The development of standards is a core function of the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) and is essential for ensuring the quality, safety, and reliability of products, services, and systems. Here's a more detailed explanation of the development of standards.
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| Standards testing and accreditation overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | 1 September 1945[1] |
| Headquarters | Pretoria, South Africa 25°46′10.61″S 28°12′45.53″E / 25.7696139°S 28.2126472°E |
| Employees | 738[2] |
| Minister responsible | |
| Standards testing and accreditation executives |
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| Parent department | Department of Trade, Industry and Competition |
| Key documents |
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| Website | https://www.sabs.co.za/ |
The South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) is a South African statutory body that was established in terms of the Standards Act (Act No. 24 of 1945).[3] It continues to operate in terms of the latest edition of the Standards Act, 2008 (Act No. 29 of 2008) as the national institution for the promotion and maintenance of standardization and quality in connection with commodities and the rendering of services.
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Transcription
Function
As the national standardization authority, the SABS is responsible for maintaining South Africa's database of more than 6,500 national standards, as well as developing new standards, and revising, amending, or withdrawing existing standards.[citation needed]
The SABS plays a critical role in ensuring the safety, quality, and reliability of products and services in South Africa, and in promoting international trade through compliance with global standards.[4]
The SABS performs several essential functions[5] including:
- Developing and Promoting Standards: The SABS develops and promotes national standards across various sectors, including agriculture, engineering, construction, and consumer products. These standards aim to ensure the safety, quality, and reliability of products and services in the country.[citation needed]
- Testing and Certification: The SABS provides testing and certification services to various industries to ensure compliance with national and international standards. This includes testing products and materials for safety and quality and certifying companies and products that meet the required standards.[citation needed]
- Research and Innovation: The SABS conducts research and innovation activities to support the development of new standards and to improve existing ones. This includes collaborating with industry, academia, and government to identify emerging trends and technologies that may impact standards.[citation needed]
- Training and Capacity Building: The SABS provides training and capacity-building services to industry, government, and the public on the development, implementation, and compliance with standards. This includes providing training on standards development, quality management, and certification processes.[citation needed]
Internationally, SABS experts represent South Africa's interests in the development of international standards, through their engagement with bodies such as the International organization for standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). SABS also holds the Secretariat for SADCSTAN, the standardization body for the Southern African Development Community of 14 nations.[citation needed]
Initiatives
South African initiative on reusable sanitary products
Coordinated by the Department of Women, the Sanitary Dignity Framework was created to improve menstrual hygiene. It establishes a framework for a consistent approach to the provision of sanitary dignity to safeguard and restore the dignity of disadvantaged girls and women.[6] The SABS intended to standardize the production of washable, reusable sanitary towels in August 2019. The standard was published on 6 May 2020 and is intended to help meet the diverse requirements of women and girls in South Africa who require hygiene menstrual management.[7]
Declaration on Gender-Responsive Standards and Standards Development
In 2019, the SABS signed the Declaration on Gender-Responsive Standards and Standards Development,[8] joined by more than 55 other countries, in an attempt to boost women's participation and representation in standardization.[9] The declaration was adopted by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in 2019.[10]
References
- ^ "SABS - ABOUT SABS OVERVIEW". Retrieved 26 July 2016.
- ^ "SABS Annual Report 2021/22" (PDF).
- ^ "South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) | South African Government". www.gov.za. Retrieved 8 August 2022.
- ^ "SABS". ISO. Retrieved 16 March 2023.
- ^ "South Africa - Standards for Trade". www.trade.gov. Retrieved 16 March 2023.
- ^ "Department of Women launches sanitary dignity programme in Umlazi, 3 May | South African Government". www.gov.za. Retrieved 16 March 2023.
- ^ "UNFPA supports training of local social enterprises on the South African National Standards (SANS) 1812:2020 on washable, reusable sanitary towels". The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). 3 October 2020.
- ^ "Declaration on Gender-Responsive Standards and Standards Development | UNECE". unece.org. Retrieved 21 March 2023.
- ^ "South Africa: SA Commits to Empower Women in Standards Development". allAfrica.
- ^ "UNECE gender declaration: one year on". ISO. Retrieved 21 March 2023.
External links
- South African Bureau of Standards (Official Home Page)
- SABS Standards Web Store
This page was last edited on 31 May 2024, at 22:02