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Laboratory Services to theELECTRO-TECHNICAL Industry

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Introduction

South Africa’s electro-technical industry serves a broad range of local and international customers in fields such as electricity generation and distribution, mining, asset management, communications, electrical appliances, electronics and components manufacturing.

The SABS can help electro-technical companies respond to a number of industry-wide issues. We offer accredited third party testing by skilled and experienced technical employees. Testing at our facilities is conducted against South African National Standards (SANS) and International Standards as well as testing to industry-specific specifications and customer specific requirements. The testing diversity of our laboratories ensure that clients are supported with the testing needs required from prototype to production.

In the 75 years of our existence, we have grown an enviable reputation for integrity and excellence. The comprehensive nature of our testing services supports our clients’ drive for quality and safety assurance and, ultimately, in achieving their own quality goals.

Laboratory Services

As a trusted third-party commercial testing provider to government and industry, the SABS Laboratory Services Division provides accredited laboratories that meet and exceed the standard requirements, in alignment with international standards. The commercial laboratory facilities of the SABS are located in 5 of the 9 provinces of South Africa.

SABS Laboratory Services provides quality assurance support to a number of regulators across the South African economy. With more than 1 200 accredited test methods, SABS provides the assurance that tested products pass the minimum criteria specified in South African National Standards.

With new products entering the South African market on a daily basis, SABS has to gear itself up to be able to respond to the testing requirements of manufacturers as well as regulators in various regulated sectors. Testing is performed primarily against the specifications adopted in SANS for products destined for end users within the South African economy

SABS laboratories are accredited by South African National Accreditation System (SANAS) according to the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025 standard (general requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories).

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Electro-Technical Engineering Cluster

Services Division. The Cluster contributes to the SABS mandate through the efforts of three business units (BU): Electronics & Appliances BU, Lighting Technology BU and Explosive Protection & Rotating Machines BU. The cluster customer target base is product manufacturing industries operating in the space of low to medium voltage.

SABS testing is performed in accredited laboratories in line with the strictest scientific protocols by technical experts. The testing services are conducted against the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025 for the range of activities as listed in the respective SANAS (South African National Accreditation System) and RvA (Raad voor Accreditatie) schedules of accreditation

Overall, the SABS Electro–technical laboratories are independent, credible and reliable third party conformity assessment service providers that are nationally and internationally recognised. We help to reduce technical barriers to trade and assist South African Business in accessing world markets.

We are thus able to offer a comprehensive one-stop service to our clients with dedicated and committed

delivery and after-sales support.

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Lighting Technology Laboratory

The Lighting Technology laboratory offers testing services such as safety, performance and photometry for industrial, commercial and domestic luminaires in accordance with both the SANS as adopted from the IEC standards as well as the National Regulatory requirements. The laboratory also does photometry on automotive lights and lamps, retroreflective material as well as safety on automotive glass.

The Laboratory has proudly maintained its continuous SANAS accreditation status for more than 20 years. The Laboratory uses a highly successful Laboratory Management system which manages processes in an effort to minimise lead times.

The following lighting products are currently tested:• Luminaires for safety and performance• Glow starters for fluorescent lamps• Lamps (e.g. CFL, incandescent and LED lamps)• Motor-vehicle lights: headlights and secondary lights• Traffic lights including symbolic lights and pedestrian lights

In addition to lighting products, the following products are also tested:• Safety glass for vehicles (windscreens), side glasses; silvered glass mirrors, light reflection • Retro-reflective material and devices • Colour measurements• Interior lighting surveys• Symbolic Safety Signs• Lamp holders

Appliances Laboratories

The Appliance laboratories offer electrical safety, performance and energy efficiency testing on most consumer and household electrical products in accordance with both the SANS as adopted from the IEC standards as well as the National Regulatory requirements.

The categories of test sections within the Appliances Laboratories are:• Hot water storage heaters• Electricity meters (including Smart Meters)• EMI and EMC• Household appliances • Energy efficiency test on white goods i.e. Laundry Equipment (e.g. washing machine front loaders), Dishwashers, Cooking Appliances (e.g. stove ovens), and Cooling Appliances (e.g.refrigerators)• Standby power of audio-visual equipment.

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Certificates of Compliance

SABS, in collaboration with the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) ensures that South Africa stays abreast of international EMC protocols and safeguards against the influx of low quality products into the country, as well as the risks they pose to consumers. A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed by the two entities to ensure that electronic equipment (non – telecommunication) that fall under the mandate of ICASA meet the quality requirements as stipulated in the South African National Standards. The outcome is the issuing of Electromagnetic Interference/ Compatibility (EMI/EMC) Certificates of Compliance (CoCs). The collaboration between ICASA and the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) has ensured that South Africa stays abreast of international EMC protocols and safeguards local markets by ensuring that stringent measures are in place to prevent dumping of cheap goods in the country and undermining local industry’s ability to compete. Section 36 of the Electronic Communications Act (ECA) No.36 of 2005, as amended, provides that ICASA may, subject to the provisions of the Standards Act (Act No.8 of 2008), prescribe standards for the performance and operation of any equipment or electronic communications facility, including radio apparatus. The EMC/EMI has been prescribed as one of the regulated standards by ICASA and the compliance thereof is mandatory for all electronic/ electrical equipment.

Below is a list of equipment that fall under the scope of the CoC Scheme (it should be noted that this list is merely to provide guidance and not exhaustive):Electrical appliances for household and similar purposes. Examples of such appliances includes:-Microwave ovens; refrigerators; catering equipment; inductive stove; dry and steam irons; electric vacuum cleaners; cleaning appliances for commercial use; and hairdressing appliances etc.Electrical lighting and similar types of equipmentLinear and switch mode power suppliesUninterruptable power supply (UPS)

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Banking equipment i.e. monetary processing machines including cash dispensing automated tellers machines (ATM)Data and text processing machines and associated equipment: data preparation equipment; data processing equipment; data storing equipment; personal computers; plotters; printers; scanners; test processing equipment; visual display unitsElectrical and electronic retail equipment: cash registers; point of sale terminals including associated scalesElectrical and electronic office machines: calculators; copying machines; dictation equipment; document shredding machines; duplicators; erasers; micrographic office equipment; motor-operated files; paper trimmers (punchers, cutting machines, separators); paper jogging machines; pencil sharpeners; staplers; typewritersOther information technology equipment: photo printing equipment; public information terminals; multimedia equipmentPostage equipment: mail processing machines; postage machines

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Rotating Machines (RM) and Explosion Prevention Technology (EPT) Laboratories

The Rotating Machines (RM) Laboratory is the only facility of its kind in South Africa and is operated by specialists with a proven track record of reliable and accurate test results.

We offer the following testing services:• motors up to 400 KW• alternators and transformers up to 45 kVA• variable speed drives up to 400 kW• comprehensive testing of transportable motor operated power tools (bench tools) up to 2,5 kW (single phase) and 4 kW (three phase)• hand held motor-operated power tools• lawnmowers and trimmers (petrol and electric), and• welding power sources.

Most technologically developed countries have legislation to ensure the safe use of apparatus in hazardous areas. In South Africa, the Explosion Prevention Technology (EPT) laboratory tests explosion protected surface equipment used on surfaces in line with the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, while mine and underground equipment are subject to the Mine and Safety Act under the ambit of the Department of Mines and Resources.

The EPT laboratory, in line with the respective laws and regulations, addresses the following pertinent issues:• The classification of hazardous locations.• Constructional and performance standards for explosion protected equipment.• Certification of explosion protected equipment.• Installation of explosion protected equipment.• Maintenance and repair of explosion protected equipment.

Services being offered by the EPT lab:• Testing of Explosion Protected (Ex) apparatus, components and systems The EPT issue test reports and IA certificates against national standards (SANS), IEC, ATEX, European, North American and Australian standards.

• Inspection of mobile underground machines and fixed installations for Hazardous Areas Witness testing of these new and repaired machines is conducted by specialized test officers with vast expertise and knowledge on Ex equipment.

• Inspection of equipment in petro-chemical industrie Witness tests are conducted on site at organizations and industries involved in the manufacturing and repair of fuel dispensers e.g. petrol filling stations.

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• Certification of overseas Ex equipment to be in hazardous locations in the RSA All equipment to be used underground or on surface in the Republic of South Africa (RSA) should be certified and issued with IA (Inspection Authority) certificates. The EPT laboratory ensures that this regulatory requirement is being complied with for all overseas imports.

EPT & RM offers the following courses for Ex inspectors and personnel:• Flameproof Equipment• Non-Sparking equipment• Dust Ignition Proof equipment• Intrinsic Safety• Flameproof Diesel Engines• Fuel/Petrol Dispensers.

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Certification

The SABS offers system and product certification services to the following industries: Chemicals, Electro-Technical, Food and Health, Mechanical and Materials, Mining and Minerals, Services and Transportation.

Our range of services covers quality, risk, environmental, occupational health and safety and product specific certification. Our policy at the SABS is not just to certify our clients’ business management systems, but also to support them in meeting their short, medium and long-term business objectives, such as continual improvement of processes, increasing sales, decreasing costs, reducing risk, improving quality and increasing efficiency. Their success in achieving these objectives is ultimately the basis of our reputation.

SABS Mark

The SABS Mark Scheme is a certification process by which a third party (SABS) gives assurance that a product fulfils specified requirements. The SABS Mark Scheme applies only to products/commodities for which technical South African National Standards exist.

The SABS Mark is a highly recognisable symbol of credibility and a powerful marketing tool, which reinforces the product’s intrinsic features. It strengthens the point-of-sale impact by giving it greater credibility in the marketplace. The ongoing improvement of your quality system is an essential part of the SABS Mark Scheme and is therefore a clear demonstration of your company’s dedication to quality management.

Quality Management System Certification (QMS)

The SABS QMS Certification Scheme is suitable for companies of any size or sector seeking to improve their internal management and operational processes. Organisations all over the world have realised the benefits of implementing and maintaining quality management systems based on SANS/ISO 9001, since it improves the efficiency and effectiveness of an organisation’s operation. It provides consistency in the quality of a product and/or service. It also drives an organisation to meet and exceed customer expectations, leading to an increase in market and shareholder value.

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Environmental Management System (EMS)

SABS EMS certification can ensure stakeholders that international industry specific environmental standards have been met. SANS/ISO 14001 helps organisations identify, manage, monitor and control their environmental issues in a “holistic” manner.

It requires that an organisation considers all environmental issues relevant to its operations, such as air pollution, water and sewage issues, waste management, soil contamination, climate change mitigation and adaptation, as well as resource use and efficiency.

Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS)

SABS OHSMS certification enables an organisation to control its risks to health and safety and to ensure that workplaces reduce and eliminate fatalities and injuries. SANS/ISO 45001 was developed under the ISO system with the input of experts from more than 70 countries to provide an international framework that takes into account the interaction between an organisation and its business environment. SANS/ISO 45001 takes into account South African requirements. It provides a framework to increase safety, reduce workplace risks and enhance health and well-being at work, enabling an organisation to proactively improve its OHS performance.

Energy Management System (EnMS)

An Energy Management System is a systematic approach of dealing with the energy aspects in an organisation. It is a system that helps organisations to better manage their energy use. SANS/ISO 50001 involves developing and implementing an energy policy, setting targets for energy use and designing action plans to reach them. This can include implementing new energy efficient technologies, reducing energy waste or improving current processes to cut energy costs.

SANS/ISO 50001 is designed to help organisations improve its energy performance through making better use of its energy consuming assets. Improved energy performance can provide rapid benefits for an organisation by maximising its use of energy sources and energy-related assets, reducing both cost and consumption.

an organisation and its business environment. SANS/ISO 45001 takes into account South African requirements. It provides a framework to increase safety, reduce workplace risks and enhance health and well-being at work, enabling an organisation to proactively improve its OHS performance.

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Energy Management System (EnMS)

An Energy Management System is a systematic approach of dealing with the energy aspects in an organisation. It is a system that helps organisations to better manage their energy use. SANS/ISO 50001 involves developing and implementing an energy policy, setting targets for energy use and designing action plans to reach them. This can include implementing new energy efficient technologies, reducing energy waste or improving current processes to cut energy costs.

SANS/ISO 50001 is designed to help organisations improve its energy performance through making better use of its energy consuming assets. Improved energy performance can provide rapid benefits for an organisation by maximising its use of energy sources and energy-related assets, reducing both cost and consumption.

Training

The SABS Training Academy continues to deliver quality training and development on various system standards. They actively train industry on creating overall organisational awareness and implementation of systems (SANS/ISO 9001:2015, SANS/ISO 14001:2015, SANS/ISO 45001:2018, FSSC 22000, etc.).The training sessions are focussed on capacitating management, quality practitioners, internal audit teams and staff who underpin the successful implementation of systems.

The series of courses offered within this quality faculty will enhance the understanding of the standards and their requirements, thus enabling learners to implement and maintain such systems in their respective organisational environments. The most recent information on the training schedule, applications and pricing is available on www.sabs.co.za.

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Standards

South African National Standards are critical for accelerating inclusive growth and development, improving the safety of products and services, addressing market failures, and promoting local and international trade and consumer protection.

SABS provides a range of standards that guide the requirements of the mechanical industry. These standards include the specifications that describe acceptable levels of performance and standard test methods to assess those parameters.

The national standards are stakeholder-driven, requiring compliance with good standardisation practices including, amongst others, open and transparent consultation and consensus development. Participation in standardisation is open to a broad spectrum of interests, including consumer groups, health and environmental professionals, and industry and government representatives. The SABS strives to maintain open and meaningful engagements to build confidence and credibility in SABS deliverables of national standards.

Local Content

Local content is a Government initiative driven by the National Treasury, the dti and the Department of Mineral Resources, aimed at stimulating the manufacturing industry with a view to improving South Africa’s economic performance and increase job creation. SABS has been appointed the Verification Agency for Local Content in South Africa in terms of the amended regulations to the Preferential Procurement Framework Act, Act 5 of 2000.

This initiative was first introduced in the Preferential Procurement Framework Act in 2011, with an amendment that made provision for the dti to designate certain sectors for local production and content, in line with national development and industrial policies for local production. In September 2018 the Department of Mineral Resources issued the Broad-Based Socio-Economic Empowerment Charter for the Mining Industry (Mining Charter#3), which were subsequently followed by its guidelines (December 2018). Both the Charter and the Guidelines affirms the SABS as an agency appointed by the Department of Mineral Resources to carry out local content verifications. For more information visit https://www.sabs.co.za/Local-Content/index.asp.

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Website:www.sabs.co.za

Telephone number: + 27 12 428 7911 or

0861 277 227

Fax number: + 27 12 344 1568

E-mail address: info@sabs.co.za

Head office: 1 Dr Lategan Road

GroenkloofPretoria

0001

Postal address: Private Bag X191

Pretoria0001

@SABSapproved @SABSapproved SABS Approved South African Bureau of Standards