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CONSTRUCTION WORLD
APRIL
2017
64
PRODUCTS & SERVICES
For this reason, the Global GreenTag
certification entails a stringent approval
process that requires the substantiation
of all green claims. This month, local
manufacturer, Green Worx Cleaning
Solutions, was certified by Global GreenTag
as having truly green products.
Global GreenTag is one of the world’s
most robust, trusted and widely recognised
ecolabels. “We independently assure that
every product is fitness tested and certified
under one of our two leading certification
programmes that use world’s best scientific
methods,” confirms the Global GreenTag
website. “That’s why we have earned the
reputation and trust of thousands of buyers,
hundreds of companies and numerous
green building councils, certification bodies
and governments around the world.”
John J Coetzee, CEO at Green Worx,
is proud of this achievement. “This
certification is the culmination of many
years of hard work. We don’t believe in
‘greenwashing’ – which not all South
African manufacturers can claim. Our
products, and all of the ingredients used to
create them, have a great impact on dirt,
and no impact on the environment. That’s
our commitment to creating a world that is
cleaner, greener and smarter.”
This lightweight, unobtrusive rescue device is contained in a small
backpack attached to a full-body harness. It has been designed
to be used in conjunction with a fall protection system or anchor
point, Suraksha Mohun, product marketing manager, MSA
Africa, notes.
The patented components of the Latchways PRD fit neatly
into the backpack, allowing workers to carry out their daily tasks
unhindered. Indeed, the backpack becomes part of the daily
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required for those working
at height.
“There is a legal obligation to have a comprehensive rescue
plan in place when individuals are working at height,” Mohun
stresses. In the event of a fall, the MSA Latchways PRD suspends
the worker, who is then lowered to the ground gently in a
controlled descent.
The device features a 20 m spool of Aramid rope, released at a
controlled rate via an integral braking mechanism. The innovative
design of the MSA Latchways PRD only uses quality components
and a limited number of moving parts so as to guarantee 100%
mechanical integrity.
Revolutionising rescue at height
Any safety-related incidents when working at height
often necessitate self-rescue as the front-line or most
rapid-response tactic. In this regard, MSA Africa is
introducing its Latchways Personal Rescue Device
(PRD), an integrated harness system.
Unlike competitor rescue kits, the MSA Latchways PRD requires
no specialist training, as it is simply worn in conjunction with a
standard fully-body harness, and is activated by simply pulling
the release cord. Its user-friendliness is enhanced by the fact that
pre-use checks are minimal.
“Periodic inspection is required at least annually, or more
frequently, to comply with corporate PPE inspection schedules,”
Mohun highlights. The descent device, harness, and backpack
should be checked for any signs of damage, corrosion, or
chemical attack.
The Latchways PRD range from MSA Africa includes a
Workman Premier and Workman Utility full-body harness. A
rescue pole is also available, which can be used by a third party
to activate the Latchways PRD in the event of a worker at height
being incapacitated. The rescue pole is 800 mm when retracted,
and 3 400 mm when extended.
Tagged green by global certification
In the world of green, claims of eco-friendliness and biodegradability abound.
Sadly, however, these claims can often not be substantiated, the products and
services are not truly green, and consumers and businesses are duped into
harming the planet in a different way.
Consumers and businesses are assured
that Global GreenTag certified products
have passed the world's toughest standards
to protect them, their employees, and their
families’ health and safety. The focus is
placed on minimising the impact on a finite
planet, putting the power of selection back
into the hands of well-informed consumers.
The GreenTag Programme is intended
to fill a current void, nationally and
internationally, for a consistent green
product rating scheme that is scientifically
derived, life cycle assessment based, and
includes appropriate assessment of whole
of life and holistic sustainability.
“This is essential to real credibility in the
industry, avoiding fly-by-night organisations
that play on the need to retain precious
resources in order to make a quick profit,”
states Coetzee.
GreenTag strives to simplify the
green product sector research and help
consumers and procurement professionals
to make their decisions in full light of the
ecological quality, health, resource and
social impacts of their product or supply
chain selection. “We’re proud to display
the GreenTag logo on our labels, and are
committed to continue manufacturing
products that are worthy of the certification,”
concludes Coetzee.
John J Coetzee, CEO at Green Worx.