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EFCMA explains new Act

The new Occupational Health and Safety Act, which will probably be approved by parliament shortly, contains major implications for the electric fencing industry. This new legislation provides for the compulsory training and registration of all electric fence installers, the certification of electric fences, the compulsory testing of electric fence energisers and the local implementation of international standards.

The new legislation, which will come into effect during 2006, will provide for the compulsory registration of all installers of electric fencing. This registration will be with the Department of Labour in a prescribed manner. Potential electric fence installers will be required to complete a training schedule as prescribed and under control of the Energy Sectorial Training Authority (ESETA). Electric fence installers with a proven track record can apply for recognition of previous experience after a process of evaluation and then may be required to do limited training. Training and evaluation can only be provided by ESETA registered establishments. The training schedule is still under development and should become available during 2006.

All electric fences installed after full implementation of the new Act will be issued with a Certified Electric Fence (CEF) document. This document will have a similar effect to the general electrical Certificate of Compliance, but the CEF will only be applicable to electric fences. The CEF document will only be issued in terms of the requirements as set out in the SANS 60335-2-76 and SANS 10222 standards. The current SANS 10222 documentation is to undergo changes in order to accommodate the new legislation. The format and layout of the CEF document is still being discussed.

All electric fence energisers supplied on the market will, in terms of the new legislation, be required to comply with the latest SANS/IEC 60335-2-76 standards. In addition to this, all manufacturers and importers of electric fence energisers will be required to present documentary evidence proving that the energisers comply with the standards. Such documentation can only be obtained from the registered accredited entities and laboratories that are recognised by the Government's accreditation authority.

The legislation also makes provision for the registration of private inspectors.

It is hoped that the new legislation will go a long way in 'cleaning up' the industry and be instrumental in encouraging high standards among installers and manufacturers.

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