National Treasury: Republic of South Africa
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
METRO 001/2014
Specification: Metropolitan Ambulance Conversion
High Roof Panel Van less than 3500kg GVM
1. SUMMARY OF BASIC INFORMATION+
1
Body Builder
Company Name:
Telephone:
Fax:
Email:
2. VEHICLE BODY
SPECIFICATIONS
COMPLIANCE
Manufacturer to mark yes or no
and provide full details of offering.
If alternatives or options are
offered, full details must be
provided.
2.1
Reinforcement
Reinforce roof, body sides, floor and front
sections of vehicle in order to accept
numerous internal fittings.
Yes
No
2.2
The patient compartment shall be fitted with
CNC cut panels. The panels should be
Yes
No
Page 1 of 19
manufactured from a non-porous, smooth,
white high-gloss material. The panels should
be washable and scratch resistant. The side
walls should have a minimum thickness of
4mm.
The panels must be secured with 8 x 20 mm
dual location plugs or other suitable securing
method.
2.3
Where the interior panels intersect with the
body or fittings, a polyurethane adhesive
should be used to form a non-porous seal
between them.
2.4
Right Hand Side Body Panel
Waist Rail
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
A custom manufactured waist rail is fitted to
the RHS of the vehicle. This provides
reinforcing along the length of the RH body
side, in between the RHS sliding door and
rear door apertures. The waist rail is epoxy
coated in white to match the finish of the
interior panels.
Integrated into the waist rail are the following:
-
Trauma board dual retaining brackets for
the trauma and scoop stretcher
respectively. The brackets are suitable
lined to provide protection for the
equipment, and 32mm heavy duty
strapping with spring buckle is provided
for securing the equipment.
-
A stopper protruding 50 mm, positioned to
prevent forward movement of the trauma
board. Ahead and 350 mm below the
stopper should be reinforcing and
fastening for the PDT installation.
-
An electrical point for the PDT connection.
Gabbler Rail
An 1820mm Gabbler rail, when viewed from
the rear, will be fitted on the right hand side
approximately 600 mm above the stretcher
bed. The Gabbler should be fastened with 3 x
8mm stainless steel fasteners, and should be
spaced away from the body side by a
Page 2 of 19
minimum of 40mm.
The Gabbler rail should have a certified
minimum load capacity of 10kg.
2.5
Left Hand Side Body Panel
Yes
No
Yes
No
Waist Rail
A custom manufactured waist rail is fitted to
the LHS of the vehicle. This provides
reinforcing along the length of the LH body
side, in between the LHS sliding door and
rear door apertures. The waist rail is epoxy
coated in white to match the finish of the
interior panels.
Integrated into the waist rail are the following:
-
Mounting points for 3 x passenger inertia
lap belt fastenings. 3 (three) SABS
approved Inertia cap type seat belts are to
be supplied and fitted, to be mounted onto
a combination bracket.
-
1 x 12 volt DC hella type socket to be
fitted at the forward most point of the
waist rail.
Back Rest
A back rest is to be securely fitted above the
Waist rail. Length: 1750 mm, Height: 220
mm, Depth: 60 mm. It should have a high
density foam insert and be trimmed in a nonabsorbent vinyl material.
2.6
Side Panel Finishing
a)
The LHS and RHS panels, in between the
rear edge of the front sliding door apertures
and the rear door aperture edge, should be
fitted with a custom-manufactured section
incorporating full-length diffused LED lighting
strips.
LED lighting detailed in electrical section.
b)
2 x Purpose built, dual IV drip bag holders to
be positioned centrally on the left and right
hand side interior panels. Each IV point
would feature a “pig tail” hook for hanging the
Page 3 of 19
bag, and a waist strap for securing and
pressurizing the IV bags.
2.7
Interior Trim
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Head Bumpers
High density foam head bumpers should be
fitted above the rear door and side entrance
doors. They should be the full length of the
door apertures, and trimmed in a nonabsorbent vinyl material.
2.8
Flooring
The original vehicle floor should be prepared
to accept a 15mm thick plywood floor panel.
Packing/spaces are to be fitted within floor
corrugations along with suitable reinforcing in
same area for attendant seat, stretcher
location and other floor fittings.
The plywood floor panel should be precisely
CNC machined to fit the original floor.
Separate floor panels should be joined by a
half-lap method of 50mm. The completed
floor sections should be bonded into the
vehicle using a polyurethane adhesive
Floor to be leveled to facilitate stretcher
handling and will have a tough, hard-wearing
and waterproof finish. Floor finish to be
FloorworX. Transport sheeting of a minimum
of 1.9mm thickness and must cover the entire
floor and folded to all vertical surfaces up to
at least 80mm. FloorworX to be fitted by an
approved contractor. The FloorworX transport
vinyl must be secured to the marine ply with a
FloorworX 71 adhesive.
High wear and edge floor areas are to be
fitted with an extruded aluminium step
edging. Extrusion to contain a yellow, highvisibility extruded rubber insert.
2.9
Left Hand Side Entrance Step
The lower step on the LHS door aperture is to
be fitted with a polyurethane coated, non-slip
section covering the entire area of the step.
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3. INTERIOR FITTINGS
3.1.
Front storage/work area
Yes
No
Yes
No
A storage/work to be fitted at the forward
most section of the patient’s compartment. It
should form a division between the drivers
cab and patient compartment, and should run
the entire width of the vehicle, extending
rearwards at its deepest point 620mm.
It is to be manufactured from aluminium, with
all exposed corners radiused at 38 mm.
The final design should be executed in
conjunction with the end-user, but the
basic arrangement must include:

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An open aperture on the left (passenger
side).
Full coverage of the driver on the right
hand side to avoid rear impact from
objects.
An adequate work surface made of
scratch and stain resistant material.
Secure strapping for defibrillator/monitor
on the upper surface, hook and spring
buckle type.
Provision for storage of a jump bag, 2 x
slide out waste bins, 2 x ammunition
boxes, spare portable oxygen bottle,
breathing and other related medical
equipment.
A pull out drawer for sealed containers
and a dedicated area for boxes of surgical
gloves.
All of the above should be conveniently
accessible, and all fittings should be of
industrial quality.
3.2
Attendant Seat
A commuter 2000 single grey vinyl seat which
is secured by 4 x 10mm, 8.8 grade bolts with
heavy duty galvanized fender washers and
Nylock nuts to underside of vehicle.
1 (one) SABS approved Inertia cap type seat
belt is to be supplied and fitted onto the seat.
Located beneath attendant seat cushion
should be a custom built bracket for secure
Page 5 of 19
retention of a standard sharps container. The
sharps container should be readily
accessible.
3.3
Hand Rail Provision
Yes
No
Yes
No
Extensive hand rails should be provided
throughout the vehicle, securely fastened to
predetermined, reinforced points within the
module.
The rear door and LHS door should each
have 2 x diagonal rails facing into the door
aperture, each with a minimum length of
400mm. Each door rail should have a
minimum of 2 x mounting points, each
fastened with 8mm steel fasteners.
Hand rails should have the following features:



3.4
High visibility
Non-slip
Hand grip section 25mm minimum
diameter
Primary Stretcher (Right Hand Side)
a)
Stretcher specification
1 x Four-castor self-loading ambulance
stretcher with elevating head and fixed end
will be fitted. The stretcher to be positioned
with the “head” end to the front of the vehicle
with suitable leg space for attendant sitting on
seat at stretcher head (if body length allows
for it).
The stretcher should have as a minimum
requirement the following features:

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


Self-loading design
3 x cross-strap restraints
Lightweight, rugged aluminium
construction
High visibility, powder coated frame
Seven height positions
Easy to use release handle design
One-hand release breakaway head
section with safety bar
One-hand release, fold down side rails
Page 6 of 19




One-hand release, multi-positioning
backrest
Adequately sized wheels with sealed
caster and wheel bearings
Sealed bolster mattress
2 x lap belts and 1 x four-point
shoulder restraint
b)
Front stretcher fastening system should
consist of:
Yes
No
A passive ankler type fastener located in a
forward position. The ankler should be
Securely fastened to the floor of the vehicle in
accordance with the stretcher manufacturer’s
guidelines. The ankler bracket should provide
directional stability and guidance when
loading a stretcher.
Rear stretcher fastening system should
consist of:
A quick-release, positively located fastener.
A sliding bar or other suitable quick-release
system is required. When viewed from the
rear, the rear fastener should be located on
the right hand side of the stretcher.



3.5
The modular body should have been
pre-provisioned during manufacture to
accommodate the stretcher fasteners
and provide reinforcement for the
fastening system.
Stretcher and bracket positioning
should be determined and installed in
consultation with the end user.
All stretcher retaining brackets should
be specific to and compatible with the
selected stretcher, and should be of
the same manufacturer as the
stretcher.
Secondary Stretcher (Left Hand Side)
a)
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Stretcher specification
1 x Four-castor trolley ambulance stretcher
with elevating head and fixed end will be
fitted. The stretcher to be positioned with the
“head” end to the front of the vehicle
The stretcher should have as a minimum
requirement the following features:

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3.6
Trolley type design
3 x cross-strap restraints
Adjustable back rest
Telescopic handles
Tow handles
Wheel locks
Wing down side rails
Six height positions
An incline position of up to 10 degrees
Adequately sized wheels with sealed
caster and wheel bearings
Sealed mattress
Doubles as a bench to seat 3
Equipment
All equipment detailed below will be
supplied by the end-user department from
the RT4/2008ME contract
Provision for fitments/storage of the following equipment
(equipment not to be supplied by manufacturer/convertor)
a)
Full length trauma board (1830 x 410 x 40
mm)
Yes
No
b)
Scoop stretcher (1660 x 430 x 70 mm)
Yes
No
c)
Stair-chair (foldable) Ferno Washington 107C
or similar
Yes
No
d) Cardiac monitor or AED
Yes
No
e) Attendants trauma (Jump) bag
Yes
No
f) Resuscitator (610 x 280 x 200)
Yes
No
Page 8 of 19
3.7
g) “Sharp-safe” (Bug Bin or similar)
Yes
No
h) Electric suction unit
Yes
No
i) Portable Entonox set
Yes
No
j) Road cones (300 mm high ) x 8
Yes
No
k) Four flexible pouches for oddments
Yes
No
l) Splinting device (Trac 111) (Adult and
Pediatric)
Yes
No
m) Mast suit (adult - 400 x 320 x 170mm)
Yes
No
n) Extrication device (Kendrick)
Yes
No
o) Immobilization device, pediatric
Yes
No
p) Ventilator
Yes
No
Hot Water Hand Washing Unit
A mobile, collapsible hot water hand washing
unit must be fitted. The unit should have a
minimum capacity of 3 litres and provide at
least 15 x 12 second hand washes per filling.
The unit should provide self-containment of
all waste water with the option of external
drainage if needed.
Yes
No
The unit should be accompanied by a manual
liquid soap dispenser. The soap dispenser
should have a minimum volume of 1 litre. It
should dispense 1,5 ml liquid soap per use
and be refillable.
The unit should be accompanied by a
transparent paper towel holder, to hold a
minimum of 30 x Kimberly-Clark KIMDRI
regular folded hand towels or equivalent.
Placement of hand washing unit:
Hand wash unit and its accessories are to be
placed behind an external door, fitted to the
left hand front of the modular body. The door
is to have a complete weather seal and a
continuous hinging system on the forward
edge. It should be lockable via 2 x flushfitting, keyed alike locks.
Page 9 of 19
4. OXYGEN
4.1
2 heavy duty bulk oxygen retaining brackets
are to be located in the RHS door aperture of
the vehicle. They should be located in such a
manner so as to fall below elbow level of the
attendant when in a seated position.
4.2
A bullnose oxygen regulator with DISS is to
be supplied and fitted within the storage
compartment mentioned above.
The regulator is to be piped via certified
oxygen piping from this compartment into two
wall mounted eminence oxygen outlets within
the vehicle.
(1 outlet is to be mounted within the bench
seat at the rear of the vehicle, and the other
is located at the patient’s head on the right
hand side wall of the vehicle, within the
oxygen storage compartment).
Yes
No
Yes
No
The oxygen system should be certified, and a
test certificate should be issued with the
vehicle.
4.3
A dual portable oxygen bracket is to be fitted
at the aperture of the LHS sliding door.
NOTE: Oxygen bottles and any oxygen equipment other than stated would be
end-user supplied.
4.4
1 x 2.5kg SABS approved, fire extinguisher to
be fitted in consultation with the end user.
Yes
No
Yes
No
5. WINDOWS
5.1
One window on the left of the patient
compartment shall be provided within the
sliding door. Aperture to be cut, deburred and
treated against rust prior to fitting side
window. The window shall be full sliding and
shatterproof safety glass. The size of the
window shall be approximately 1115mm x
480mm.
5.2
Rear windows and the window in the left side
sliding door of the compartment must be two
thirds frosted and one third dark tinting to
Page 10 of 19
ensure privacy
5.3
Window rubbers /gaskets shall be of high
quality UV resistant rubber, which shall be
continuous or sealed at the joint.
5.4
The patient compartment shall be completely
dust proof
5.5
Sliding/fixed windows as specified above,
must be freely obtainable in the Western
Cape if replacement is required.
6. ELECTRICAL
POWER PROVISION & DISTRIBUTION
6.1
220V AC Power
a)
A 12V DC to 220V AC 800W Pure sine wave
inverter must be fitted.
Yes
No
b)
The inverter shall incorporate a multi stage
intelligent battery charger capable of 35A at
12V.
Yes
No
c)
The inverter/charger shall conform to EN
60335-1 safety standards (minimum) and
2004/104/EC automotive EMC directive.
Yes
No
d)
A remote On/Off switch for the inverter is to
be located within the patient compartment.
An indicator light is to be provisioned to
indicate the presence of 220V power from the
inverter.
Yes
No
e)
220V AC is to be distributed via a distribution
board to 2 outlets.
The distribution board shall be fitted with an
earth leakage circuit breaker and a suitably
rated overload protection breaker (6A max).
Each outlet must contain a standard South
African 3 pin 16A (Type D), a Euro (Type J)
and a Schuko (Type F) socket. Each outlet to
Yes
No
Page 11 of 19
have its own on/off switch.
6.2
f)
An auto eject electrical input system is to be
provisioned on the outside of the vehicle to
allow connection to grid (shore) power.
Upon sensing engine start, plug ejects from
receptacle and away from vehicle path.
After eject, weatherproof cover snaps into
position over inlet.
An indicator light is to be fitted inside the
power inlet to indicate the presence of grid
power.
Yes
No
g)
The power inlet will auto-eject the power
supply cable when the vehicle’s ignition
switch is turned to the IGN position.
Yes
No
h)
A 20 metre extension lead with matching
coupler is to be provided
Yes
No
12V DC Power
Yes
No
a)
A second, auxiliary battery (12V) is to be
fitted. The battery must be a lead-acid, deep
cycle battery with a minimum rating of 80A/h.
The second battery is to be connected to the
vehicle’s main battery via an automatic
isolator/combiner.
Yes
No
b)
The isolator/combiner must engage when
either battery voltage exceeds 13.1V and
disengage when combined battery voltage is
below 12.8V. The Isolator/combiner is to
have a continuous current rating of 120A
(minimum). Both main and auxiliary side of
the isolator/combiner to be fused (100A).
The auxiliary battery 12V DC is to be
distributed via a distribution board.
Yes
No
c)
The distribution board is to be fitted with
circuit breakers of suitable rating for the
following circuits:
Yes
No

Siren/Amplifier.
Page 12 of 19

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Warning lights.
Interior lights.
12V DC sockets.
Hot Water Hand Washing Unit
Air Conditioning Unit
d)
Two 12V DC Hella type sockets are to be
fitted in the patient compartment – one left
and one right in the centre.
Yes
No
e)
The Hot Water Hand Washing Unit
must switch on/off with the vehicle’s ignition
switch but power must be provided by the
auxiliary battery.
Yes
No
f)
A 6 way blade fuse panel is to be fitted near
the auxiliary battery. These fuses will be used
for third party connections. The fuse panel
must make provision for:
Yes
No
a)
8-LED (2 rows of 4) Red Clusters to be used
throughout except where otherwise noted.
Cluster rows must be individually controlled
and dual colour optional (e.g. red/white or
red/amber).
Yes
No
b)
Light bar above windscreen to have five
forward facing clusters. One cluster at 45°
and one cluster at 90° to be fitted on the left
and right of the light bar.
Yes
No
c)
On each side of the vehicle, one cluster to be
positioned top rear, top middle, waist high
rear, waist high middle. The end user may
request that the two middle clusters be
Amber or Red/Amber.
Yes
No
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2-Way radio – 2A
eFuel – 5A
Vehicle tracking device – 5A
MI System – 5A
2 x Spare
EMERGENCY LIGHTING
6.3
Page 13 of 19
Yes
d)
On the rear door(s), one cluster at top left,
top right, waist high left and waist high right.
If, by opening the rear door(s), the top
clusters are obscured, additional clusters
must be fitted inside the door recess –one left
and one right.
No
e)
Two clusters to be fitted in the radiator grill
(left and right). These cluster to be red/white.
Two 4-LED clusters may be substituted for a
single 8-LED cluster where the mounting of
an 8-LED cluster is impractical.
Yes
No
f)
A single, high intensity, dome style, flashing
LED (red) to be fitted on each of the 4
corners of the vehicle at or near bumper
height. These to be positioned for maximum
protection from accidental damage.
Yes
No
g)
A two channel flasher unit is to be used to
flash all clusters. Refer to diagram 1.2 for
channel configuration.
Yes
No
a)
All interior light to be rigid LED strip using
50/50 SMT Cool White LED at 30 LED per
metre unless otherwise noted
Yes
No
b)
Light switches for independent LHS and RHS
interior light control to be located near the
rear door.
Yes
No
c)
Patient compartment ceiling, full length lights
of three strips, two full length and one
mounted over the storage/work area. The
storage area and right hand strip are
controlled by one switch, and the left hand by
the other.
Yes
No
d)
Where Applicable: Storage compartments
with clear doors to be fitted with separately
Yes
No
INTERIOR LIGHTING
6.4
Page 14 of 19
switched LED strip lighting (flexible/rigid).
One switch for all compartments.
e)
Where Applicable: Counter space to be lit by
separately switched overhead LED strip
behind diffuser lens.
Yes
No
f)
A rear loading, LED 27 watt swivel mounted
loading light should be fitted at the right hand
upper corner of the rear door aperture.
Switching for this light is to be located along
with the interior light switch in the vicinity.
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
6.5
The driver and passenger door to be fitted
with red LED strip light along the trailing edge
of the door.
20cm per strip; 6 x 50/50 SMT LED per strip.
Strip light to switch on when door is opened
and off when door is closed (using existing
door switches).
SIREN
6.6
Output 200W (2 x 100W) with 2 speakers.


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
Wail, yelp & phaser tones.
Dual tone (stereo) - one tone through
each speaker.
Touch control panel.
Horn ring control (press twice to activate
response mode - lights & siren on – press
again to change tone; press twice to
silence siren; press once to switch lights
off.
PARK DISTANCE CONTROL
6.7
Park distance control to be fitted, with 4 x
bumper mount sensors to detect the
proximity of objects up to 1.5m away.
Features required:


Slow beeps are sounded when an object
is detected with the 1.5 - 0.9m range
Fast beeps are sounded when an object
Page 15 of 19


6.8
is detected with the 0.9 – 0.45m range
A continuous tone is sounded if an object
is detected with 0.45m
Auto-on when reverse gear is selected
Central Locking
The patient compartment door’s locking
system should be fitted with a manual
override locking system, located in
consultation with the end user, within the
patient’s compartment.
7. PAINTING AND MARKING
7.1
Exterior:

Yellow and green segmented Battenberg
style, high visibility markings made from
reflective material on the LHS and RHS of
vehicle (typical block size: 600 x 380 mm).
Vinyl specification: engineering grade 7
year reflective vinyl.

Metro EMS shield on LHS and RHS with
Protekta Glaze clear coat for added
scratch resistance and UV protection.
Size: 400 x 460 mm.

The word ‘Ambulance’ and ‘Ambulans’ to
be displayed on the LHS and RHS
respectively. Size: 829 x 100 mm.

Telephone icon with ‘10177’ on LHS and
RHS

Vehicle call sign/fleet no. below
emergency number on LHS and RHS

SA flag depicted on LHS and RHS

Provincial decal to be displayed on both
cab doors. With Protekta Glaze clear coat
for added scratch resistance and UV
protection.

Star of life on Bonnet with Protekta Glaze
clear coat for added scratch resistance
and UV protection. Size: 350 x 325 mm.

The word ‘Ambulance’ to be displayed on
bonnet, with a reflective strip below. Size:
700 x 85 mm.
Yes
No
Page 16 of 19

The word ‘Diesel’ to be displayed next to
the fuel cap

High visibility segmented chevron
patterned reflective marking to cover the
entire back panel of the vehicle. Vinyl
specification: Orange and lime green 3M
diamond grade.

Large call sign to be displayed on vehicle
roof (approximately 785 x 355mm)

All digital print components printed on
Avery/Orajet with minimum ink 4 year
outdoor rating.
7.2
The words “No Smoking” and “No Eating” to
Yes
be painted on the inside of the rear door
where visible (or alternatively the international
“No Smoking” or “No Eating” pictograph sign
may be applied). This will also be required in
the drivers compartment
No
7.3
All vehicles will be marked as per provincial
end-user requirements in 3M Vehicle
reflective materials, both standard and
Diamond Grade.
Yes
No
The ambulance conversion components must Yes
be manufactured in such a manner that they
provide two lifespans of approximately 4
years each.
After 4 years of normal service life, selected
components should have the ability to be
removed from the base vehicle and undergo
refurbishment in preparation for fitting into a
new vehicle, so as to provide an additional 4
years of service after refurbishment.
No
8. BODY REFURBISHMENT & LIFESPAN
8.1
The refurbishment of these components
should result in a minimum of a 20% saving
against the cost of a brand new ambulance
conversion, excluding equipment and base
vehicle.
Page 17 of 19
9. DRAWINGS AND PHOTOGRAPHS
The following detailed drawings shall be included with the BID documents:
1. Spare wheel mounting
2. Side view of Ambulance showing:
-
Total length
Loading height
Window/s position/s and dimensions
Overall height
Load distribution of complete Ambulance from body builder
3. Rear view of Ambulance showing:
-
Door dimensions
Interior dimensions
Plan view of Ambulance with proposed lay-out of equipment
Detail of attachments to hold drip bottles and stretcher anchoring devices
Detailed drawing of body construction showing material used and dimensions
Diagram of battery linking (management system)
4. Full vehicle wiring diagram
10.
HOMOLOGATION & CERTIFICATION
a) The conversion must be supplied complete with Natis documentation and
certification including:




A Certified Weight Bridge Certificate stating the Total Tare Mass of the Converted
Vehicle.
All Ambulance Conversion Homologation Documentation.
A Manufacturer’s/ End Manufacturers Certificate Stating: Body conversion Number AND
NRCS Natis Number applicable to the particular conversion.
Any other Information related to the Conversion.
b) The unit should comply with all relative legislation pertaining to the conversion.
11.
ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS
a) The successful must construct a prototype within 5 weeks for inspection and testing by
a representative of the Department of Transport for approval and/or possible alterations,
before constructing any subsequent units.
Page 18 of 19
b) The prototype unit, when accepted, shall serve as a standard for the construction of
further units.
c) The End-User reserves the right of inspection of the prototype, as well as of any other
units, at any stage of their construction.
d) A representative of the bid company shall be present during the inspections to record all
faults and decisions for future reference
The End-User Department is at liberty to reject and return equipment supplied should there
be any deviation from the information given in the above schedule or elsewhere in this bid
and where relevant should there be any difference between masses given in the schedule
and the actual mass measuring bridge figures
The completed vehicle must be handed over to the End-User Department with the following
documentation.
a)
b)
c)
Certified weigh bridge certificate stating the total Tare mass
Relevant body homologation documentation
Manufacture certificate with body number, NATIS number and conversion mass
All Bidders must be registered as a Manufacturer, Builder and Importer of motor vehicles
as per National Road Traffic Act 1996 Act 93 section 5
The installer of the Oxygen piping must issue a Test and compliance certificate.
The installer of the Oxygen piping must issue a Test and compliance certificate.
GUARANTEE
The complete body must be guaranteed for at least four (4) years against any body rust or
paint defects, fair wear and tear excluded.
All the electrical equipment including the warning lights and sirens must be guaranteed for
5 years.
DELIVERY
Bidders must specify dispatch dates clearly in terms of lead time, rate of dispatch and
completion of contract.
Page 19 of 19