In every industry, maintaining Safety, Health, Environmental, and Quality (SHEQ) standards is not just a nice-to-have – it’s essential. These standards don’t only keep operations running smoothly; they protect employees, preserve the environment, and help businesses meet crucial sustainability goals.
Emma Corder, Managing Director of Industroclean, highlights that compliance is a significant challenge for any business, whether it’s mandated by law or voluntarily adopted. However, she firmly believes that prioritising compliance ultimately benefits both businesses and their customers by safeguarding their well-being and protecting the environment.
Compliance 101: What’s the Difference Between Legal and Voluntary?
Corder highlights the critical distinction between legal compliance, which is required by law, and voluntary compliance, which goes above and beyond, in the detergent manufacturing sector.
Legal Compliance: The Non-Negotiables
Legal compliance refers to all the relevant Acts, Regulations, and Municipal By-laws that a company in this sector would need to abide by, such as:
The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHS) 85 of 1993: Regulates workplace health and safety.
The National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) 62 of 2008: Establishes environmental governance principles for decision-making on factors that affect the environment.
The Hazardous Substances Act (HSA) 15 of 1973: Controls toxic substances and their safe handling, including rules for manufacturing, usage, and disposal.
Compulsory Specification for Chemical Disinfectants (VC8054): Outlines requirements for disinfectants used on surfaces.
Voluntary Compliance: Standing Out in a Crowded Market
“Voluntary compliance standards, on the other hand, are those standards that make a company stand out above its competitors and demonstrate the commitment of its Executive Management to ensure improvement and regulatory compliance,” says Corder. These certifications show a company’s dedication to exceeding basic regulatory requirements.
Certifications can include:
- SANS 1828: Cleaning chemicals for the food industry.
- SANS 1853: Disinfectants and detergent-disinfectants for the food industry.
Why Compliance Is More Than Just Box-Ticking
“Acts and regulations are essential for ensuring the safety of employees, product users, and the environment,” Corder says. They provide a clear framework for producing, storing, and transporting cleaning products safely and responsibly.
But compliance isn’t just about following rules; it’s about earning trust. Meeting and exceeding these standards demonstrate to your clients and suppliers that your business operates with integrity.
Building a Culture of Compliance: A Heroic Endeavor
Creating a compliant, sustainable workplace starts with your people. Corder advises businesses to seek guidance from compliance specialists and ensure employees are well-trained in SHEQ standards. “Training can be challenging,” she notes, “but it’s essential to keep everyone informed and aligned.”
When businesses prioritise compliance, they protect their operations, foster trust, and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable future.
Ready to Be a Hygiene Hero?
By embracing SHEQ standards and committing to compliance, your business can also lead the charge in creating safer, cleaner environments. It’s not just about meeting regulations – it’s about building a legacy of responsibility and trust.
