INSULATION
Product compliance in crisis
Des Schnetler, TIPSASA
TIPSASA
How the Thermal Insulation Products and Systems Association of South Africa( TIPSASA) protects standards through self-regulation.
The South African Bureau of Standards has been the cornerstone of testing, certification, and the development of national standards for decades.
However, the organisation’ s inability to fulfil its core functions in recent years has created widespread uncertainty around product compliance and market credibility.
In the context of the built environment, where fire safety, energy efficiency, and performance integrity are crucial, the decline of a functional national standards body presents significant risks. Manufacturers, suppliers, and installers of insulation products now face a landscape where compliance relies on industryled governance rather than government oversight.
The Association remains dedicated to maintaining standards
The compliance challenge
Poor management, corruption, and the loss of management and technical expertise have paralysed the institution. The laboratories where it conducts its tests are now dysfunctional due to poor maintenance, leaving the SABS with no option but to rely on external consultants and laboratories.
This has caused unacceptable delays in product testing, misalignment of standards with up-to-date building regulations, and a lack of dependable certification services. The recently revised SANS 10400-T( Edition 5), effective from 1 January 2025, requires that all insulation products be tested and classified according to SANS 53501-1, the standard for fire classification of building materials.
However, as the SABS has not yet updated the relevant product standards to reflect these regulatory requirements, the insulation sector faces a compliance gap – one that, if left unaddressed, could endanger safety, fair competition, and public confidence.
TIPSASA’ s proactive response
Recognising the urgency of the situation, TIPSASA has taken decisive measures to support its members and maintain integrity and compliance within the insulation industry. The Association has introduced several initiatives aimed at ensuring accountability, technical excellence, and consumer trust.
Members are being guided through the process of preparing Declarations of Product Compliance, supported by independent test results and documented quality controls. This aligns with international best practice and ensures that, even without formal SABS certification, TIPSASA members can demonstrate full technical compliance and accountability.
TIPSASA continues to publish technical guidance documents and best practice publications, such as“ SANS 10400-XA: 2021 Thermal Insulation Guide and SANS 53501-1 Reaction to Fire Classification Guide”. These resources help members stay aligned with the latest regulatory and technical standards while encouraging consistent and safe installation practices across the industry.
Upholding integrity through industry leadership
In the wake of institutional collapse, the importance of credible industry associations like TIPSASA has never been greater. The Association remains dedicated to maintaining standards, safeguarding consumers, and assisting members in demonstrating compliance through credible, transparent, and traceable methods.
TIPSASA’ s actions not only protect the industry’ s reputation but also emphasise that compliance is mandatory – it is the cornerstone of safety, performance, and professionalism in the built environment. And it is legislated.
For the client’ s guidance, a list of accredited TIPSASA members can be found here: www. tipsasa. co. za / membership-2.
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