ISOQAR - The Company

ISOQAR was founded in 1991 as one of the first independent certification bodies in the UK. It now enjoys one of the broadest scopes of accreditation in its industry. In October 2010 ISOQAR was acquired by the Alcumus Group, a multi-disciplinary provider of risk management, compliance and certification services. Today ISOQAR has its own regional auditors throughout the UK and a network of operations across the globe.

Small Businesses

ISOQAR's roots lie in providing a service which is affordable for small to medium-sized businesses. However, the company's pricing structure and its philosophy of being approachable have resulted in organisations of all sizes choosing to work with ISOQAR.

The ISOQAR Approach

Understanding what it is like to be on the receiving end of the audit process, ISOQAR has developed a unique package of benefits for companies seeking registration.

1. Low Costs

ISOQAR's audit fees are amongst the lowest in the industry. Expenses are not normally charged for attending companies' premises and a certificate is provided free to organisations achieving the standard. To comply with accreditation body guidelines, ISOQAR now carries out audits for recertification every three years. Costs for this will be kept to a minimum and discussed with you in advance. Link to FREE Quotation Request

2. Friendly and down-to-earth

There is no need for audits to be traumatic. ISOQAR's assessors are selected for their ability to workwith the quality representative from the company and to be approachable. They establish that the appropriate management system works for the benefit of the company and check it as though they were customers of the firm. Emphasis is firmly placed on practicality.

3. A rapid response

Whether it be a query about system certification, or an urgent need to achieve registration itself, ISOQAR specialises in providing answers or audits at speed. A friendly, helpful administration and management team with expert knowledge are always available at the end of a phone.

4. The use of Industry Experts

When selecting staff for a particular audit, ISOQAR will always choose an auditor with experience of the industry being audited. This ensures that the audit process takes place in an air of mutual understanding. There is no conflict arising from a lack of knowledge of the challenges faced in running that particular business. The auditor and the company being audited both speak the same language.Link to List of Areas of Expertise (Scope)

5. Quality Documents reviewed on site

With the exception of smaller firms, ISOQAR has a policy of visiting companies applying for certification. This enables its documentation (manuals and procedures) to be reviewed and provides an opportunity for the company and the ISOQAR auditor to discuss any areas of concern before the audit itself. Even more importantly, it provides an opportunity to start building a rapport with the auditor

Not only.........but also

In addition to its primary function of providing companies accredited certification to managment standards (including ISO 9001, 14001, 27001, SIA-ACS and BRC Food standards), ISOQAR can offer:

• Free preliminary visits to companies seeking registration, to discuss what the process involves
• Low-cost training courses to support its certification services
• Second party audits to organisations' own quality standards
• Notified Body audits for Personal Protective Equipment

ISOQAR's track record

ISOQAR has certified thousands of organisations working to the various ISO standards. This number is growing daily. More and more companies are not only realising the benefits of having an approved management system, but also the benefits of using ISOQAR. Its dislike of bureaucracy and its philosophy of being approachable mean that nearly all ISOQAR's contracts stem from recommendations by management consultants or other registered businesses. This has resulted in the company's considerable and stable growth in recent years. Click here to see what our customers say about us.

Source: http://www.isoqar.com/uk/Information/About-Isoqar.aspx

Integrated Management Systems

An Integrated Management System (IMS) is a single system incorporating the requirements of two or more auditable standards. Any combination that includes at least two of the following standards will be considered to be an integrated system.

Integrated systems will include a combination of:

• ISO 9001 (Quality)
• ISO 14001 (Environmental)
• OHSAS 18001 (Health & Safety)

Benefits of an Integrated System

Elements that are common to all standards enable organisations to benefit from taking a more comprehensive approach to their management system requirements in relation to their daily business activities.

An integrated system is a single documented system that contains a complete policy statement and inclusive objectives combining:

• Document control
• Records control
• Internal auditing
• Management reviews
• Process controls and procedural documentation

Benefits of this approach include:

• Improved communication
• Training and awareness
• Improved analysis of data
• Reduced resource commitment
• Reduced external audit costs
• Reduced external surveillance audit requirement

Adding Standards

Your scope of audits can be extended at a later date to include further standards. These may be integrated with your current registration once a certificate has been issued for the new standard(s) following a successful audit.

Want to Know More?

Then please give us a few details about your organisation. We’ll then send you a quote. You won’t be under any obligation and we won’t contact anyone else. Once you have taken us up on our quotation, you can start to benefit from the straightforward and friendly approach to certification that our many customers already enjoy! And as ISOQAR’s fees are highly competitive, free from expenses and ‘extras’, you could start saving straight away.

Source: http://www.isoqar.com/uk/information/ISO-Integrated-Management-Systems.aspx

ISOQAR Achieve a 5-Star Rating from BRC

The BRC British Retail Consortium – Global Standards Team, assess each Certification Body authorised to audit their standards for:

Audit Report Writing Quality

Compliance to the BRC Scheme & Standard protocol requirements

Auditor Registration

Submission of audit reports to the BRC Directory

Commitment and Communication

For the first time they have converted this assessment into a Star rating and have published this information on the BRC Directory which can be viewed at www.brcdirectory.com

Karen Betts Compliance Manager for BRC Global Standards wrote to Steve Stubley Operations Director of ISOQAR

“Your compliance performance rating is 5 stars out a possible 5 star rating. Well done in this achievement, we look forward to maintenance of this high standard and your continued support of the BRC Global Standards.”

This 5 star rating was achieved by only 52% of the Certification Bodies conducting audits against the range of BRC Global Standards in the period January to June 2011.

Source: http://www.isoqar.com/uk/information/ISOQAR-achieve-5-star-rating-from-BRC.aspx

Safety Slogan

Safety is no accident...

Think before you act...

Safety is forever...
Never forget about safety...
Safety means zero accident...
Keep no accident record...
Remember safety! Your family is waiting for you at home...
Safety is our first priority...
No safety, no business...
Stop accidents before they stop you...
Come safely, work safely and arrive home safely...
Work safely means success...
Keep safety at the first step...
Make your workplace safe and comfort...
Safety is our concern...
With safety, we win...
The safe way is the only way...
Get smart and use safety from the beginning... 

"Say No to Injuries"

Recommended Format for Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) specifies certain information that must be included on MSDS, but does not require that any particular format be followed in presenting this information. In order to promote consistent presentation of information, OSHA recommends that MSDS follow the 16-section format established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard for preparation of MSDS.

By following this recommended format, the information of greatest concern to workers is featured at the beginning of the data sheet, including information on chemical composition and first aid measures. More technical information that addresses topics such as the physical and chemical properties of the material and toxicological data appears later in the document. While some of this information (such as ecological information) is not required by the HCS, the 16-section MSDS is becoming the international norm. The 16 sections are:

• Identification 
• Hazard(s) identification 
• Composition/information on ingredients 
• First-aid measures 
• Fire-fighting measures 
• Accidental release measures 
• Handling and storage 
• Exposure controls/personal protection 
• Physical and chemical properties 
• Stability and re-activity 
• Toxicological information 
• Ecological information 
• Disposal considerations 
• Transport information 
• Regulatory information 
• Other information

Section 1: Chemical Product and Company Identification

This section links the chemical name on the label to the MSDS. The MSDS also lists the name, address and the phone number of the company, manufacturer or distributor

who provides the chemical.

Section 2: Composition, Information or Ingredients

This section must identify all the hazardous ingredients of the material. This section may also include OSHA Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs), Threshold Limit Values (TLV), etc.

Section 3: Hazard Identification

This section discusses the health effects one may encounter when exposed to the material. The section will describe the appearance of the material, the potential health effects and symptoms associated with exposure, routes of entry, target organs that could be affected, and so on.

Section 4: First Aid Measures

This section will describe possible first aid procedures for each route of entry. The procedures will be written so that untrained individuals can understand the information.

Section 5: Fire-Fighting Measures

This section will describe information on the fire and explosive properties of the material, extinguishing items, and general fire-fighting instructions.

Section 6: Accidental Release Measures

This section gives information on how to respond when a material spills, leaks or is released into the air. This information may include how to contain a spill or the types of equipment that may be needed for protection.

Section 7: Handling and Storage

This section discusses information on handling and storage of the material. Topics that could be described are: general warnings to prevent overexposure, handling procedures, and hygiene instructions to prevent continued exposure.

Section 8: Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

This section discusses engineering controls and personal protective equipment that would help reduce exposure to the material. The necessary personal protective equipment should be considered for eye/face protection, skin protection and respiratory protection.

Section 9: Physical and Chemical Properties

This section will include information about the physical and chemical properties of the material. The following characteristics should be detailed: appearance, odor, physical state, pH, vapor pressure, vapor density, boiling point, freezing/melting point, solubility in water and specific gravity or density. Indicate if these characteristics do not apply to your material.

Section 10: Stability and Reactivity

This section requires that potentially hazardous chemical reactions be identified. It addresses chemical stability, conditions to avoid, incompatibility with other materials, hazardous decomposition and hazardous polymerization.

Section 11: Toxicological Information

This section discusses data used to determine the hazards that are given in Section 3, “Hazard Identification.” The following information can be addressed: acute data, carcinogenicity, reproductive effects, target organ effects, etc.

Section 12: Ecological Information

This section will help determine the environmental impact should the material ever be released into the environment.

Section 13: Disposal Considerations

This section gives important information that may be helpful in the proper disposal of the material. The information can cover disposal, recycling and reclamation.

Section 14: Transport Information

This section is designed to give basic shipping information. The basic shipping information could include: the hazardous materials description, hazard class and the identification number (UN or NA numbers).

Section 15: Regulatory Information

This section discusses information on the regulations under which the material falls. Examples of a few regulatory agencies are: OSHA, TSCA (Toxic Substance Control Act), CERCLA (Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act), SARA Title III (Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act).

Section 16: Other Information

This section should include any other important information concerning the material. This information can include: hazard ratings, preparation and revisions of the MSDS, and label information.

Sumber: http://www.osha.gov/dsg/hazcom/msdsformat.html

8 Main Hazards Faced by Shipyard Workers

Shipyard workers tend to be those working in some of the most risky working environments. This not only adds to the problems of their job but actually makes it a work profile full of need for constant caution.

Working as a ship yard worker is not as simple or easy as it may seem. Here are some of the problems for ship workers that make this job a really hard one:

1.      Working Conditions

Ship yards are not one of the most comfortable places to work in. It is no corner office with glass walls. Instead there is a constant danger in everything a shipyard worker does. The conditions that shipyard jobs offer to work in are not only rather uncomfortable but also dangerous to the workers’ health.

There are several precautions that need to be taken. Sometimes it is extremely cramped spaces while at other times; the mere fall can be high enough to cause serious injury. Extreme nature of working conditions of shipyard workers is the first problem they face.

2.      Timings

Work on shipyards is no nine-to-five job. There are no fixed timings. The extreme nature of their job means the workers have to be available at all times.

The erratic time schedules make this job harder than it already is, and definitely adds to the woes of workers. Sometimes they even have to work for several hours together without much rest.

3.      Machinery Hazard

Ship yards are the places where no work happens at small scale. The machinery used is huge, often requiring immense skill and strength to be handled. A minor discrepancy while working at such machinery can prove to be extremely fatal for any shipyard worker.

The seriousness of injury can be as bad as death, in some cases. Records of workers having been gravely injured date back to as early as 1940s, a time when ship construction really took off all over the world. Constant danger posed by the heavy machinery is what is third problem faced by shipyard workers.

4.      Slips and falls

It would be too much to assume that working on shipyards, in conditions similar to what these shipyard workers work in, minor falls and trips would be rare. However, the seriousness of these minor slips on shipyards is much more compared to somewhere else.

The workers on such ships always run a risk of slipping or falling but here, there are more chances they might not just fall but fall down several feet. Cases of severe injuries like multiple fractures, head injuries, traumatic experiences, amputations and sometimes even drowning have been reported. The risky conditions of work and their vulnerability to injury is the fourth problem faced by workers on shipyards.

5.      Fires and explosions

Ship workers work close to fire and electricity. The high chances of a minor fault going wrong means things can go from bad to worse in a jiffy. Chances of fires, explosions, shot circuit; electric shocks etc are extremely high on shipyards. This high risk of fires and burns becomes another problem for people working on shipyards.

6.      Cramped spaces and high pressure

Most ship workers work just as much in tiny cramped spaces as they do in ridiculously open ones. The cramped spaces (enclosed spaces) are one of the riskiest places to be working in. A shipyard worker, while working in such tiny spaces is often at risk of physical injuries to limbs, head or other body parts along with more serious troubles like suffocation, asphyxiation etc.

Also, the high pressure in such tiny spaces can often cause much more grave and permanent damage like eardrum rupture. Shipyard workers often complain of problems to their hearing abilities due to working constantly under high pressure conditions.

7.      Asbestosis and mesothelioma

Asbestos is used as one of the construction materials for most ships even today. Shipyard workers involved in work of manufacturing of ships and even those not specifically into that particular aspect of shipyard jobs often receive extremely high exposure to asbestos, making them quite vulnerable to diseases caused by it. Asbestosis, along with mesothelioma which is a cancer caused exclusively by asbestos exposure are very serious diseases found mostly in workers working in close proximity to this substance. It is one of the biggest problems faced by workers working in the ship industry especially so since there is still no perfect solution to this problem.

One of the bigger problems with this particular aspect of job is that the symptoms caused due to exposure to asbestos can surface even after many years. Reports of these symptoms showing up in a person up to 50 years after exposure to it have been found. This adds a whole new dimension to this problem making it much more serious.

8.      Improper knowledge

But the biggest problem faced by most of the shipyard workers is that they are mostly unaware about the laws and safety measures made to protect them. In terms of laws enabling them to seek suitable work conditions or the laws that allow them to seek compensation in case of serious injury or just basic information about exposure to hazardous substances like asbestos, the knowledge of these workers is low. This poses as the biggest problem for the workers as it prevents them from finding solutions to most of their other problems.

The problems faced by every worker on shipyards are immense but their implications are even bigger. With correct measures, a lot of these problems can be tackled but there is still a long way to go.

Sumber: http://www.marineinsight.com/misc/marine-safety/8-main-hazards-faced-by-shipyard-workers/

What is a Risk Assessment?

WHAT IS A RISK ASSESSMENT – PROBABILITY OF RISK

What is a risk assessment? It is a scientific and mathematical probability of the possible risk in certain activities.  It is essentially a ‘what could happen?’ scenario using statistics from many different sources including animal behavior research, prior statistics, environmental issues including weather patterns and fault lines, along with many other sources to assess a scientific and mathematical value of the possibility that a person may be injured or killed performing certain activities. 

There are different types of risk being assessed as well, from the voluntary activities such as driving a vehicle or skydiving where there is an inherent risk in the activity that is known before participating in such activity. The other is involuntary risk that deal mostly with such things as acts of god, though can sometimes involve things like toxic inhalation, something that was previously not consented to, or should we say not consented enough to accept the said risks.

WHAT IS A RISK ASSESSMENT - MAIN GOAL

When you drive a vehicle you know there is an inherent risk in the activity taking place but safety features of automobiles may reduce the risk of death and serious injury by a certain percentage which does matter in a risk assessment since the main goal is to determine possible injury or death to an individual and/or perhaps in some cases perhaps the risk of damage to property or possibility of loss to an investment, which can be the case for insurance companies. For life insurance a risk assessment may take into account certain health issues such as age, smoking, family health problems that may be genetic, etc. to determine if that person is insurable.

WHAT IS A RISK ASSESSMENT - FUNCTIONS

The individual assesses risk quite regularly and typically on a day to day basis.  Just in driving down the freeway you are assessing the risk of perhaps driving faster or slower depending on traffic, or determining when to pass and how far away a trailing car may catch up to you. You constantly have to judge other cars speed and possibilities of if and when they might turn, stop, etc. and make your own risk assessment to determine the best actions to take. When you ask ‘what is a risk assessment?’ the answer is something that can take many forms not just the risk for human injury or death. There are even risk assessments for possible environmental damage or animal extinction based on several factors and probabilities.

After all the data has been analyzed it is used to create a probability of risk, whether this is on paper or in one’s head.  A risk assessment can be used by any number of companies and organizations for different reasons from insurance coverage to plotting out a conservation effort for rainforests. The question ‘what is a risk assessment?’ can be answered, not quite so simply, with a scientific approach to the  possibility of what might happen while taking all possible circumstances under consideration to determine the amount of risk possible mathematically.

Sumber: http://www.whatisariskassessment.net/what-is-a-risk-assessment/#more-23