The ARMSA tank standard
A fit for purpose guarantee on water and chemical storage tanks
The Association of Rotational Moulders of Southern Africa (ARMSA) announced the publication of a South African National Standard: SANS 1731:2017 for polyethylene chemical and water storage tanks, developed in conjunction with the South African Bureau of Standard (SABS).
The SANS 1731:2017 tank standard is proof that the polyethylene tank you purchase has been properly designed and manufactured to be fit for purpose for the length of its warranty life. “It compels tank manufacturers to conform to world best practise,” explains Wayne Wiid, ARMSA Chairperson, “and it protects members of the broader construction, architecture, plumbing, landscaping and built industries as well as consumers, against tanks of lesser quality.”
What does the SANS 1731:2017 tank standard mean to the tank user:
1. Provides specific criteria in terms of the source of raw material, ultra violet protection, overall weight, wall thickness, light penetration, stress crack resistance and impact strength for a range of different sizes.
2. Ensures that the production methods used to manufacture the tanks comply with best practise
3. Requires that traceability is built into the manufacturer’s control systems.
4. Includes an audit check for actual storage volumes vs stated volumes
5. Evaluates the overall appearance of the finished tanks
6. Certifies the requisite number and type of fittings and the date of manufacture.
Productivity Engineering and Services Consultants (PESC) an independent third party auditing company appointed by ARMSA will regularly audit tank manufacturers who choose to comply.
If compliant, PESC will issue a certificate giving independent assurance of a manufacturer’s claim that their products meet the SANS 1731:2017 criteria. Compliant tank manufacturers will be able to market their compliance with an ARMSA /SANS approved sticker on their tanks as well as using the certificate and sticker in their general marketing programmes.
A word of warning from Wiid, “Any tank manufacturer can claim to meet the SANS 1731:2017 standard but without formal certification there is no guarantee. We therefore urge all stakeholders and home owners to request the PESC certificate from the manufacturer prior to purchase for peace of mind that tanks delivered to sites or homes have been thoroughly tested and certified.”
Any queries relating to the adoption of the standard or information on compliant manufacturers can be sent info@armsa.co.za or to the appointed tank standard auditor francois@pescon.co.za.