What is South Africa's Explosion-Proof MASC Certification?

Introduction

Established in October 2008, MASC is a South African partner of China's JJR Laboratory. It has gained recognition and approval from the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) and the Department of Labour (DOL), along with international IECEx certification credentials.

MASC stands as the largest explosion-proof certification and hazardous location service company in South Africa. It is the only internationally recognized (IECEx) certification body (ExCB) and testing laboratory (ExTL) in the country. The company covers the broadest range of disciplines and certification scopes in the explosion-proof field.

MASC Services Offered by JJR

Testing and Certification

- Comprehensive SANAS / IECEx Accredited Testing Laboratory: MASC functions as a certification body for auditing manufacturing and repair facilities.

- Product Certification: MASC is authorized to certify products and systems for I.A. and IECEx certifications.

IA Certification

- Conversion: Issuance of IA certificates based on overseas or local certifications (e.g., IECEx, ATEX, UKEx, ANZEx, etc.).

- Type Certification: Issuance of IA certificates for products, systems, components, etc.

- Inspection: Issuance of IA certificates for machinery inspection, skids, etc.

- Expired/Old Certifications: Re-certification of old explosion-proof equipment/certificates to issue IA certificates.

International Certification and Support (IECEx / ATEX / UKEx / ANZEx)

- Certification Process: Includes technical requirements, testing requirements, and certification procedures.

- Overseas Certification: MASC's IECEx reports/certificates can be accepted by specific laboratories overseas to obtain ATEX, ANZEx, etc., certificates.

- Project Management: Guidance and project management for IECEx product certification.

- International Certification Facilitation: MASC promotes international certification for different countries/explosion-proof schemes, including:

  - IECEx

  - ANZEx (MSTC / Explosion-Proof Testing and Certification (ExTC))

  - ATEX (CML & CSA Group (Sira))

Inspection

- Inspection Services: On-site inspections of mining machines, installations, repairs, equipment, etc.

- Compliance Check: Ensures devices comply with certifications and installation practices.

Batch Testing

- Quality Inspection: Conducts quality inspections based on type certification of explosion-proof production units.

Loop Certification / Intrinsically Safe System Certification

- Intrinsically Safe Loops/Systems: Comprising various interconnected intrinsically safe devices requiring approval from South African ATL (Accredited Testing Laboratory).

- Application: Applicable whether the loop or system is used in factories, mining machinery, etc.

- Customer Guidance: MASC assists clients in completing loop setup/general documentation requirements.

- Approval: MASC approves I.S. loops/systems per regulatory/South African business code requirements.

MASC Mark Scheme / Quality System Audit

- ISO/IEC 17065-Based SANAS Certification (C83) Mark Scheme: MASC operates the only SANAS certified mark scheme based on ISO/IEC 17065 principles.

- Standards Adopted: Includes principles from SANS/IEC 80079-34 (IECEx), EN 13980 (ATEX), and MP87-1 (ANZEx).

- Recognized Auditors: Uses recognized IECEx / ATEx / UKEx / ANZEx auditors.

- Pre-Audit Visits: To determine preparedness.

Explosion-Proof Training / Hazardous Location Training

- Training Development and Provision: Conducted by experienced and competent personnel, MASC offers assistance to meet daily explosion-proof/hazardous location training requirements.

- Courses Offered:

  - Hazardous Locations

  - Intrinsic Safety

  - Explosion-Proof/Flameproof

  - Installation

  - Inspection

  - Maintenance

  - Design

Product Development Support

- Guidance: Provides guidance on testing requirements and certification processes (national and international).

- Installation, Inspection, and Maintenance: Support in installation, inspection, and maintenance.

MASC Certification Documentation Requirements

1. Physical samples

2. Circuit diagrams with a bill of materials

3. Other technical documents, such as safety component datasheets

4. Ten sample components if a safety component lacks sufficient documentation

5. Ten batteries if the relevant equipment is battery-powered

6. System diagrams if the unit is part of a larger system