Corrosion can be avoided by following the right standards
“Infrastructure maintenance cannot be actioned which is why it’s important to adhere to the plumbing standards to avoid corrosion," said Steve van Zyl from the Institute of Plumbing South Africa.
![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/04/IMG_1161_01962-e1650977810286-780x470.jpg)
Grade 9 and 11 learners of Midrand High School attended a World Corrosion Day event on April 25.
The event was held in Glen Austin, Midrand with the attendance of different role players.
![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/04/IMG_1142_87643-520x390.jpg)
Various speakers at the event shared the same opinion that the rust of infrastructure could be avoided by following the right methods.
Steve van Zyl and Khethiwe Shabangu of the Institute of Plumbing South Africa delivered a presentation about the importance of correct maintenance.
Van Zyl said corrosion was real and its impacts were felt nationally.
![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/04/IMG_1157_90963-520x390.jpg)
“Infrastructure maintenance cannot be actioned which is why it’s important to adhere to the plumbing standards to avoid corrosion. It is always critical that people always use qualified plumbers to do their plumbing needs and ensure routine maintenance. For instance, plumbing is not a one-size-fits-all. And just because it fits, it doesn’t mean it’s the right one to use.”
He urged people to always use approved fittings and pipes.
![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/04/IMG_1143_73669-520x390.jpg)
Midrand High life and natural science teacher Thembalami Ruparanganda said 22 learners were in attendance to learn about corrosion as it was part of their science curriculum.
“The purpose is to help them [learners] to understand corrosion better. For example, our Grade 9 learners are learning about the reaction of metals with oxygen, which is corrosion, and I strongly believe that being here will help them understand better.
He said this would also assist the learners to make the correct subject choices when going into Grade 10.
Related articles:
https://www.citizen.co.za/midrand-reporter/303997/corrosion-costs-south-africa-billions/