Readymix concrete body sharpens audit criteria
Concrete manufacturers that are members of the Southern Africa Readymix Association (Sarma) will have to pass audits with tougher criteria this year to maintain their good standing with the association and meet tighter controls in line with international standards.
Last year, auditors convened at the request of the association to review existing processes and standards, and propose amendments that would improve the overall standards of the industry.
“Each year, we review our audit process and feedback improvements in all areas where our members are audited. This includes health and safety, road traffic, environment and quality, where we maintain standards that are directly comparable to International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) standards,” says Sarma GM Johan van Wyk.
He notes that Sarma is a frontrunner in terms of introducing its own standards, based on ISO requirements, with the association having reviewed and revised standards for the concrete readymix industry for the past nine years.
Accredited members are able to bid for work wherever Sarma accreditation is a prerequisite and, in addition, ordinary buyers also have the assurance of dealing with a competent readymix supplier.
“Accreditation is an acknowledgment that the readymix supplier concerned is a professional with the necessary skills and equipment to produce quality concrete in a sustainable and responsible manner,” says Van Wyk.
He explains that Sarma and independent auditors have reviewed and identified several key changes that will be made for the next round of audits. Simple, yet practical, initiatives will also be implemented to simplify the process for companies and auditors. Examples of improvements to the audit regime include starting audits of large corporate companies at their head office.
This will allow for all relevant documentation to be scrutinised and will decrease the volume of documents required at individual plants.
“Documentation often proves to be the bane of companies seeking accreditation and, without proper record keeping, can cause many problems in obtaining accreditation. We will concentrate on signage at sites this year, as it requires urgent attention on many sites we visit, particularly where health and safety warnings are concerned,” Van Wyk states.
He adds that sections of the audit documents dealing with training, the recycling of water, inductions for workers and visitors, labelling electrics and equipment calibration requirements will also be amended.
Other areas of improvement may include maintenance schedules, staff appointment procedures and documentation, document correctness, quality controls and road safety.
“This year, we want to ensure that members have access to all the information and tools to ensure a seamless path to certification.
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