44 LAST WORD
More than one product Mark !
Rory Macnamara
Outdated bylaws and lack of understanding of the changes that have taken place in the certification field are causing frustration and difficulties in plumbing .
For some years now the certification of South African National Standards ( SANS ) has broadened to three certification companies , of which SABS is one . The South African National Accreditation System ( SANAS ) has accredited two other companies which between them can process certification for plastic pipes , taps / mixers , etc ., and grant , through the exacting process applied by SABS in the past , to certify SANS standards .
The certification granted by these companies is equal to SABS and will carry their own mark being AENOR and SATAS . The requirement is that with the respective mark the SANS designation must be used . For example , SANS 21003 , etc ., accompanied by the supporting documents stating any limitations and or applications and the mark of the certifying body .
Just as SABS has its mark , so too do the other accredited certification bodies and they must be accepted and recognised as such .
Bylaws and minds need to change to reflect this and not cause unnecessary confusion in the marketplace . JASWIC makes allowances for the changes so it is hard to understand why municipal bylaws , where they exist , cannot do the same .
Manufacturers invest huge amounts of time and money in obtaining the different marks and certainly do not need pedantic officials causing disruption in the marketplace based on ignorance .
The increase of certification bodies can only assist specifiers and installers in doing their jobs correctly and more easily .
The story behind this opening up certification companies is a story on its own and perhaps very well known , so it serves no purpose to keep banging on about one mark when three exist , all as equal as the other . Let us face it , the SABS is not the SABS of old . As the Lead Administrator stated some time ago , “( we ) the SABS has some history .” She was not referring to its 75 years plus history but when SABS had its wobbly a few years ago which resulted in manufacturers seeking alternatives to SABS .
SABS has responsibility to Develop , Promote and Maintain standards . SANS stands on its own , hence reference to a Mark and SANS designation .
One could find oneself facing anti-competitive action if one fails to recognise and accept the reality of the marketplace today that there are THREE marks for certification in certain areas that affect plumbing . PA
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www . plumbingafrica . co . za @ plumbingonline @ plumbingonline @ PlumbingAfricaOnline August 2022 Volume 28 I Number 6