A Potential Ban on Gas Stoves Brings Safety to the Fore
The state of California (US) is in the process of implementing a ban on gas stoves and gas heating equipment because of safety concerns over health issues and harmful emissions.
15/01/2023
A potential ban on the installation of gas stoves and gas heating equipment might not have any impact on South Africa, but it does highlight safety concerns surrounding the proper installation of these appliances in the home. Locally, there are strict regulations in place that cover the installation or setting up of any type of gas appliance or device and you need to acquaint yourself with these regulations to ensure that your family and home are always safe.
Certificate of Compliance - Gas Installations
Having recently been in the situation, like many others, of being without power for an extended length of time due to cable theft and malicious damage, it was no surprise to find out that several of my neighbours rushed out to purchase gas stoves. Considering that there was no power to cater for family meals and the length of the power outage, it makes sense to look to gas as a solution. The only problem with this is that a Certificate of Compliance (COC) is required for the installation of any gas appliance and failure to comply with this will result in possible health issues for your family and damage to your property that will not be covered by your Homeowners Policy or Household Contents Insurance.
Considering the current plight South Africans are facing due to load shedding and power outages, gas installations are increasing phenomenally. However, plenty of individuals out there are unaware of the requirements covering the installation of gas appliances and devices and plenty of sharks are willing to do underhand installations and give out false COCs. A Certificate of Compliance is only issued upon installation according to the guidelines set down in SANS 10087-1:2013 and it is in your best interest to research the requirements that must be met for proper, safe installation.
Why is there a Potential Ban in the US?
- 1. Fossil Fuel Emissions
- It isn't really much of a shocker to hear that a federal agency is pushing for a ban on gas stoves and this will affect several states in the US. Incorrectly installed gas appliances are blamed for house fires and deaths around the US but it was recently brought to light that Environmental Protection Agency (EPS) research indicates an increase in greenhouse emissions due to the burning of fossil fuels, including natural gas. However, the truth of the matter is that fossil fuels power industries and motor vehicles, as well as other forms of transport, fossil fuels are also the main fuel for generating electricity, so while these concerns are legitimate, until we discover more efficient and environmentally-friendly power sources, we are tied to fossil fuels for now.
- 2. Health and Safety Concerns
- We have long been aware that gas appliances emit toxins that can result in respiratory health problems and hence the reason for the COC guidelines. Without sufficient ventilation, toxic fumes accumulate and it is these that can being about health problems and the risk of harm or fire. When a gas appliance or gas-fuelled device is not installed according to the regulations set down in SANS 10087-1:2013 or by an unregistered installer, you cannot be assured of the health and safety of your family or home.
Conclusion
In South Africa, we are becoming more reliant on gas stoves for cooking. The installation of gas hobs allows families a modicum of convenience in the face of repeated daily load shedding and extended power outages. While there is no getting over the fact that gas is a fossil fuel and harmful to the environment, so is the production of electricity, and all forms of cooking (at high temperature) affect air quality. If proper, safe installation is performed and all SANS guidelines followed, a gas stove is just as safe as any other appliance in the home.