What is the Petersen Approved Installer Scheme?
The Petersen Approved Installer Scheme, or PAIS, is a competence-based scheme to allow riggers to become Approved Installers of swaged terminals using the Petersen Swaging System.
Please note: PAIS is not a guarantee of work. Petersen cannot be held liable for the failure of swages installed by Approved Installers, or losses or damages caused by the incorrect use or installation of a Petersen part or product.
Can anyone register on the scheme?
The scheme is aimed at individuals and businesses that currently use swaged terminations for marine and industrial rigging projects. However, any business that installs swaged terminations can register and benefit from membership of the scheme; there are no restrictions, although you will need to prove that you hold valid public liability insurance to pass your audit.
I’m not based in the UK – can I still join the scheme?
Yes – we have registered riggers as far afield as Japan. The scheme is based on a European standard, but that does not limit its relevance – it has been developed and defined by technical experts, and provides a beneficial baseline measure of quality.
We have multiple installers – can they all register?
Yes – the more, the merrier. Each installer will need to be registered individually, and they will be audited individually. However, we can work with you to arrange group training and block book audits to save time and minimise any disruption to your business.
Is it really free?
Yes! We really want to encourage and actively support the raising of standards across our industry by helping expert riggers across the world to demonstrate their excellence.
We believe that it is important for boat owners and other marine customers have the assurance that both the rigging company and the installer who completes the work are operating to the highest standards.
For Petersen, the benefit comes from having a network of recognised companies using our approved installation method and components to complete their rigging work.
Please note: In the case of an installer failing two audits, they will be charged £250 to cover the costs of the site visit.
Is there any training available? I'm not confident my swaging technique is correct
Yes. Our swaging instructions are designed to take even an inexperienced installer through the swaging process step by step, but if you want some more help or advice, you can organise a training session with one of our marine team – over the phone, via webinar, or on site, whatever suits you best.
What is BS EN 13411-8?
This is the European standard which controls the safety of steel wire-rope terminations. A standard is a document that sets out requirements for a specific item, material, component, system or service, or describes in detail a particular method or procedure. Part 8 is the section focussed on swaged terminals and swaging, and is therefore the guiding principle for PAIS.
Copies of the standard are available to purchase here.
How was the Petersen Swaging System approved?
To conform to BS EN 13411-8, an assembly of wire-rope and swaged termination must provide at least 90% of the wire-rope’s minimum breaking load (MBL) after 75,000 cycles of use.
Assemblies manufactured using the Petersen System underwent independent testing to ensure swages produced in line with our System will proved this level of service. The testing had two parts:
- Fatigue test: This test consists of the application of a cyclic force between 15% and 30% of the minimum breaking force of the wire-rope along the rope axis for 75,000 cycles.
- Tensile test: After the fatigue test, 80% of the minimum breaking force of the wire-rope is applied. The force is then increased to determine the residual breaking strength.
All test swages produced using the Petersen method passed both the cyclic load and tensile tests.
Can I use non CE-marked terminals?
Yes. If you do not need or want to provide a certificate of conformity, you can use non CE-marked terminals.
Can I use non-Petersen components?
No, the components used must be Petersen ones. This is because the Petersen Swaging System has three elements – the consumables, the methodology, and the machine – and all elements must be as specified in order to comply.
Can I use a different swaging machine?
No, the machine used must be a WireTeknik one. This is because the Petersen Swaging System has three elements – the consumables, the methodology, and the machine – and all elements must be as specified in order to comply.
Can I use galvanised steel components and wire?
No, the wire must be stainless steel, and the components used must be Petersen components, which are also stainless steel.
If you want to CE mark the final assembly, you must ensure you specify CE marked components when you place your order with us.
Do assemblies have to be marked?
We recommend that assemblies are marked in some way to make it easier to identify, trace and reorder them.
However, if you want to offer a certificate of conformity for the final assembly, it must be uniquely identifiable in some way.
What does an audit cover?
The audit is a site visit by one of the Petersen marine team, and should take a maximum of two hours. During the audit, you will be expected to demonstrate a swage, and your records of previous swaging work will be sampled and checked to ensure compliance.
You’ll be told the result of your audit immediately, and the result will be reported to Petersen for our records.
If your question hasn't been answered, contact our team direct to find out more about the process – just call 0191 414 0156 or email sales@petersen-stainless.co.uk for more information.