The South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) has introduced a new standard related to scale
approvals and testing. The new standard has serious implications for both scale suppliers, manufacturers and end-users. The most significant change is the method of testing scales and weighbridges. In the past, only 20% of mass pieces were required together with “make-up” mass to verify scales and weighbridges.
This has been increased to 50%.
In the case of smaller scales, this decision has no or little bearing on the cost of testing.
However, in the case of weighbridges, it means a serious increase in the cost of testing.
In most cases, two trucks will be needed to get the mass pieces to the site. Only on high-quality and extremely well-performing scales will a concession be made on this ruling. And 30 or 20 percent of weights is sufficient. This only after extensive testing has proven that the scale’s performance qualifies for this lowering of the standard.
We at Masskot Scale have taken the necessary steps to lessen the new financial implications on
our customers by introducing new test trucks capable of carrying 30 tonnes of mass pieces,
which is the norm 50% required to verify “legal for trade” weighbridges.
Unfortunately, this type of regulation favors less scrupulous scale companies who make a practice
of verifying weighbridges without testing them to full capacity and with less mass pieces than specified.
Many scale users are also rather selecting the lower cost of testing than ensuring that their weighbridge
performs to the required accuracy and standard.
We advise all scale and weighbridge users to witness the test to ensure that the contracted scale company
does perform to the stipulated test method for the particular scale. It is just too easy “take” results on a test
certificate since no official inspector has actually witnessed the test.
The new standard which is now law brings South Africa in line with other O.I.M.L member countries and should improve our status as a quality exporter of goods while ensuring that our products meet international standards.
Source:
(1) SABS – STANDARDS – OVERVIEW. https://www.sabs.co.za/Standardss/index.asp.
(2) SABS – ELECTRONIC BROCHURES. https://www.sabs.co.za/Media/media_eb.asp.
(3) A Guide to Gaining SABS Approval for EMC Emissions and Immunity.
https://www.element.com/nucleus/2020/a-guide-to-gaining-sabs-approval.
WE ARE GLAD TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE RELATED TO THIS IMPORTANT CHANGE.
