THE APPROVAL SCHEME CONT......

BS 4001 Part 1- Care and Maintenance of Underwater Breathing Apparatus
( Compressed Air Open Circuit) is in the final states of revision and will be released shortly. Changes include, incorporation of  the latest legislation on cylinders.

BS EN 1089 - 3 has made changes in the requirements for Cylinder Colour Coding but the new BS4001 continues to allow the alternative of a highly visible colour with a label stating the contents.

BS 5045 Parts 1 & 3 are to be replaced by
BS EN 1964 - 1 and BS EN 1975. Changes will include the EC Cylinder Design Standard.

BS EN 1809 1998 Diving Accessories, Buoyancy Compensators - Function, Safety Requirements, Test Methods, is now published.

Note:The DTI have confirmed that all Buoyancy Compensators are designated as Personal Protective Equipment . Therefore it will be illegal to sell those without a CE Mark.

In order to provide guidance and simplify this process, we have developed Outline Procedures that compliment each Code of practice.

These outlines can be used as a model, that can be altered to create a set of procedures that closely follow the nomenclature of the code of practice. Alternatively, they can be used as guidance to check if existing procedures are both complete and adequate.
The A.S.S.E.T  Approval Scheme consists of four elements:

• Peace of mind. An ASSET Approved Service Centre has demonstrated that they comply with accepted norms.
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• Protection. Approval, working to standards and good documentation are invaluable when dealing with complaints or more serious problems. 
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• Profitability. It is well understood that companies who implement quality systems suffer fewer returns, and are more efficient. A high quality reliable service centre does not have to cut prices to get business.
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• Kudos. Customers will soon come to prefer the peace of mind that an ASSET Approval engenders.
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• Status. Competitors will have to come up to your standard or do less business.

ASSET has negotiated a 5% Discount on Dive Master Dive Centre Insurance for Dive Centres who have a current
ASSET Approved Technicain on their Staff.
If the centre is also a  SITA Member  they will get another 10%  -  for further details contact Frances at ASSET.