Arxada drives best practice with its wood treatment partners

Team Arxada’s collective responsibility for fostering a safe and secure work environment contributed significantly to the company, marking, on the 22nd of December, 2023, an impressive record of 31 uninterrupted years without loss of time due to injuries or fatalities.

“This momentous safety record informs the positive relationship between Arxada and regulatory authorities that place a high value on companies with a strong safety track record and environmental compliance”, comments Kesun Govender, director of Arxada South Africa.

“It is a testament to the resources invested in safety training programmes at Arxada and our treatment partners’ operations. By driving best practices with treatment partners, Arxada is pivotal in fostering a culture of compliance and safety within the wood preservation industry”.

Govender says the adage, “You are your brother’s keeper” resonates within Arxada. It emphasises that every team member is committed to accepting responsibility for their own safety and that of their colleagues. The company draws on this 31 years of experience in helping the industry implement and maintain best practices in wood preservation.

SAFETY STANDARDS

The responsibility of the wood preservation industry to comply with safety standards was recently highlighted during discussions between the South African Wood Preservers Association (SAWPA) and the Registrar of the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD).

The continued use of GHS (globally harmonised system of classification) Class 1A and 1B CMR (carcinogenic, mutagenic, reprotoxic) preservatives depends on the Registrar accepting that the industry demonstrates compliance with the relevant environmental, health and safety requirements at points of chemical manufacturing, and processing plants where the preservatives are stored and applied.

The South African wood protection division of Arxada, a global leader in wood treatment technologies, recognises the gravity of this responsibility and views it as a legal obligation and core value driving every aspect of its operations.

NO COMPLACENCY

In recognising that a well-designed and properly installed timber treatment plant only remains safe when operated correctly, Arxada provides treatment partners with the support they need for a sound safety foundation.

TRAINING EMPOWERS CUSTOMERS

“We believe that well-trained staff are enabled and empowered to make good decisions and that good decisions are fundamental to a safe work environment”, says Govender.

Arxada’s free comprehensive training programmes on general health and safety reinforce the message that there can be no complacency in adhering to safety protocols. The company also provides treatment partners with the tools to monitor the daily, monthly and annual maintenance requirements for plant components such as the vessel, door and gasket; timber trolley; pressure; vacuum and transfer pumps; and the valve and pipeline.

For instance, last year, Arxada’s skills development team presented a programme on effective quality treatment at White River Sawmill’s (WRSM) dedicated CCA (chromated copper arsenate) treatment operation in Mpumalanga. The treatment plant operators received guidance and a refresher on maintaining a compliant treatment plant.

WRSM’s Daniel Barnard expressed appreciation for the assistance and confirmed that several recommendations for optimising efficiencies have been implemented.

“The time Absolom spent at our treatment plant has proven invaluable. With his guidance, we identified areas for improvement, and our operators have been trained to uphold the same high standards. It is reassuring to receive this level of support from the manufacturer of our wood treatment chemicals,” says Barnard.

Arxada advises all its customers to “Use wood preservatives safely. Always read the label and product information before use and follow best practices and industry standards.

“By driving best practices with treatment partners, Arxada is pivotal in fostering a culture of compliance and safety within the wood preservation industry” – Kesun Govender

Source: WoodBiz Africa Magazine – March 2024 (Page 12)

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