry remain at their posts. Despite the spread of digital technology, much of the industry still requires practitioners to be on-the-ground and physically present to manage essential installations, repairs and maintenance. It is now more important than ever that practitioners remain compliant.

The ability to continue working for some practitioners cannot stop a predicted downturn in the energy industry. COVID-19 will continue to affect the number of practitioner registrations. SAQCC Gas has already seen a substantial drop in the figures despite showing impressive growth in registration renewals before the lockdown.

Over the past 12 months, SAQCC Gas has successfully driven the message of compliance. However, many practitioners are not renewing their registrations. SAQCC Gas encourages all practitioners with expiring cards to apply for extensions.

Extending renewals during COVID-19

Expired licensed will be extended during the lockdown as most training providers could only ramp up their training from level 3. It is important to note, that even under the lockdown, any person installing, repairing or maintaining gas equipment needs to be registered with SAQCC Gas.

SAQCC Gas has launched several initiatives to combat the impact of expired cards during COVID-19. It is recommended that practitioner who have an expired registration card, contact SAQCC Gas to request an extension.

Returning to work

Mandated by the Department of Labour, SAQCC Gas’s primary objective is to register practitioners. Non-compliance remains a threat to the energy industry, despite improved law enforcement during the lockdown. Emerging from the pandemic, practitioners who are unable to work are encouraged to plan for their return to the industry by ensuring that they remain compliant.

SAQCC Gas remains committed to developing a sound plan during COVID-19 to ensure greater clarity and dissemination of information between the government and the practitioner.