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PPE Testing and Certification – SABS Standards for Safety and Compliance

The South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) is the trusted authority for testing, certification, and compliance in the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) industry. We ensure that all PPE manufactured, imported, and distributed in South Africa complies with South African National Standards (SANS) and international safety benchmarks.

As workplace safety regulations become stricter, it is critical for manufacturers, suppliers, and employers to meet compulsory PPE standards. SABS offers end-to-end laboratory testing and certification services that give assurance of quality, durability, and safety performance – protecting both workers and businesses.

SABS Testing and Certification for PPE Footwear

SANS 20345 – Safety Footwear

  • Aligns with ISO 20345 international standard.
  • Requires reinforced toe caps for protection against impact and compression.
  • Compulsory approval through the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS).
  • Ensures that safety shoes meet the highest level of workplace hazard protection.

SANS 20347 – Occupational Footwear

  • Specifies protective features for non-toe cap work footwear.
  • Covers slip resistance, energy-absorbing heels, and chemical resistance.
  • Ensures general work footwear provides reliable protection in industrial environments.
  • SABS Standards for Protective Clothing and Fabrics

SANS 1387 – Cotton Jean and Drill Fabrics

  • Defines specifications for D59 industrial fabrics used in protective apparel.
  • Covers fabric composition, weave, density, colourfastness, and durability.
  • Ensures clothing meets strict requirements for industrial and government applications.

SANS 434 – General Protective Clothing Fit

  • Sets the benchmark for workwear garments such as Conti-suits.
  • Regulates design, measurement, stitching, and construction requirements.
  • Ensures comfort, proper fit, and consistency in industrial workwear.

Mechanical PPE Testing – Fall Protection, Helmets & Harnesses

SABS operates advanced mechanical testing laboratories for a wide range of PPE, including equipment used in construction, mining, energy, and industrial sectors.


We provide certification against:

  • SANS 809 – Industrial body belts
  • SANS 1397 – Safety helmets
  • SANS 50353-1 – Protection against falls from heights
  • SANS 50354 – Lanyards
  • SANS 50355 – Energy absorbers
  • SANS 50358 – Work positioning belts
  • SANS 50361 – Full body harnesses
  • SANS 50362 – Connectors
  • SANS 50566 – Mountaineering slings
  • SANS 50795 – Anchor devices
  • SANS 50813 – Sit harnesses

Mark Holders in Mechanical Lab:

  • Abishai Capital (Previously Spiderweb)
  • BBF Safety Group
  • Multiquip
  • Paramount Safety
  • Pedersen Manufacturing
  • Phoenix Industrial
  • Plan-It-Safety
  • Safeco
  • Safety Moulded Products
  • Select PPE

Our testing ensures that fall protection equipment, helmets, belts, and harnesses meet rigorous safety standards – providing peace of mind for both workers and employers.

Why Choose SABS for PPE Testing and Certification?

  • Trusted National Authority – SABS is the official custodian of South African National Standards (SANS).
  • Compliance Guarantee – We test and certify PPE against compulsory and voluntary standards.
  • Market Access – Certification ensures acceptance by the NRCS and international regulators.
  • Worker Safety First – Certified PPE protects employees and reduces workplace risks.
  • Competitive Advantage – Certified products earn greater trust from buyers, regulators, and end-users.

Partner with SABS for PPE Certification

Whether you are a manufacturer, importer, supplier, or employer, SABS helps you achieve compliance with PPE standards while enhancing your brand reputation.

Ensure your products meet legal requirements and industry expectations with the SABS mark of safety and quality.

Contact SABS today to test and certify your PPE products.

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