SANS 347 Explained: Pressure Vessel Compliance in South Africa
A plain-language guide to what SANS 347 requires, how it affects your air receiver tank, what documentation you need, and your legal obligations as a South African employer.
Get a Compliant Air ReceiverWhat is SANS 347?
SANS 347 (Categorization and Conformity Assessment Criteria for Pressure Equipment) is the South African National Standard that governs the design, manufacture, testing, documentation, and conformity assessment of pressure vessels and pressure equipment used in South Africa.
It is aligned with the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) framework and defines four risk categories (A through D) for pressure equipment — with Category A being the lowest risk and Category D the highest.
Who Must Comply?
SANS 347 applies to any employer, business or facility that operates a pressure vessel — including air compressor receivers — in a South African workplace. This is enforced under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and its associated Pressure Equipment Regulations.
Non-compliance is a criminal offence. Employers who operate uncertified pressure vessels are personally liable in the event of an incident and may face prosecution by the Department of Employment and Labour.
What Does SANS 347 Require?
- Pressure vessel designed and manufactured to recognised standards
- Conformity assessment by an approved body (for higher categories)
- Declaration of Conformity documentation
- Pressure test certificate before commissioning
- Periodic inspection at prescribed intervals
- Inspection records kept on site and available for inspection
How Air Receivers are Categorized Under SANS 347
The risk category of a pressure vessel is determined by its volume, working pressure, and the fluid it contains. For standard compressed air receivers:
| Category | Risk Level | Typical Air Receiver Application | Conformity Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Lowest | Small vessels, low pressure | Manufacturer self-declaration |
| B | Low–Medium | Most workshop/industrial receivers (100L–500L, ≤11 bar) | Third-party design review |
| C | Medium–High | Larger vessels, higher pressure | Full third-party assessment |
| D | Highest | Very large, high-pressure vessels | Full conformity assessment + ongoing surveillance |
Documentation You Must Have
- Declaration of Conformity — confirms the vessel meets SANS 347
- Pressure Test Certificate — hydraulic or pneumatic test at rated pressure
- Manufacturers Data Report — design, materials, dimensions
- Inspection Records — dates, findings, inspector details
- Safety Valve Certification — rated and calibrated relief valve
Inspection Intervals
Under the Pressure Equipment Regulations, air receivers must be inspected by a competent person at intervals determined by the vessel's category and risk profile. Typical intervals are:
- Category A/B: every 24–36 months
- Category C: every 12–24 months
- Category D: annually or more frequently
- After any repair, modification or incident
Inspection intervals may be shortened based on the condition found during inspection.
What If I Buy a Used Receiver?
If you purchase a second-hand air receiver, you are responsible for ensuring it is still compliant before commissioning it in your workplace. This typically requires:
- Full inspection by a competent person
- Pressure test if the original documentation is unavailable
- Recertification to SANS 347
Buying a new receiver from a reputable supplier eliminates this risk entirely — you receive full documentation from day one.
All Our Air Receivers Are Supplied SANS 347 Compliant
Every air receiver tank we supply comes with complete certification documentation — Declaration of Conformity, pressure test certificate, and data report. You are legally covered from day one. Contact us for supply, inspection, and recertification services across South Africa.