Interviews
SGS develops 4C chemical management model for apparel
26 Oct '16
3 min read
SGS, a leading inspection, auditing, certification, testing, and verification company, with a global network of laboratories and offices, has developed a copyrighted 4C model, a practical tool that suppliers in the apparel industry can use to implement an effective chemical management system, to protect people's health and safety, as well as the environment.
As awareness within the apparel industry increases regarding the harm caused by hazardous chemicals, the issue of chemical management has become more important.
The 4C model has four sections that include commitment, competence, critical point control and comprehensive system. In terms of commitment, before implementing a chemical management program, a company should analyse the industry situation. The analysis should include an investigation into the latest trends concerning the best available chemical management techniques and practices.
The second step of the 4C model is to improve competence. This involves establishing a special team, led by one person with overall responsibility for chemical management. The person must have professional knowledge and skills like good command of information collection, chemical and environmental background, knowing about legislation and the clients' requirements, familiarity with raw materials and the production process, understanding the Globally Harmonised System (GHS) system of classification, ability to evaluate the acceptability of a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), ability to identify hazards and to conduct risk assessments.
When launching a chemical management program, critical point control is the priority. Based on the flow and the use of each chemical in the manufacturing plant, the critical points are classified as input – raw materials and chemicals, in processing – product manufacturing, and output – product and waste discharge.
The critical points within manufacturing include safe transportation, storage, movement, use, and disposal of chemicals. Testing on the final products and waste flow (solid waste, wastewater and air emission) is a way to verify the compliance and overall performance of the chemical management program. If the test results reveal non-compliance, then the chemical management program is not working at some point – and is therefore ineffective overall.
The establishment of comprehensive system is the top tier of 4C model. Continuous improvement is an important element of any comprehensive program. A comprehensive chemical management system can improve efficiency and reduce the error rate regarding hazardous chemicals. The company can refer to, or adopt, various international standards, codes of conduct, and industrial best practices to improve and perfect their system. (GK)
As awareness within the apparel industry increases regarding the harm caused by hazardous chemicals, the issue of chemical management has become more important.
The 4C model has four sections that include commitment, competence, critical point control and comprehensive system. In terms of commitment, before implementing a chemical management program, a company should analyse the industry situation. The analysis should include an investigation into the latest trends concerning the best available chemical management techniques and practices.
The second step of the 4C model is to improve competence. This involves establishing a special team, led by one person with overall responsibility for chemical management. The person must have professional knowledge and skills like good command of information collection, chemical and environmental background, knowing about legislation and the clients' requirements, familiarity with raw materials and the production process, understanding the Globally Harmonised System (GHS) system of classification, ability to evaluate the acceptability of a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), ability to identify hazards and to conduct risk assessments.
When launching a chemical management program, critical point control is the priority. Based on the flow and the use of each chemical in the manufacturing plant, the critical points are classified as input – raw materials and chemicals, in processing – product manufacturing, and output – product and waste discharge.
The critical points within manufacturing include safe transportation, storage, movement, use, and disposal of chemicals. Testing on the final products and waste flow (solid waste, wastewater and air emission) is a way to verify the compliance and overall performance of the chemical management program. If the test results reveal non-compliance, then the chemical management program is not working at some point – and is therefore ineffective overall.
The establishment of comprehensive system is the top tier of 4C model. Continuous improvement is an important element of any comprehensive program. A comprehensive chemical management system can improve efficiency and reduce the error rate regarding hazardous chemicals. The company can refer to, or adopt, various international standards, codes of conduct, and industrial best practices to improve and perfect their system. (GK)
Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India
Popular News
Leave your Comments
Yohan Lawrence
Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAFSL)
Esteemed Clients
-Ltd..jpg?tr=w-120,h-60,c-at_max,cm-pad_resize,bg-ffffff "Thermore (Far East) Ltd.")
.jpg?tr=w-120,h-60,c-at_max,cm-pad_resize,bg-ffffff "Telangana State Industrial Infrastructure Corporation Limited (TSllC Ltd)")
.jpg?tr=w-120,h-60,c-at_max,cm-pad_resize,bg-ffffff "Taiwan Textile Federation (TTF)")
