Understanding Friction, Lubrication and wear.

SAIT - VLSCSA

Draft Statement of Objective:
Virtual Meeting : 11:00 on Wednesday 23 March 2022

Link for meeting:
https://forms.gle/amYhJmhPra1yUriL9
 
 (Verification Lubricant Specification Compliance Southern Africa - Under aegis of SAIT)

Preamble.

Recognising that in Southern Africa there is an evident fast-growing supply, marketing and advertising of Automotive and Industrial Lubricants that do not comply to accepted Specification norms, the South African Institute of Tribology (SAIT) Executive Committee wishes to potentially form a sub-body to verify, investigate, report and adjudicate on cases of non-compliance to accepted specification norms, any cases/claims brought before it, and accepted by the Committee.

It is known that bodies exist in the USA (PQIA) and the UK (UKLA-VLS) already performing this function. and that Saudi Arabia, Germany, and several countries in West and East Africa are contemplating the same.

 Objective

The objective is to establish a neutral, credible, objective verification system in South Africa, serving Southern and Central Africa that is based on the proven and successful UKLA-VLS system.

This would include investigation and resolving product complaints concerning incorrect performance claims, misleading technical specifications and products that do not meet OEM or stated industry standards.

Thus, an approach must be made to UKLA-VLS to determine if they are willing to liaise with us, and permission obtained to utilize their model and constitution. If this is granted, we wish to use their model as a blueprint for our documentation and operating procedures. Our first task is therefore to organize a meeting with them.

Envisaged Structure

Under the auspices of the South African Institute of Tribology this sub-body would be a non-profit membership organization with a governing committee comprising members from the SAIT, (Executive Committee) and volunteers from Industry and Consumers/End-users. Standards organizations are not excluded

It is envisaged that growth in the use of the body could necessitate the employment of a permanent Technical Specialist and one administrator
The Structure would maintain strict neutrality and ensure complete anonymity throughout any claim/evaluation and is intended to ensure that all market complaints of incorrect or false claims are investigated in total anonymity throughout.

• All cases and outcomes will be published.
• Where fault is found, the named party is to be given a right to reply
• Where fault is found and the named party is unrepentant, VLS will approach appropriate industry and/or authorities with our findings

Organisational Funding

Funding would be by an initial membership joining fee, then an annual subscription fee. Case charges would be applicable for accepted cases, with a with a non-refundable deposit and acceptance that the complainant is liable for all analytical laboratory charges.

Membership

Members to be canvassed from:

Lubricant manufacturers major and independents, marketers, base oil suppliers, additive suppliers, agents, distributors, service providers, or commercial or industrial end-users who do not market lubricants under their own brand, original equipment manufacturers and trade bodies.