Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to appoint a reputable and experienced certification body to provide ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) certification services for Lepelle Northern Water (LNW) over a three-year cycle. The appointed service provider will ensure high-quality certification, risk mitigation, and system reliability to promote a safe and healthy working environment across multiple schemes within the Limpopo province.

Scope

The scope encompasses certification services for twelve schemes, including:

• Six water purification schemes and the Head Office owned by Lepelle Northern Water.
• Two schemes owned by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS).
• Three schemes operated on behalf of municipalities.

The schemes are located across various sites in Limpopo, with a staff complement of approximately 377 employees, subject to fluctuations. The certification process will assess compliance with ISO 45001 standards to ensure a safe and healthy working environment for all employees and stakeholders.

Technical Requirements

• Accreditation: Certification body must be accredited by SANAS or an equivalent recognized international accreditation body (e.g., UKAS, IAS, SHEQ National Cert) for ISO 45001:2018 certification, or hold dual accreditation.
• Standards and Competency: Certification body must comply with ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015 standards, demonstrating the necessary skills and knowledge for third-party audits of OH&S management systems.
• Experience: Minimum of five years’ experience in certifying organizations to ISO 45001:2018, with proven track record through reference letters.
• Auditor Competence: Lead auditors must be trained, competent, and have at least five years’ experience in ISO 45001:2018 audits, with traceable references. Auditors must possess lead auditor certification and experience in occupational health and safety management systems.
• Certification Process: The process includes a three-stage audit (pre-audit review, compliance audit, certification audit), followed by surveillance audits annually, and recertification every three years.
• Confidentiality & Data Security: All data and reports must be protected as per contractual and confidentiality requirements, including compliance with relevant regulations such as POPIA.

Skills Requirements

• Audit Skills: Lead auditors must be trained, competent, and possess at least five years’ experience in ISO 45001:2018 audits, with proven references.
• Impartiality: Auditors must demonstrate independence and impartiality to ensure unbiased certification decisions.
• Certification Management: Ability to manage the entire audit process, including planning, execution, review, and certification decision-making.
• Methodology: Well-structured audit methodology aligned with ISO 45001:2018 standards, including risk-based auditing and follow-up procedures.
• Reporting: Capability to produce comprehensive, clear, and well-structured audit reports with effective follow-up actions.