BUSINESS AND TRAINING 17 options , and more often than not , these products are usually unsafe and non-compliant . If one considers the cost that Certified Product Mark holders spend on ensuring that their products fully conform to a type-5-mark scheme , it becomes evident that the costs of products will be slightly more than just a product deemed compliant on one test report . The benefits of these products outweigh the slight price difference . Plumbers ’ ought to make informed decisions that not only benefit the end user or consumer , but also the entire nation , as ultimately the leaks that occur result in the precious dwindling commodity being wasted . This also becomes grossly unfair on manufacturers , importers , wholesalers , retailers and distributors that ensure their products comply fully , and are certified and approved by a certification body .
So , in a nutshell : First choice for the selection of plumbing products should be from a Certified Mark Scheme supplier – a list of which is obtainable from the SANAS website . Furthermore , plumbers can contact the various certification bodies ( listed above ) from the SANAS website to ascertain what products are approved .
So , approved or certified products : Products that are fully tested to the required specifications , and whose manufacturing facilities are periodically visited to assess continued compliance of products – These should be first choice ! These products have a three-year validity period .
Accepted list of products ( JASWIC List ): Only based on one test report by a SANAS accredited test body with no further verification on products . These products have a two-year validity period .
Compliant products : Listed elsewhere .
Discrepancies and dangers of regulated products subjected to a typical Type 1 scheme In respect of regulated products such as geysers and all components used in the installation thereof – such as pressure control valves , safety valves ( TP valves ), vacuum breakers , drain cocks , elements and thermostats – could be deemed safety critical products .
Geysers are covered under the VC9006 standard and are also governed by SANS 10254 and SANS 10252-1 & 2 – none of these standards refer to SANS 1808-53 , nor does the VC9006 refer to components used in the installation , maintenance , replacement and repair of fixed electrical storage heating systems to be of an approved type , although through normative references in the relevant standards , this is a requirement . Further to this , “ Plumbing compliance SANS 10254 : Installation , replacement , and repair of hot water system . What is compliance ?” as published by IOPSA in association with PIRB , also states that components must be compliant to the relevant standards . These terminologies are creating confusion and discrediting Type-5- mark-scheme products , which allow for more stringent controls on the supply of approved / certified products that will help reduce insurance claims and allow for redress to non-compliant products through the processes allowed by the certification bodies running these schemes .
It is ludicrous that safety-critical items that pose huge health and safety risks are overlooked and watered down with just compliant products , when indeed it should be enforced that only approved products are being used .
Conclusion Manufacturers seeking to access new markets should not just go straight for national certification . If an industry-specific Type 5 certification is available , they should consider this in addition . It will provide them with wider market access than just a regular national certification and will better fit their needs .
It should not be seen as ‘ certification light ’ as it is a robust system of assessments that combine and incorporate factory inspection , quality management review , product testing and ongoing surveillance in one package to demonstrate ongoing compliance to give customers , importers and distributors peace of mind that a product is as safe as it can be and is verified timeously as such . PA
“ Certified products enjoy the benefits of protection against misrepresentation and competition from substandard products .”
May 2024 Volume 30 I Number 3 www . plumbingafrica . co . za