Plumbing Africa April 2018 | Page 65

ASSOCIATIONS unable to offer valid, current product certification. Others have told us that they have been forced to trade without certification and had to argue the merits of their products with specifiers, architects, and building inspectors on a case-by-case basis. So, with that wide list of hot and cold water polymer pipe systems certified, I think everyone is relieved that the situation can now gradually return to normal, not only for manufacturers and distributors of products, but also for the municipalities and their building inspectors. 63 systems, and ending the certification rules according to SANS 14236 for mechanical compression fittings, according to SANS 8070 for PE fittings for discharge and according to SANS 681 for elastomeric O-rings. PA The chairperson of PHACT, Ken Patrick (on left), and AENOR’s Ricardo Galan announcing to the industry that AENOR product certification can now be used in South Africa. In fact, we are now working on the accreditation of products according to SANS 22391 for PERT pipes and PLANS TO EXPAND THE RANGE OF PRODUCT CERTIFICATIONS FOR SOUTH AFRICAN COMPANIES The process with SANAS is that we may only apply to become SANAS accredited for a specific SANS once we have granted a certificate to that standard. In other words, SANAS will only accredit once there is a demand from the market. So, as clients approach us, we can expand our offering. Considering that we offer certification to over 65 international standards for plastic piping systems, the opportunity is quite large. IOPSA welcomes new executive director The Institute of Plumbing SA (IOPSA) has announced the appointment of Brendan Reynolds as its new executive director. By IOPSA Reynolds was approached by IOPSA in March 2018 to fulfil the role, given that the plumbing industry holds him in high regard. “I want the plumbing industry to take charge of its destiny,” says Reynolds while speaking about his vision for IOPSA. Reynolds started his career in 1992 as a picker for General Plumbing Supplies, which then became a Plumblink store. He proceeded to work his way up the corporate ladder for many years until he left in 2013 as the regional manager inland, to run a family business. During his time at Plumblink, he also sat on the board of the PIRB for merchants. He is however not all work and no play as he is a huge Lions Rugby fan and enjoys attending as many games as possible to support his team. According to Reynolds, his greatest accomplishment is his two children. He also plans to conquer Mount Everest, setting off to base camp on 21 April 2018. IOPSA would like to extend a very special thank you to Steve Brown for enthusiastically stepping in to carry the load for IOPSA. Brown has played a crucial role in keeping the institute going while the executive director post was vacant. PA Reynolds comes on board with a multitude of ideas and goals to uplift IOPSA, which will allow the institute to reach new heights and have a true representation of the plumbing industry as a whole. www.plumbingafrica.co.za Newly appointed executive director of IOPSA, Brendan Reynolds. April 2018 Volume 24 I Number 2