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AMTRI VERITAS STEPS IN
MUCH TO THE DELIGHT OF AFRICA’S EXPORTERS
A Golden Export Portal has been opened into EU markets
UK-based certification body Amtri Veritas had hardly arrived in South Africa when its first client applied for CE Mark certification to export equipment to the European Union! Needless to say, a highly satisfied company is ready to deliver on time thanks Amtri Veritas management’s knack of avoiding mountains of red tape and willingness of ‘going the extra mile’.
That was what André Eksteen, MD of Agricon, said in Oudshoorn in the Cape Province, reporting that their pellet mill was sent to Budapest and everything seemed to be fine with the paper work and the machine itself. “We will be shipping another two units to MSG Europe in France next week that will be used for the compaction of Quick Lime being used in the production of rubber products.”
Eksteen said they have also sold a machine to another pellet mill manufacturer In Italy who had been unsuccessful up to now to produce such a small machine at such a low price. “They intend to sell our small machines in Italy instead of their own.” He is more than satisfied that the CE mark also helps with local sales in South Africa. “People are suitably “impressed” because of our CE compliant machines and the fact that we are now exporting to Europe.”
The next step would be to get ISO 9001 and SABS on our manufacturing process and machines. “This entire exercise means a little bit of extra work for us is with a lot more money in our pockets. People are prepared to pay a premium for quality approved equipment and this is what we want to achieve.
“ advantage of the whole exercise is that we improved our machines quality. We really appreciate all the help we got from you and will definitely come back to you for help on the ISO and other systems.”
Internationally renowned and UKAS accredited Amtri Veritas now carries out local certification for the ISO 9000 and ISO 14000 standards as well as an opinion-based certification for the health and safety specification OHSAS 18001.
Signalling its ability to fill the existing certification void in the South African SHE and risk management market, Amtri Veritas is offering free conversions from current accreditation or service providers for a limited period only. The application and verification of conversions will not only eliminate poor service delivery but will provide solid back-up and support.
Added value is a fully integrated service and personalised attention and, crucial for exporters, Amtri Veritas is one of only four accredited bodies allowed by the European Union to allocate the sought-after CE Mark for export to EU countries.
An independent and highly regarded machinery examination and assessment service is provided for industry. The company has built an international reputation for excellence and service and is registered with the European Commission under the Machinery Directive. Undertaking both large and small-scale projects, it ensures that machinery complies with all current legislation to safeguard clients and their staff and help build manufacturer awareness of the benefits of standards of excellence in this area.
ANNEX IV of the Official Journal of the European Communities stipulates an exhaustive list of the types of machinery and safety components for which the CE Mark must be applied.
“Our professional expertise and extensive experience of global assessment and legislation in industry, is the basis of an invaluable and in-depth service for companies worldwide. Our awareness and understanding of the pressures of manufacturers today provides a competitive edge in tailoring our highly specialised services to clients needs – and ensures an on-going commitment in helping clients maintain their achievements,” commented Managing Director Doug Florence from their Macclesfield head office in Manchester.
Achieving a recognised quality, environmental or health and safety standard will provide clients with a guaranteed assurance of consistency of service and help improve the company’s position in the marketplace. It will also improve operational effectiveness by identifying and strengthening previously weak areas while contributing to profitability.
“On commencing certification you will be assigned a team of highly qualified audit staff to work through the certification scheme with you. This ensures you have the benefit of continuity of communication and support. We also offer supplementary services to help support you in maintaining your management systems.
“On gaining Amtri Veritas certification you will be entitled to use our standards logo on your company literature, and also the UKAS logo for the appropriate schemes.” Immediate obvious benefits for South African companies are how smoothly certification and allocation of the CE Mark can now be completed, saving time and with far less red-tape.
Although Amtri Veritas was acquired by Inveritas Global Holdings, who now holds 80% shareholding, strict measures ensure that the company is completely independent from the IGH Group.
The focus is solidly on OHSAS 18000 because of the enormous demand from a neglected SHERQ market in South Africa.
WHAT IS OHSAS 18000?
The acronym OHSAS stands for the Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Series.
OHSAS 18000 is an international occupational health and safety management system specification consisting of two parts, 18001 and 18002, also embracing BS8800 and a number of other publications.
OHSAS 18001 was created via a concerted effort from a number of the world’s leading national standards bodies, certification bodies, and specialist consultancies.
The OHSAS 18000 series of standards that includes OHSAS 18001 Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMS) grew out of the international success of the ISO 9000 and ISO 14000 series of Standards and the need for managing safety in the work environment.
OHSAS helps in a variety of respects... it helps to minimise risk to employees, improve an existing OH&S management system, demonstrates diligence and gain assurance among other benefits.
In addition to the overall workplace improvements and clear market advantages gained by OHSAS 18001 certification, companies implementing a compliant OHSMS can realize the following benefits:
 Operational cost savings through OH&S programs
 A reduced number of workplace accidents and injuries
 Increased control of regulatory issues
 Clear demonstration of legal and regulatory compliance to regulatory authorities,
 customers and employees
 Better management of health and safety risks on a planned and ongoing basis
 Potential to reduce public liability insurance costs
 Increased access to new customers and business partners through an improved
 corporate image
There are six primary sections that classify the requirements in OHSAS 18001. Within these sections of the Standard are the specific requirements that a company must apply to implement an OHSMS. The Standard tracks very closely with the ISO 14001 Standard and is designed to integrate with both the ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 management systems. Many sub-clauses are very similar, such as management review, document control, and corrective and preventive action.
The OHSAS 18001 system is geared to reduce and prevent accidents and accident-related loss of lives, time and resources. It can be applied to any type of business, organisation or industry wanting to manage its health and safety risks in the work place.
An OHSAS 18001 compliant Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) provides the information necessary to understand the occupational health and safety policies in place at the company. The key to a successful OHSMS is having documented procedures implemented and maintained in daily operations. The OHSMS must include monitoring and review to ensure effective functioning and to timely identify and implement corrective measures.
But How Does It Work?
An OHSMS is a continuous progression of compliance, improvement and prevention. The basic requirements to obtain compliance will:
- Establish an OH&S Policy
The OH&SS policy describes a company's shared vision, commitment and direction in occupational health and safety. This includes the company's intentions in occupational health and safety performance as well as a framework for objectives.
- Determine OH&S Risks and Their Control
A company should constantly identify hazards, assess risks and implement control measures.
- OHS Objectives and Programs
The company should consider its legal and any other applicable requirements, the OH&S risks and hazards, its technology, business and operational options. The steps, scope, time frame, costs and responsibilities of the programs need to be defined.
- Implementation and Operation
Responsibilities should be defined. Only qualified personnel, through training, education, and/or experience will perform tasks with OHS risks and hazards. Documents should be up-to-date and data controlled. The company should identify procedures to control certain activities and operations, including emergency preparedness and response plans.
- Monitor Activities and Take Corrective Action
As the measuring and monitoring activities and internal OHSMS audits identify areas for improvement, corrective action must be taken immediately to alleviate any negative impact.
- Review and Evaluate Performance
An ongoing management review of the OHSMS and its elements helps to ensure continual improvement in the company. Regular reviews and evaluation of audits are required as well as corrective action.
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