ASPASA EXPANDS AUDIT OFFERINGS

Industry association, ASPASA, is
extending its safety, health and environmental audits to include non-mining
related activities including readymix, concrete and brick plants.

In many instances these plants are
located close to the quarry or mine or even situated at the mine, and make use
of minerals that have been extracted from the mine. However, if the plants are
not situated within the mine’s boundaries they are not covered by the Mine
Health and Safety Act (MHSA) but rather need to comply with the Occupations
Health and Safety Act. Similarly, a comprehensive environmental audit is also
available based on ASPASA’s internationally acclaimed audit system, the about
face programme.

According to ASPASA director, Nico
Pienaar, the audits were developed on ISO principles and tailor made to South
African conditions. Guidelines and documentation are supplied to members to
ensure compliance with legislation and ASPASA best practices, after which the
annual audits are conducted to ensure conformity.

“The audits address the needs of the
industry as they are designed to be inexpensive and easier to implement than
existing programs. Yet, they are every bit as comprehensive and easily ensure
that the plants audited will have the right systems and procedures in place to ensure
compliance with all legislation and best practices.

“It is especially convenient for plants
that operate both quarry and mine, as well as the auxiliary plant offsite.
Rather than using multiple suppliers the company can simply make use of the
existing auditors for fewer complications,” says Pienaar.

He concludes that the audits are
conducted by an independent auditor who is well versed and better able to work
quickly and efficiently through each site with the least possible disruption.
Upon completion, the auditors also compile a non-compliance report that can be
used to take immediate remedial actions. It makes sense to use a professional
supplier with specially developed programs to ensure the health and safety of
the site, as well as ensuring the operation is run with the least environmental
impact.

More information from Nico Pienaar, Tel:
+27(0)11 791 3327 / Email: nico@aspasa.co.za / www.aspasa.co.za

Issued on behalf of Aspasa, Nico Pienaar, Tel: (011) 791 3327, Fax: 086 647 8034,
Email: nico@aspasa.co.za, Web: www.aspasa.co.za

By Media
Savvy Communications, Raymond Campling, Tel: (011) 973 0108, Cell: 076 297
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Web: www.mediasavvy.co.za