SSAIB, the certification body, has gained UKAS accreditation for two standards affecting companies operating in the security sector. SSAIB is now accredited for OHSAS 18001, the British Standard for occupational health and safety management systems, and ISO14001 Environmental Management Systems.
The Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Series (OHSAS) Standard specifies requirements for an occupational health and management system, for a firm to control its health and safety risks. The Whitley Bay-based body says that the standard is already becoming a requirement for some security service contract tenders, meaning that bidding companies can make use of SSAIB’s UKAS-accredited assessment process to gain OHSAS 18001 certification and steal a march on competitors.
Meanwhile, SSAIB’s ISO14001 accreditation also can offer a marketing advantage to firms, it is suggested. ISO14001 enables a company to develop and use an environmental policy and procedures, as well as carrying out an environmental self-assessment to identify the environmental aspects and impacts that it can control and influence. Accordingly, it offers independent verification of a firm’s ‘green’ approach in identifying, for example, ways to save water, energy and waste, reduce its environmental impact, improve customer service, increase operational efficiency and comply with regulations.
SSAIB’s Sales and Marketing Manager, Andrew Brown, says: “The business landscape is becoming increasingly governed by health and safety, risk and environmental legislation/regulations. In terms of health and safety firms must be mindful, for example, of RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations), COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) and REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and restriction of Chemicals) etc.
“Equally, ISO14001 reflects the increasing importance placed on the environmental impact of business operations and the need, for instance, to demonstrate awareness of zero waste, pollution, hazardous materials management and vehicle fuel efficiency. Many tenders now stipulate accreditation to ISO14001 or an integrated management system (ISO9001 Quality, ISO14001 Environmental, and OHSAS18001 Health and Safety combined management system).”
About SSAIB
Founded in 1994 and based at new offices in Tyne & Wear, SSAIB is a certification body for organisations providing electronic security systems, guarding security services, fire protection, alarm and telecare services systems in the UK and Republic of Ireland. Besides its product schemes, SSAIB offers management systems certification schemes, including for ISO 9001 quality management systems and ISO 14001 environmental management systems. Over 1500 companies are now on the SSAIB’s register. Visit www.ssaib.org
