Modern Quarrying Q3 2020

committee, the audits complement the association’s well established environmental (About Face) and health and safety (ISHE) audit systems, which have contributed to the association’s recognition internationally as a leader in these fields. “Now, the idea is to help Aspasa members to produce better quality products that are tested consistently to meet the specifications of their clients as well as national standards – where required. It entails the inspection of the laboratory including the testing apparatus and the verification of procedures,” says Pearce. “The audits will be simple but thorough and will leave the quarry in no doubt as to what is required. With this in place, producers can confidently supply their products without fear of material rejections in future, provided that the necessary procedures are followed,” he adds.

To determine the extent of testing facilities at member operations before rolling out the technical quality audit, Aspasa is conducting an industry-wide survey, which is being driven by the association’s technical team, under the leadership of Barry Pearce and Saartjie Duvenage. “As part of Aspasa’s drive to improve the quality of the products produced by its members and reduce the costs of out of spec materials supplied to clients, we implemented a laboratory auditing initiative on a similar basis to the ISHE and About Face audits already being offered by the association,” explains Pearce. The survey results will give the technical committee an overview of the extent of testing operations at the various facilities, including what is being tested and staff involvement. “Should the member not have a facility to test on the premises, we would look to assist

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QUARTER 3 - 2020 MODERN QUARRYING