1. An Introduction to SANS
The South African National Standards, also known as SANS are a set of guidelines that are set out to ensure your building project is safe and can deal with the task at hand. As South Africa moves towards a far more regulated building industry, more and more professionals and homeowners are finding themselves on the wrong side of these regulations. From our experience we have noticed that many homeowners and professionals are unaware of the importance of SANS and the legal and financial implications they could face if their balustrade project does not comply with SANS, as required by South African law.
2. The Risk of Noncompliance
South African law dictates that any balustrade installation must comply with the South African National Standards. SANS clearly state that in order for a building inspector to issue an occupation certificate, the building inspector needs a certificate from a professional engineer stating that the balustrades either meet or exceed the minimum requirements as stipulated by SANS.
One must keep in mind that there are defined loading requirements for certain occupancy categories. For example, the line load in a shopping centre is three times more than what would be required in a domestic dwelling.
Up until recently, building inspectors have not been requesting these certificates, however, this is now becoming common practice. We are finding more and more balustrade installations are being condemned at the end of the project when the building inspector requests the certificate, and the subcontractor cannot provide it. This is often due to the fact that the balustrades were under designed in the first place.
To remove and replace these balustrades with new ones that meet the standards set out by the regulations, often involves astronomical costs and a long delay before the client can commence occupation.
3. How you can ensure your Balustrade system complies with SANS
As a homeowner, you cannot be expected to monitor your building project at every stage but as far as the balustrade installation goes you have to ensure that the contractor installs a balustrade system that complies with SANS and that he provides you with all of the necessary documentation. We strongly recommend following the points below to help identify a balustrade contractor who you can be certain will install a SANS compliant balustrade system that is safe for occupation.
– Find out how long the balustrade contractor has been in business.
As you’re investing a lot of financial resources into your balustrade project, the last thing you want to do is hire a contractor who has little or no experience. Do some research about how long your contractor has been in the business. The more established your contractor is, the more likely they will comply with the applicable regulations set out by SANS.
– Make sure your balustrade contractor is a member of industry related associations and understands the regulations in their industry.
You wouldn’t allow a random stranger to perform surgery on your loved ones without checking that they have the proper qualifications, experience and knowledge. The same goes for your balustrade contractor. It is important to ensure that your balustrade contractor has the experience and understanding of SANS in regards to balustrades. Any reputable balustrade contractor will belong to at least one of the following associations: (MBA) Master Builders Association, (SASSDA) Southern African Stainless Steel Development Association and (SAGGA) South African Glass and Glazing Association. Ask for proof of membership as all of these organisations have strict criteria regarding their members.
– Use Google to check their online reputation.
Take some time to research your potential contractors online before putting any money on the table.A little bit of time spent behind a computer doing your homework can prevent you from throwing money down the drain, or being taken for a ride.
– Find out if they specialise in your project type.
While an individual who specialises in installing wooden flooring may be very skilled at his job, it doesn’t mean they can install a balustrade system correctly. Make sure your potential contractor specialises in your project type to ensure that you get the best final result possible.
– Make sure that their balustrades comply with SANS.
Any balustrade project should follow the guidelines set out by SANS. If it doesn’t, your balustrade system could be deemed unfit for occupation or be a safety hazard for all that utilise it. Question your potential contractor about their view on SANS and make sure that SANS compliance is stipulated in the contract between the two of you.
3.1 THE ROLE OF THE HOMEOWNER IN ENSURING THAT THE BALUSTRADE PROJECT IS COMPLIANT AND THAT THE NECESSARY CERTIFICATION IS OBTAINED.
It is highly recommended that it is clearly stated on all drawings and/or bill of quantities that the balustrades are a “design and supply” contract, and that the balustrade subcontractor must supply a professional Engineers certificate on completion of the project.
In the event that the drawings and/or bill of quantities did not specify for a “design and supply” contract, it will be the responsibility of the client to get the balustrade design signed off by a professional engineer which in most cases happens to be the structural engineer on the project. By ensuring that you are issued with this engineer’s certificate on completion of your project, you are alleviating the risk of a non-compliant balustrade subcontractor installing your balustrades. We also strongly suggest that you select a balustrade subcontractor that possesses the technology, innovation and reputation to produce a range of balustrades that comply with SANS, thus ensuring that your project will be compliant from all angles.
4. The benefits of a compliant balustrade system
By adhering to SANS you can ensure that your project is firstly compliant, but most importantly that it will be safe for all those who use it. By installing a compliant balustrade system you can reduce the chances of project delays and unforeseen expenses. SANS compliance is required by South African law and should be seen as a non-negotiable element of your project.
By installing a compliant balustrade system you can reduce the chances of project delays and unforeseen expenses.
5. Steel Studio Company Profile
We specialise in the design, manufacture and installation of balustrades, staircases and pool enclosures in commercial and residential markets.
We are experts in our field and opinion leaders regarding safety and compliance. With the ever-increasing need to comply with the South African National Standards, also known as SANS, we have developed the recipe to produce a range of products that are fully compliant while maintaining visually appealing, custom aesthetic designs that we’re renowned for. Steel Studio consists of a permanent staff team of over 250 employees that is made up of management, a sales and estimating department, research and development, project managers, draughtsmen, artisans, skilled and semi-skilled workers.
Since inception, we have successfully completed thousands of projects ranging from the smallest residential to the largest and most prestigious commercial projects.
Our collective management team has several years of experience in the stainless steel, glass and construction industries and is involved in every aspect of a project’s lifespan from design input right through to installation. With our full-time, in-house health and safety officers, we are able to ensure that all of our projects are in compliance with all the health and safety standards required by law.
All of our standard systems are tested and approved by a professional structural engineer, in accordance with SANS deemed to satisfy requirements. We are dedicated to developing a self-regulated and fully compliant industry and in an effort to lead from the front we offer balustrades, staircases and pool enclosures that are built according to the regulations set out by the South African National Standards.
All custom balustrade and staircase systems are designed and tested in consultation with a professional structural engineer and in accordance with SANS deemed to satisfy requirements.
At Steel Studio, we are concerned about our impact on our surroundings and we are constantly looking to reduce our carbon footprint. All of our stainless steel is 100{19cc6dfde2095820d75378ef5ea2a7429af84c4e3caa3f1811d59515c3bb9677} recyclable and recycled materials are used in the production of stainless steel raw material. Our stainless steel is manufactured following strict environmental guidelines and principles to ensure the wellbeing of our environment
Steel Studio is a member of SASSDA (Southern African Stainless Steel Development Association), SAGGA (South African Glass and Glazing Association), and the MBA North (Master Builders Association North).