2011 is now in full swing, besides the April down time with all the public holidays. For those who stayed in the office between the public holidays, well done for holding the fort. For those who chose to put in for some leave and capitalise on the days off, I hope you had a relaxing time with family and friends. I was one of the lucky ones who took the 11 consecutive days and spent time with both.
I spent the first half of the break with friends on the top of the Drakensberg escarpment, following in the footsteps of the Natal Carbineers during the 1873 Battle of Langalibalele. They may have been on horseback two centuries ago, while we were on foot, but they did it at night and with none of the technology that we now enjoy. As for their foes, King Langalibalele’s men, they had as little technology as the Carbineers yet traversed the escarpment on foot and won the battle. Either way, I can vouch that this is no easy task, even in the 21st century; 3000 m is still 3000 m, and cold is still cold. However I digress. Besides the history lesson, I believe there is a very real reason we push ourselves as a human race, and that is to FEEL alive, not just BE alive.
On the SAFPA front, I have the following update:
Technical meetings
Russell Gill’s talk on Hose Accreditation and the SAFPA Hose Assembly safety training course was well attended. The Hose Accreditation is picking up, with more questions being asked by both suppliers and consumers of hose assemblies. The ball is rolling. As for the Hose Assembly safety training course, SAFPA is ready. Details and costings are on the website. The pricing is based on training within Gauteng where SAFPA will have to hire a venue. Special pricing will be considered for groups of 10 or more at a company’s premises.
Pressure vessels
1 April 2011 has changed the landscape for pressure vessel testing. Importers and sellers of pressure vessels (accumulators in the hydraulic world) now assume the responsibility of the manufacturer and are required to keep the original certificate of manufacture for a period of 12 years. As per the OHS Act and the Mines Safety Act, pressure vessels need to be pressure tested every two or three years depending on application. The frequency has not changed but now only an AIA (Accredited Inspection Authority) or an AIA-In Service are allowed to pressure test vessels. This is a question worth asking.
Regards
Norman Hall
| Tel: | +27 11 061 5000 |
| Fax: | 086 589 2158 |
| Email: | safpaservices@vdw.co.za |
| www: | www.vdw.co.za |
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