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Quality Assurance News

Nonconformance of standards exacerbates drought conditions

By: Nica Schreuder 13th October 2017 Fundamental conformities not being upheld during the manufacturing stages of pipe production has exacerbated South Africa’s current water scarcity, says plastics and polymer testing laboratory P.E.S.C. MD Graham Marsberg. “The basics of pipe manufacturing involves quality workmanship. This... →

Western Cape municipality begins master plan to combat water loss

13th October 2017 The Drakenstein local municipality in Paarl, Western Cape, has begun a 20-year master plan to replace old or ageing asbestos pipes in the region with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes, which will achieve significant success in reducing water loss throughout the municipal area. Water leakage... →

MASTER PLANNERS Willem Liebenberg and André Kowalewski (right) of the Drakenstein municipality are at the forefront of the master plan

Italian company ensures engineering success in KZN

By: Robyn Wilkinson 13th October 2017 As it celebrates its sixtieth year in South Africa, Italian multinational engineering solutions provider Maccaferri will complete the construction of one of the country’s largest surfaces of mechanically stabilised earth walls to date – at 10 000 m2 – at the Mount Edgecombe interchange, in... →

MAMMOTH TASK Careful project management ensured that each of the nine mechanically stabilised earth walls was constructed and delivered to site as it was needed

Construction management council establishes transformation committee

By: Donna Slater 13th October 2017 The South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP) has set up a committee to further its transformation goals and a hotline to encourage the public to report any misconduct pertaining to the council’s scope of influence following reports of malpractice,... →

Tjiamogale Manchidi Demographic representativeness in the project and construction management professions is crucial

Disregard for PPE one of biggest causes of fatalities in work-at-height environment

By: Simone Liedtke 6th October 2017 Disregard for using personal protective equipment (PPE) is one of the common causes of workplace incidents, accidents and fatalities resulting from falls from height at sites in South Africa, states the Institute for Working at Height Professional Body (IWH PB). →

CONTINUOUSLY EVOLVING Personal protective equipment is continuously evolving to ensure maximum safety

Innovative system helps control wastewater pumping

6th October 2017 Pumps and valves producer KSB Pumps and Valves has introduced the PumpDrive variable speed system, for the effective and controlled pumping of waste water. The system has been designed specifically to overcome problems related to the pumping of waste water. Three innovative functions have been... →

INDUSTRY PLATFORM The annual Agritech Expo in Zambia is an opportunity for industry stakeholders and consumers to communicate and find solutions

Integrated heat pumps provide cost-effective energy efficiency

By: Nica Schreuder 6th October 2017 With the South African heat pumps market experiencing a high-growth phase, driven by the cost of energy, energy efficiency requirements for buildings, and overall cost and performance efficiency of the technology used, water heating solutions company HydraTherm has responded to the trend of wider... →

BIG PLANS HydraTherm has upcoming ranges of energy efficient water heating solutions in the gas and solar water sectors for 2018

Predictive maintenance made portable

6th October 2017 To detect early signs of component wear or failure in pumps and other mechanical assemblies, vibration sensors and monitoring systems company Monitran, represented locally by manufacturer Instrotech, has designed a portable, rechargeable instrument for measuring vibration levels. The MTN/VM220 is... →

Routine mechanical maintenance emphasised as preventive measure

6th October 2017 UK-based pump supplier SPP Pumps has emphasised the importance of routine mechanical maintenance, among other preventive measures, to improve pump reliability. SPP Pumps’ products comply with mandatory UK and European regulations and approvals, which guarantee extensive testing of all pumps. →

QUALITY IN CONFORMING SPP Pumps conforms to various UK and European standards to ensure quality and longevity in their pumps products

Sapma promotes industry interests through training courses

6th October 2017 As a means to prioritise the interests of the South African pump industry and pump manufacturing companies, the South African Pump Manufacturers Association (Sapma) has taken on projects designed to benefit the industry, in the form of pumps training courses. The Engineering Council of South... →

Photo by Duane Daws
DR OSWALD FRANKS The Engineering Council of South Africa provides advanced pumps training courses

Exhibition marks firm’s international re-entry

By: Simone Liedtke 6th October 2017 Protective workwear manufacturer Sweet-Orr is set to exhibit at this year’s A+A Trade Show exhibition – which is an important trade forum for safety, security and health at work – from October 17 to 20 in Dusseldorf, Germany. →

CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT Sweet Orr benchmarks its continuous improvement process in order to maintain national and international quality standards

Work apparel company sees further growth in sales

By: Simone Liedtke 6th October 2017 Since the beginning of the year, industrial supplier and solutions provider Total Blasting – a subsidiary of Total Product Solutions Group – has sold more than 50 sets of water blast and water jet personal protective equipment (PPE) and the company foresees this number steadily growing at a... →

SPECIAL DESIGN The personal protective equipment was designed to not restrict operator movement and flexibility

Intra-industry dialogue crucial for components advancement

By: Robyn Wilkinson 6th October 2017 Given the multifaceted nature of South Africa’s automotive sector, intra-industry dialogue and collaboration are crucial to advancing the industry’s ability to provide high-quality products and much-needed employment in a rapidly evolving world, says Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI)... →

Photo by Bloomberg
KEEPING PACE Advancing education and training in the automotive sector is crucial for keeping up with changes in technology and the local demand for skilled technicians

Geospatial products distributor launches world’s smallest image laser scanner locally

By: Mia Breytenbach 6th October 2017 Geospatial products distributor Aciel Geomatics has officially locally launched the Leica BLK360 imaging laser scanner – the world’s smallest and lightest image laser scanner. Aciel Geomatics, the appointed distributor for Switzerland-based Leica Geosystems AG, launched the scanner at the... →

EASE OF USE The integration of the Leica BLK360 laser image scanner and Autodesk software streamlines the reality capture process

BMG invests R400m in Joburg distribution centre

By: Mia Breytenbach 29th September 2017 Technical solutions provider BMG, which is part of Invicta Holdings, has officially launched its BMG World site, in Johannesburg, which is the culmination of a consolidation and supply chain re-engineering strategy that began nearly ten years ago. “The company’s R400-million investment to upgrade... →

BMG MD Gavin Pelser discusses the upgraded BMG World site facility in Johannesburg. Camerawork and Editing: Nicholas Boyd.

New global standard for workplace health and safety, company proves compliance

By: Marleny Arnoldi 22nd September 2017 The International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) will announce the next stage in development of its ISO 45001 health and safety standard later this month. Companies across various industries globally are required to comply with ISO standards before operation starts. →

UP TO STANDARD Interwaste implements solutions such as fully automated shredding technology and baling machines to assist in achieving optimal workplace safety

Platform ensures more effective communication

By: Marleny Arnoldi 22nd September 2017 With ineffective communication often affecting the level of health and safety implementation and efficiency in industries that have stringent safety requirements, software company Wyzetalk provides more effective communication for such industries. →

CUSTOMISED ENGAGEMENT Wyzetalk can deliver content that is valuable for both the employer and the employee

Upgraded zero-tolerance device ensures safety across industries

By: Marleny Arnoldi 22nd September 2017 Alcohol testing equipment supplier Alco-Safe launched its Lion Alcoblow Rapid Test breathalyser, which has received a technology upgrade, last month. A built-in wireless transmitter now enables the device to wirelessly activate a receiver-enabled entryway, granting or denying access based on a... →

ACCESS DENIED Depending on the alcohol test result, Alco-Safe’s wireless transmitter technology determines whether employees or visitors are allowed access on site

New technology improves quality of bitumen for local roads

By: Donna Slater 22nd September 2017 Manufacturer and supplier of bitumen, modified binders and emulsions for road construction SprayPave has acquired new technology that will enable it to resolve the shortage of high-grade bitumen for asphalt production. →

IMPROVING ROADS The new multistage bitumen converter enables SprayPave to enhance the penetration grades of bitumen required to produce asphalt

BMG launches R400m World site facility in Gauteng

By: Mia Breytenbach 15th September 2017 Technical solutions provider BMG, which is part of Invicta Holdings, has officially launched its BMG World site, in Johannesburg, which is the culmination of a consolidation and supply chain re-engineering strategy that began nearly ten years ago. “The company’s R400-million investment to upgrade... →

BMG MD Gavin Pelser discusses the upgraded BMG World site facility in Johannesburg. Camerawork and Editing: Nicholas Boyd.

Certification upholds international standards

15th September 2017 The Southern African Institute of Welding (SAIW) Welding Fabricator Certification Scheme, known as ISO 3834, is operated by independent company SAIW Certification, which is authorised by the International Institute of Welding (IIW) as South Africa’s Authorised National Body for Company... →

NDT testing integral to safety foundation

15th September 2017 The Southern African Institute of Welding (SAIW) is Africa’s leading welder training organisation and also hosts the leading non-destructive testing (NDT) facility in Africa. The importance of NDT to the safety of structures must never be underestimated, SAIW systems and quality manager Harold... →

Welding company aims to bridge skills gap

By: Nica Schreuder 15th September 2017 Despite challenging economic conditions and a dire lack of welding skills, steel welding and fabrication service provider Federal Steel Company is committed to welding skills development initiatives that will expand nationally. Federal Steel Company MD Phakamile Buthelezi explains that the lack... →

PHAKAMILE BUTHELEZI The Federal Steel Company has invested in initiatives to monitor and facilitate the proper training of young artisans

Welding key in driving economic growth

By: Nica Schreuder 15th September 2017 Welding has been dubbed the “miracle career” by Johannesburg-based training institute, the Southern African Institute of Welding (SAIW), owing to the number of opportunities associated with it. Manufacturing is essential for economic growth and with welding forming a significant part of... →

QCTO IN ACTION A trainee practising his gas-tungsten arc skills in the Southern African Institute of Welding welding school

Equipment manufacturer inaugurates new facility

By: Mia Breytenbach 15th September 2017 Heavy-equipment manufacturer Caterpillar has officially inaugurated its new parts distribution facility, near Johannesburg, in Gauteng. The 60 000 m2 facility consolidates two smaller parts-distribution sites – Linbro Park and Isando – and offers several advantages, including the ability to work... →

SHEER ADVANTAGE The 60 000 m2 facility allows for the ability to work more efficiently while increasing capacity to provide unmatched parts availability for customers across Africa

Labels assist in reducing domestic energy use

By: Robyn Wilkinson 15th September 2017 With all common household electronic appliances now required to display new energy efficiency labelling, the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) is confident that there will be a marked improvement in energy use and cost savings in South Africa, says NRCS communications and... →

Photo by Bloomberg
CUSTOMER PROTECTION Updated labelling informs end-users of the energy performance of household appliances, which must meet Minimum Energy Performance Standards to be sold in South Africa

New acid gas scrubber up to standard

By: Robyn Wilkinson 15th September 2017 Testing, inspection and certification services provider TÜV Rheinland Quality Services South Africa has ensured that the design and fabrication of a new 15-m-long acid gas scrubber for one of South Africa’s largest fuel refineries has met all quality and safety requirements for pressure vessels. →

Photo by Rolf Bille, TUV Rheinland AG
QUALITY AND SAFETY ASSURANCE The inspection process drew on the requirements of national pressure equipment regulations and international health and safety standards

New local engineering education standards internationally recognised

By: Robyn Wilkinson 15th September 2017 The Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) is preparing for a routine assessment by the International Engineering Alliance (IEA) for continued recognition as a signatory of the Dublin and Sydney accords, which will ensure that ECSA-accredited new engineering technology and technician... →

INCLUSIVE EDUCATION The new higher education qualifications subframework seeks to help students gain professional qualifications through a variety of pathways

Rope access ensures successful inspection of cyclone

By: Robyn Wilkinson 15th September 2017 Using rope access, inspection company Skyriders Access Specialists overcame height challenges, as well as confined-space and limited-access options, to conduct critical routine inspection of a cyclone at a Northern Cape-based cement producer. →

TOTAL-SOLUTIONS APPROACH To perform the inspection of the cyclone, the Skyriders team had to gain access to the ducting from the top, at a height of 30 m

Toolkits help companies navigate standards upgrades

By: Robyn Wilkinson 15th September 2017 Inspection, verification and certification company SGS South Africa has developed toolkits that have been circulated to all its clients to assist them with the transition process required to meet the updates in the International Organisation for Standardisation’s (ISO’s) three core management... →

MITIGATING RISKS Companies across all industries must ensure compliance with updates to health and safety, quality management and environmental standards by September next year

Harmful gas phase-out plan on track

By: Marleny Arnoldi 1st September 2017 The Department of Environmental Affairs has drafted a phase-out plan for the use of hydro chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) across industries to be down to 2.5% by 2030, with the refrigerants industry already achieving results of 2 556 t in 2016, compared with 3 163 t in 2013. →

BREATHE IN BREATHE OUT Reducing harmful greenhouse gases is expected to lessen global warming by up to 0.5 ˚C by the end of the century

Abundant skills development in bus transport

25th August 2017 The Southern African Bus Operators’ Association (Saboa) and the Transport Education Training Authority (Teta) are working towards combatting the lack of skills development and training in South Africa’s transport sector. Teta’s primary goal is to establish a credible institutional mechanism for... →

TAKING THE WHEEL Training bus drivers is essential to reducing fatalities and comply with international driving standards

Fire-protection equipment and ongoing maintenance provided by consultant

25th August 2017 With the National Building Standard and Building Regulations Act stating that all buildings – including shopping centres – should meet the South African National Standards (SANS) 10400 part ‘T’ fire-protection standards requirements, fire risk management and support consultant ASP Fire supplies... →

MICHAEL VAN NIEKERK ASP Fire has completed a number of risk assessments in shopping centres

Attention to detail crucial for conveyor belts

By: Robyn Wilkinson 18th August 2017 Stringent adherence to safety protocols and a fit-for-purpose design are important factors governing the successful use of conveyor belts to increase production rates in mining, say industrial rubber products manufacturer Dunlop Industrial Products product managers Paul Nel and Dave Pitcher. →

SAFETY FIRST It is imperative that a risk assessment be performed prior to working on conveyors and that all operators are educated on the learning points identified

New code to benefit smaller companies

By: Marleny Arnoldi 18th August 2017 With the Amended Construction Sector Code (CSC) in its final stages, business strategy consultancy Gestalt says that the CSC will provide revised specifications in terms of the black economic empowerment (BEE) requirements in the sector. The sector codes continue to advance the transformation... →

Photo by Duane Daws
DEON OBERHOLZER Some companies prefer noncompliance with BEE requirements, but subsequently lose lucrative opportunities to supply government or public-sector-related projects

Procurement standard set to stop use of ‘cheap’ professional services

By: Marleny Arnoldi 18th August 2017 The National Treasury’s (NT’s) standard for infrastructure procurement and delivery management aimed at addressing government’s use of “cheap” professional service providers in public infrastructure projects officially became applicable to municipalities last month. →

Photo by Duane Daws
INCLUSIVE DECISION-MAKING Government bodies in their respective procurement departments, should make more of a crossfunctional team effort regarding procurement

Local manufacturer looks to bridge skills gap

By: Nadine James 11th August 2017 Sealing products manufacturer Klinger Mzansi has opened its training academy, which offers a learnership programme, joint integrity training as well as an introductory course on all of the company’s products. Klinger sales and marketing director Phillip Herbst notes that the academy opened on... →

KLINGER TRAINING ACADEMY The trainees have access to a fully equipped workshop, and gain both practical and theoretical knowledge

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