The Promoterbobstandards.bw/SiteAssets/Pages/BOBS-Newsletters/VOLUME... · 2014. 6. 10. · The Promoter VOLUME 60 & 61 JULY - DECEMBER 2012 05 Aflatoxin in peanut butter is creating

VOLUME 60 & 61 JULY - DECEMBER 2012

The Promoter

Botswana Bureau of Standards commemorates the 2012 World Standards Day (WSD)

Economic contribution of Quality Management Systems

Quenching your thirst with bottled water!

www.bobstandards.bw

First ever Government Department gets Certified

OF STANDARDISATION & QUALITY ASSURANCE IN BOTSWANAOF STANDARDISATION & QUALITY ASSURANCE IN BOTSWANA

ManagementSystems certificate

mark

ProductCertificatemark

Standardization and Quality assurance enables companies to reduce waste and costs, increase competitiveness, as well as facilitate easy trade in domestic and international markets.Certified productsand services assures customers of protection and value for their money, and this has ultimate effect on the competitiveness of the company products

Botswana Bureau of Standards (BOBS) has been formed specifically toensure that standards are:

Developed and implemented by various businessesCustomers are protected from substandard products

The local industry is therefore encouraged to utilize standards and certify with (BOBS) in pursuitof changing competitive edge!!!

Tel 390 3200 Fax 390 3120Toll free 0800 600 900

“Ensure Business Exellence through Standards”

Dear avid reader

A combined Volume 60 and 61 of our quarterly newsletter comes fully packed with various topics relating to standardization and quality assurance. As stipulated in our mandate, we are tasked with ensuring that quality is practiced in various business undertakings and this newsletter is one of our vehicles we use to spread the message.

We hope all the people we came into contact with from various forums such as Consumer Fair, Global Expo and Commitex have a learnt something they never knew and will pass on that knowledge to the next person out there and this will help spread the fish net wider. All subjects and topics addressed in this edition are meant for our stakeholders to further appreciate our role and emphasize the importance of standards in our daily lives. We have adopted a new campaign slogan being “ensure business excellence through standards” and this will take major dominance in all our marketing and communications activities.

In addition to our existing marketing and communication tools, we would also like to invite you to like our facebook page and to follow us on twitter to get the latest in standards and quality assurance.

From the EditorKEEMENAO A. JAPPIE

VOLUME 60 & 61 JULY - DECEMBER 2012

Contents

COMPILED BY The Marketing and Communications Unit Botswana Bureu of Standards55745 Airport Road Block 8 Gaborone Botswana

Tel: +267 390 3200 Fax: +267 390 3120Email: [email protected] Free: +267 0800 600 900

DESIGN & LAYOUT Dezyn Street

t.+267 313 3827f.+267 313 3839

[email protected]

02. LONG SERVICE AWARDS

04. QUENCHING YOUR THIRST WITH BOTTLED WATER!

05. AFLATOXIN IN PEANUTS AND PEANUT BUTTER

06. BOBS’ TAKING SERVICES TO THE PEOPLE

07. GREENING THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT

08. FIRST EVER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT GETS CERTIFIED

09. UNITRANS BOTSWANA CERTIFICATION JOURNEY CONTINUES

10. PACKAGING & LABELLING 101

12. BOBS’ ATTEND TANAPOLE POLE SEMINAR

14. ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION OF QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

16. BOTSWANA BUREAU OF STANDARDS COMMEMORATES THE 2012 WORLD STANDARDS DAY (WSD)

01The Promoter

BotswanaBureauofStandards @BobsMarketing

The PromoterVOLUME 60 & 61 JULY - DECEMBER 2012

02

Botswana Bureau of Standards (BOBS) introduced Long Service Awards in 2009 in an endeavour to recognize and motivate employees since its inception in 1997. In today’s fast and changing/diverse work environment it is often not rare to come across individuals who have changed jobs more than thrice in five years hence the initiative to honour those that have pledged to stay longer with the Organization.This event has grown in leaps and bounds with the years and 2012 saw 53 employees being recognized for the 5years service award and 10years service award. The 5years service awards were handed by Ms P.O. Serame, Standards Council Member and

the 10years service awards were handed over by Mr P. Chandna, Standards Council Vice Chairperson. The night was filled with good music, good food and good company. To add cherry on top the annual Christmas party was held on the same day and the theme for the day was Fire and Ice. This provided an opportunity for new employees to be officially welcomed to the organization and for everyone to bid farewell to their colleagues as this took place a day before BOBS closed for the Christmas break.

Everyone was dressed to kill and with Christmas being a time for happy times what a good way to end the year on such a happy note. Christmas is also a time

for giving and appreciating and this was the perfect platform for Ms Violet Mosele, former Standards Council member who has served in the Council since April 2007 until February 2011 to be in attendance in order to receive her token of appreciation for her input in the Standards Council from Mrs Masego B.B Marobela, MD - BOBS.We look forward to 2013 Long Service Awards and we want to thank all BOBS employees for their continued loyalty to the organization. This organization will not be where it is today without your dedication, hard work and passion. Keep it up colleagues. Food for thought: Loyalty is mutual.

Long Service Awards …BY OGOMODITSE G. LETSHOLO

Mr J. Vissagie receiving his 5years service award from Standards Council Member, Ms P.O Serame

Ms V. Mosele receiving her token of appreciation from Managing Director BOBS, Mrs M.B.B Marobela

Ms L. Chipuka receiving her 10years service award from Standards Council Vice Chairperson, Mr P. Chandna

The Promoter VOLUME 60 & 61 JULY - DECEMBER 2012

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04

Summer is upon us and with the advent of hot weather, Batswana are more likely than ever to bottled water. Consumers drink bottled water for various reasons including taste preference, convenience, safety and potential health benefits. But is there anything that guides us on the quality of the bottled water? What about the claims made on the labels of the bottled water containers?

Bottled water is drinking water (e.g., well water, distilled water, or spring water) packaged in plastic or glass water bottles. It may be carbonated or not. Bottled water may be contaminated by a range of chemical (e.g. lead), microbial (bacteria, viruses and parasites) and physical hazards (e.g. glass chips) that could pose risks to health if they are present at high levels. Because of the large number of

possible hazards in bottled water, BOBS has developed two standards as a way of ensuring that bottled water delivered to consumers is safe. The two bottled water standards are BOS 143:2011 – Bottled water other than natural water and BOS 262:2011 – Bottled natural water. Both standards specify physical, chemical and microbiological requirements for bottled water for human consumption and they also specify the permitted treatments and the requirements for bottling and labelling.

Knowing that water can support the growth of many types of microorganisms and the presence of disease causing microbes in water is known to be unhealthy and even life threatening, Table 1 (microbiological determinants requirements) of both standards gives zero tolerance to the presence of microorganisms that can relate to waterborne diseases.

The two standards also specify the limits for the physical and chemical determinants of the bottled water together with the frequency of testing and the sampling programme which indicates the sample sizes for the physical examination and microbiological examination and the sample volume for chemical analysis. According to the general requirements of the two standards, no claims concerning medicinal (preventative, alleviative or curative) or other beneficial effects relating to the health of the consumer shall be made and the use of any statement or of any pictorial device which might create confusion in the mind of the public or in any way mislead the public about the nature, origin, composition and properties of the bottled water put on sale is prohibited.

The standards also state that the location of the source of the water being bottled, the name of the source and the name, telephone and physical address of the manufacturer should be declared. As consumers enjoy their bottled water, the only assuarance they have of a healthy wholesome product is if manufacturers adhere to all the requirements stipulated in the bottled water standards.

Quenching your thirst with bottled water!

BY ZUKISWA RADITLADI

Because of the large number of possible hazards in bottled water, BOBS has developed two standards as a way of ensuring that bottled water delivered to consumers is safe.


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Aflatoxin in peanut butter is creating even more concern for peanut and peanut butter consumption. Many individuals especially children treat peanut butter and jelly as a staple in their diet, but unfortunately no one told them that peanut butter could actually harness aflatoxin– a cancer-causing chemical almost always found in peanut butter.

First, aflatoxin is a naturally-occurring toxin that can contaminate a variety of common crops including cereals (such as maize and wheat), oil seeds (including peanuts), spices and tree nuts. It is also found in the milk of animals given contaminated feed. Aflatoxins are a family of mycotoxins that are related by the presence of bisfuronocoumatin compounds. They are produced mainly by toxigenic strains of Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. There are four different aflatoxins produced by Aspergillus, and they are AFB1, B2, G1 and G2, but the aflatoxin of the main concern is aflatoxin B1 because of its known role in carcinogenesis.

This toxic substance can contaminate crops before harvest and during storage. Crops with prolonged exposure to a hot, humid environment or that are damaged due to stressful growing conditions such as drought are more susceptible to aflatoxin contamination. Unlike many other nuts which are protected by a hard shell, peanuts are encased in a soft shell, which makes them vulnerable to contaminates of these fungus which is easily absorbed by soft-shelled peanuts and if regularly consumed can lead to liver cancer.

Aflatoxin can cause a number of liver problems including liver cancer and aflatoxicosis and those problems are influenced by age, sex, nutritional status, and health as well as both the level and duration of exposure to the toxin.

The Food and Drug Association has established safe levels of aflatoxin for both human food (20 parts per billion) and animal feed (up to 300 ppb) and both peanuts and products made from them are tested regularly. Chronic, subclinical exposure does not

lead to symptoms as dramatic as acute aflatoxicosis. Children, however, are particularly affected by aflatoxin exposure, which leads to stunted growth and delayed development. Chronic exposure also leads to a high risk of developing liver cancer, as aflatoxin metabolites can intercalate into DNA and alkylate the bases through its epoxide moiety.

This is thought to cause mutations in the p53 gene, an important gene in preventing cell cycle progression when there are DNA mutations, or signaling apoptosis. These mutations seem to affect some base pair locations more than others for example; the third base of codon 249 of the p53 gene appears to be more susceptible to aflatoxin-mediated mutations than nearby bases. It is interesting to note that natural and organic peanut butter often contains higher levels of aflatoxin than commercially processed peanut butter.

However, even though organic peanut butter may contain higher levels of aflatoxin, it is still a far better choice than commercially processed peanut butter due to the huge difference in pesticide exposure. While pesticides can cause some damage when sprayed on any crop, peanuts are especially vulnerable compared to other nuts due to their soft shell.

To reduce aflatoxin exposure and fungal growth, always refrigerate your peanut butter. By placing your peanut butter in the refrigerator, you are stopping any fungus which may be present from multiplying. Chlorophyll has also been shown to reduce the absorption of aflatoxin which make green vegetables great for decreasing the carcinogenic effects of aflatoxin.

Interestingly, some research shows that eating a regular diet that includes apiaceous vegetables such as carrots, celery, parsnips, parsley (and a number of herbs and spices) can decrease the carcinogenic effects of aflatoxin.

Good news for the “ants in a log” fans (celery stuffed with peanut butter and raisins)! There is also research that demonstrates chlorophyll (a green pigment that occurs in plants and algae) can reduce the absorption of aflatoxin in humans.

Aflatoxin in Peanuts and Peanut butterBY KABELO MARUMO


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Every year BOBS has scheduled mini shows and workshops for the public and business people in different parts of the country. The end of 2012 was of no difference as the Marketing & Communication unit teamed with Department of Regulatory compliance to embark on a journey to the Northern part and Kgalagadi areas of our country with a mission to create awareness about BOBS’ products and services and as a way of bringing BOBS services closer to the people. The schools were also not left behind in this mission as BOBS held its awareness campaigns in Secondary schools in the areas visited. These activities are done with the major objective being to create awareness and instill the knowledge and importance of quality and standardization in young people whom we view as keys players as they are tomorrow’s business leaders.

BY KAGISANO MAKONYELA AND SEPHIWO NZALA

Public Campaigns in Francistown

BOBS’ taking services to the people

BOBS’ ROAD SHOWS AND BUSINESS COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS IN MOTION!!

Business Community workshop in Francistown

Business Community in Tsabong

School Campaigns at Tapologo CJSS – Werda


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INTRODUCTIONThe building construction techniques and materials are slowly becoming more energy efficient due to the innovation that has infiltrated the industry. Therefore a house can be built without putting gratuitous stress on our natural resources. So this article discusses the many ways that can be explored in greening the built environment.

RECYCLABLE MATERIALSAs more and more people become aware of the possibilities of recycling, more and more construction material is being made from recycled material. Materials that were once disposed of at landfills are being reused in the construction industry. Examples of recycled materials are:• Fly ash – this material is produced after coal is burned in coal-fired power plants and when mixed with gravel and sand it can replace up to 35% of the Portland cement needed to make concrete. Therefore this illustrates that what’s waste in one industry could be valuable in the other.• Metals – Metals that are vastly recyclable are steel and aluminum. When steel is recycled 50 to 70% of the energy and pollution caused during its production is avoided. Whereas with aluminium 85% of energy and pollution is avoided.•Heavy Timber – When recouped and resawed, heavy timber can be recycled.•Masonry products and ceramics – These products are often crushed and reused for granular fill in roads and sidewalks.

ECONOMIC BENEFITSRecycling material has economic benefits and therefore makes sense for builders and project owners. In turn the reuse of construction and demolition materials reduces hauling costs. Therefore this means that by recycling the same budget can be used to do more work than initially intended.

PERFORMANCE BENEFITSRecycled material has astounding performance benefits such as fly ash and slag cement used in concrete. Other materials with great performance benefits is coal bottom ash and is used as bedding material for green roofs because it does the same job but its lighter. Tire shreds compared to the material normally used is more effective for drainage around building foundations due to a greater gap structure relative to gravel. They also put less pressure on building foundation walls compared to the denser and heavier materials that are sometimes used.

DIFFERENT USES OF RECYCLABLE MATERIAL • Green Roofs and Landscaping – These are roofs covered with plants and they reduce stormwater runoff and provide insulation. Scrap tires are used to make rubber tires for walkways and bottom ash for bedding. Clean wood, recycled gypsum wallboard, and cardboard can be ground and used as soil amendments

Greening the built Environment

in both green roofs and landscaping applications.• Landscape Furniture - Plastic lumber containing flyash or recycled wood can be used to make benches• Sidewalks – Asphalt concrete sidewalks can be made with recycled asphalt pavement and shingles• Ceiling Tile – These can contain flue gas desulfurization gypsum (this is a product from burning coal to produce electricity), flyash, gypsum wallboard or air cooled blast furnace slag.• Structural foundation fill – This is a fill that is poured in layers and compacted to the desired density. The materials that can be used are coal flyash, bottom ash,slag and spent foundry ash. Concrete can also be crushed and used onsite as structural fill.• Insulation - Mineral or rock wool insulation can be produced from air cooled blast furnace slag.• Base material – Natural soils can be replaced with spent foundry sand as base material for the building site. In cold weather climates ,this strategy can extend the construction season because foundry sands do not freeze as readily as most soils. Recycled concrete can also be used.

SOURCES• America society for testing material: ASTM C 150, ASTM C 311,ASTM C 595, ASTM C 618 and ASTM C 989

BY MOMPATI MAJOLA


08

BY OGOMODITSE LETSHOLO

First ever Government Department gets certified

Unitrans

Central Medical Stores (CMS) is the first Government Department to get certified against the BOBS ISO 9001: 2008 standard. This historic certification award ceremony took place on 19th February 2013 at CMS’ premises in Gaborone. In order t archive this milestone, CMS went through rigorous audit activities involving a two stage audit process, corrective actions; follow up audit which all eventually culminated in certification in November

2012 – a notable achievement by CMS. Being QMS certified, organizations pledge to providing service that consistently conforms to requirements specified in the BOS ISO 9001:2008 standard which include aspects such as procurement, records management, product realization, preventive and corrective actions satisfy customers since the BOS ISO 9001:2008 standard is customer focused. As a BOS ISO 9001:2008 certified

organization, CMS will have the privilege to fly the BOS ISO 9001:2008 certification flag at its certified premises, as well as to use the BOBS QMS certification logo on publicity and advertising material for promotional purposes. CMS is however, obliged to ensure that there is continued satisfaction and conformance with the requirements that form the basis of this certification, to maintain the certification status.

CMS - Certificate handover


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Unitrans Botswana (Pty) Ltd obtained their first quality management system certification in August 2006 and has never looked back since then. The quality management systems certificate is valid for 3 years and is renewable upon expiry.The company obtained their first QMS certification in August 2006and has by far renewed their certificate twice. Their first certificate renewal was in August 2009 and the second renewal was in 2012. Unitrans Botswana (Pty) Ltd applied for the current re-certification on the 25th May 2012 and this time around the Francistown Depot was made a branch of the Regional Depot, which proved to be a desire to acquire a multi-site certification.Speaking at the handover ceremony, BOBS’ Deputy Managing Director Mr. Theko T. Fako said BOBS was pleased

to be issuing a BOS ISO 9001 Quality Management System certificate to an organisation destined to serve a very competitive sector of transportation logistics for fuel, cement (bulk and pocket), chemicals and gases as well as transportation, warehousing, depot & tank management services, and logistical solutions. “Unitrans Botswana (Pty) Ltd. was initially issued with BOS ISO 9001 certification for their Gaborone Regional Office and the Francistown Depots as independent entities; whereby each site had its own certification. This BOS ISO 9001 certificate is therefore proof that Unitrans Botswana (Pty) Ltd. performs its business in a consistent manner geared towards its commitment of satisfying its customers”, said Mr. Fako. He noted that the continued successful re-certification

Unitrans Botswana (PTY) LtdCertification journey continues

shows dedication and the will to keep going on and on despite the challenges. SOME OF THE BENEFITS OF GETTING BOS ISO 9001:2008 CERTIFIED ARE • Improved productivity and reduction in non complying products or services as work is done according to laid down procedures.• Reduction in operational costs as work is done efficiently.• Improved service delivery to stakeholders as the standard calls for customer focus.• A strong basis for continual improvement.• And, last but not least; let me emphasize that in today’s business transactions worldwide, preference is given to certified organizations for the supply of goods and services.

BY REFILWE RANTSHABENG

Unitrans - group photo

Unitrans - certificate handoverUnitrans


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Packaging is defined in the regulations as “all products made of any materials of any nature to be used for the containment, protection, handling, delivery and preservation of goods from the producer to the user or consumer (www.doeni.gov.uk). It is meant to improve the quality of the products. Labelling is information displayed about the product on its container, packaging, or the product itself www.businessdictionary.com

Packaging and Labelling 101

BY ORATILE Z. LEEPILE

Packaging can be categorised as primary, secondary and tertiary types. Primary packaging is the type of packaging that is in direct contact with the product. This packaging helps in containing the product together and also in aiding to get the correct measurement. The primary packaging can also be used for labelling and marketing purposes. Plastic trays, bags, flexible packaging, cans and cartons are the different types of primary packaging material used.

FIGURE 1: PRIMARY PACKAGING

Secondary packaging relates to the packaging used to group together pre-packaged goods in order to allow either branding of the product or transporting it properly. This ultimately means that secondary packaging contains many primary packaged products. Secondary packaging is used to protect the primary packaging. Examples of secondary packaging are card board boxes and card board cartons.

FIGURE 2: SECONDARY PACKAGING

REFERENCES www.articlebase.com/printing-articles/why-packaging-and-labelling-quality-matters-more-than-ils-cost-5780321.htmlwww.ezinearticles.com/?Impact-of-packaging-and-labelling-on-the-marketing-of-a-Product&id=7009196www.doeni.gov.uk I www.businessdictionary.com


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Good quality packaging is closely related to proper labelling. A good packaged product result in the preservation of the product and a good label communicates clearly to the customer what the product is. A label on a packaged product should communicate the product’s name, instruction of use, country of origin, address of manufacturer or distributer, list of ingredients, net quantities, date of minimum durability and lot/batch number. Under no circumstance should the label mislead the consumer. These requirements are as described in BOS 9, General Requirements for Labelling and Presentation of Packaged Products.

FIGURE 3: TERTIARY PACKAGING

Packaging and labelling can also be used for marketing purposes. The packaging and labelling of the product are used to attract customers. Attractive colours and design are used to draw customers towards the product (www. ezinearticles.com). Furthermore, packaging must suit the product and also be convenient for the customer to hold and carry. For this reasons, manufacturers use different size packaging to suit the consumption and affordability of the customer. For brands that have already positioned themselves in the market, use of superior packaging service is high in order to maintain their position in the market (www.articlesbase.com).

Packaging and labelling can be used by companies to gain a competitive advantage over its competitors. Investment in proper packaging can assure that products are preserved and protected well for consumption and proper labelling of products assures good communication between the manufacturer and the consumer.

FIGURE 4: INFORMATION REQUIRED ON THE LABEL

Product’s name/Common name

Net quantity

Address of distributor

Country of origin

Instruction of use

•Permeability: the ability to allow the flow of liquids through absorption or penetration. •Retention ability: ability of timber to hold the preservative and is measured as the volume/mass of preservative remaining after treatment.

FIG 1 BELOW SHOWS THE STRUCTURE OF TIMBER AND THEIR CHARACTERISTICS.

Timber preparation The most important factor in timber preparation is the moisture content (MC). Moisture Content is the weight of water in


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The Botswana Bureau of Standards (BOBS) Certification and Testing Units attended the TanapoleTM Pole Seminar on the 12th July 2012 in Harare, Zimbabwe. The workshop aimed to provide information and share knowledge on the following;1. Timber preservation;2. Timber Specifications;3. Benefits of the TanapoleTM4. Timber Treatment Methologies; and 5.The importance of quality in the treatment of poles.

Presentations at the workshop were made by professionals with many years of experience in timber preservation from Lonza Wood Protection, South African Wood Preservers’ Association, Standards Association of Zimbabwe (SAZ) and Alternative Structures. Delegates were from the Botswana Bureau of Standards, South African Bureau of Standards (SABS), Standards Association of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Electrical Supply Authority (ZESA), Timber Plantation Companies and Timber Treatment Companies including our own BOBS Certified Mapako (Pty) Ltd who have a treatment facility in Francistown.The following presents information presented at the workshop.

WHAT IS TIMBER/WOOD PRESERVATION?Wood preservation is a process whereby wood is impregnated with an industrial wood preservative (chemical biocide) to

give it long-term protection by increasing the durability and resistance to biological attack. Biological attack or wood destroying agents are;

1. Decay Fungi, e.g. Brown rot and soft rot 2.Wood destroying insects such as, subterranean termites, e.g. families of Microtermes, Macrotermes and Odontotermes and wood borer beetles or wood worm e.g. Lyctus brunneus (powder post beetle that attacks only the sapwood of hardwood species).Wood preservatives could contain either insecticides or fungicides but more often it will contain both.

WHY TIMBER/WOOD IS PRESERVATIVE TREATED?Wood consists of Cellulose, hemicelluloses, starches and other materials. These are all food sources that attract wood destroying agents. Commercially grown plantation species, e.g. Pinus and Eucalyptus have little or very limited natural durability and must therefore be treated to increase its durability.

WHAT CONSTITUTES PROPER PRESERVATIVE TREATMENT? For proper treatment of timber, it must be treatable. Treatability of timber is dependent on the following;a) Timber’s characteristics and b) Preparation prior to treatment.

Timber Characteristics The characteristics of timber are determined by the following critical properties;

BOBS attend Tanapole Pole Seminar

TM

BY THEBE PHIRINYANE

SAPWOOD:

Permeable and treatable zone -Consists of

“live” wood responsible for conveying nutrients

and water from the rootsto the rest of the tree

-Non durable younger growth

HEARTWOOD:

Impermeable and untreatable Zone -Consists

of “deadwood” containing wood extracts and

deposits which clog up the pores

-More durable older growth

FIGURE 1

a piece of timber relative to the weight of timber, expressed as a percentage i.e. MC = Weight of Water X 100%

For example, 200 % MC means a piece of wood has twice as much its weight in water than wood.

The Moisture Content of timber is reduced by drying or seasoning before treatment through the following methods;i. natural drying or air drying, and ii. artificial drying or kiln drying.

For an effective treatment of timber MC must be at fibre saturation point that is an average of 24-28% in most timber species. The fibre saturation point is reached when all the free water has been removed from cell cavities and only the bound water remains in cell walls. This leaves space for preservative absorption, SEE FIG 2 AND FIG 3 BELOW.

WOOD PRESERVATIVE CATEGORIES There are three main categories of wood preservative listed as follows; 1.Class W preservatives which are water based;2.Class C Preservatives which are oil based;3.Class O preservatives which are solvent based or Light Organic Solvent Preservative


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Class W preservativesClass W preservatives are made of solutions of compound in water which are applied by high pressure full-cell process. They are suitable for both interior and exterior use. Examples of class W preservatives are; •Copper Chrome Arsenate (CCA) •Copper + Tebuconazole (CuAz) •Boron (WB) •Alkaline Copper Quaternary (ACQ)

Class C preservativesClass C preservatives are complex mixture of large number of compounds made from distillates of coal tar for mainly steel manufacture and have a strong odour, oiliness and dark colour which make them unsuitable for interior use. They are typically applied by a high pressure process. Creosote is the common Class C preservative available.

Class O preservatives Class O preservatives are solvent carriers applied through low pressure or vacuum only process. Timber treated with these preservatives can be painted and glued and is used mainly for interior applications. Examples of Class O preservatives are;•Tributyltin naphthenate-permethrin (TBTN-P) •Azole permethrin (ZP)

HAZARD CLASSIFICATION Treated timber/wood standards specify an International Hazard Classification system (H Classes), which categorises treated timber into different end use applications based on: 1. Exposure conditions 2. Potential risk of biological attack 3. Preservative retentions/loading

Timber is classified according to the different hazard classes indicated below;

HO-it is the lowest level protecting against insects other than termites and for timber

not exposed to leaching and weathering. HO-it timber can be used indoors and above ground for flooring or furniture. Light organic solvent preservative treatments like Deltamethrin are suitable for use as HO-it.

H2 treatment level protects against termites and borers and can be used inside in an above ground application, usually for roof trusses, frames and wall construction where there is low risk. CCA, ACQ and LOSP treatments are all suitable for use as H2

H3 treatment allows timber to be used outside in an above ground application where there is moderate risk. H3 protects against fungal attack, borers and termites and can be used for cladding, decking, outdoor furniture, and exposed structural, fencing and landscaping timber products not in direct ground contact. Treatments appropriate for H3 level are CCA, CuAz & ACQ and Class C – Creosote & Coal tar.

H4 treatment protects against severe fungal decay, termites and borers and is suitable for use outside and in ground where there is high risk. CCA, CuAz, ACQ, Creosote & Coal tar can all be used to treat timber to H4 level. H4 timber is commonly used for fence posts, garden features, landscaping applications.

H5 Treatment protects against very severe fungal decay, termites and borers in high risk. CCA, CuAz, ACQ, Creosote & Coal tar treatments are suitable for H5 levels. H5 timber can be used outside, in ground and in contact with fresh water and heavy wet soils, e.g. structures in fresh water such as jetties, walkways, piling etc. H6 treatment protects timber against marine borer attack and fungal decay where there is a high risk. This treatment can be provided by dual treatment using CCA as well as Creosote treatments. H6 timber is appropriate for use in sea waters and is commonly used for jetties, quays, marine walkways, retaining walls.

TM

Weight of timber

FIGURE 2

FIGURE 3


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In an attempt to quantify economic contribution of quality management systems, the Centre of Economics and Business Research (CEBR) of UK carried out a research commissioned by the Chartered Quality Institute (CQI) and Chartered Management Institute (CMI) to look at the contribution of quality management systems to the UK economy in terms of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), employment and tax. It also examined the benefits of quality management systems to individual organizations and provided return on investment (ROI) estimates for both costs and revenue. It quantified direct economic value of quality showing how much growth can be gotten out of implementing quality management systems within economies. The research was based on three sets of data i.e. desk-research, in-depth interviews and surveys with 120 UK leading businesses. A Bespoke Economic Model was used to process the data in order to produce robust figures for the contribution of Quality Management Systems.

OBJECTIVESThe objectives of the research were to demonstrate and quantify the extent to which more effective, intensive and longer-term use of quality management systems and techniques creates more productive and successful organizations by delivering demonstrable ROI value and affects economic indicators.

CASE STUDIESThe research included a number of case studies across a range of sectors such as manufacturing, defence, engineering, construction, legal services, business services, transport and telecommunications, voluntary services and public services.

SURVEY OUTCOMES The literature review found evidence that quality management systems had increased stock prices, profits, revenues, customer retention and employee, customer and user satisfaction across institutions in the public and private sectors. The literature review also found evidence that quality management systems reduce the costs associated with identifying and rectifying problems during or after production, while raising those expenditures which focus on stopping problems before they occur. This cost rebalancing was found to be associated with a reduction in overall costs. The literature review also suggested that quality management systems could have their most substantial impacts on organisations’ outcomes several years after they were first instituted – ie they sometimes become effective with a lag. Finally, several of the authors under review noted that managerial commitment to a quality management system was a key precondition of its success in all sectors.

The survey of 120 organisations provided evidence which corroborated the literature’s findings. Survey respondents indicated that quality management systems were important in driving down costs and maintaining customer or service-user retention rates. Private sector organizations reported that quality management systems were often used to help justify price premia on goods and services.

The case studies largely supported the findings of the literature review for organizations in specific sectors. There were some notable points of departure between the literature review and case study findings for some sectors. For example, the case

BY HAZWELL NYANDA

Economic contribution of Quality Management Systems


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study respondents from the legal services sector noted that their quality management systems became effective comparatively quickly i.e. without the lag which was predicted by the literature. This suggests that quality management systems have their effects more rapidly in legal services businesses.Using inputs from the literature review, case studies and survey, CEBR’s bespoke economic model estimated the impact of quality management systems on UK macro-economic indicators. The principal estimates of the model were as follows:

a) It was estimated that quality management systems contributed £86bn to UK GDP in 2011, and that if quality management systems had been rolled out as fully as possible throughout the economy, the GDP might have been £46bn higher

b) Quality management systems were estimated to have contributed £8.4bn in 2011 to the Exchequer and that if quality management systems had been rolled out as fully as possible, the Exchequer’s net tax takings might have been £8bn higher than they actually were.

c) It was estimated that quality management systems had caused UK economy-wide employment to be 1.43 million higher in 2011 than it would otherwise have been, and that if quality management systems had been instituted as far as possible in all sectors of the economy, the employment could have been 455,000 higher than it actually was.

It is therefore evident from the literature review, case studies and survey that quality management’s positive impacts on these macroeconomic indicators is a product of its effects on the performance of individual organizations. In aggregate, quality management systems improve macroeconomic indicators precisely because they help organizations to produce more goods and services with the same inputs, while reducing cost, increasing employee and customer satisfaction and raising revenues and profits.

The findings attained by CEBR’s comprehensive examination of quality management in the UK economy, and the methods used to achieve those findings, point to the following broad conclusions:

a) Quality management systems have already played a vital role in the success of individual private, public and voluntary sector organizations and, in general, have played a substantial role in improving macroeconomic outcomes.

b)If quality management systems were instituted more widely, these desirable effects would probably become more pronounced.

These research outcomes, that quality management systems substantially improve organizations’ outcomes, can be encapsulated by examining the average estimated ROI effects of quality management systems. The ROI estimates, derived from the case study interviews, all indicated that businesses attain pecuniary benefits far outweighing the cost of implementing their quality management systems. They suggest that quality management systems are particularly effective in terms of reducing costs. On average, for every £1 a business spent on a quality management system, costs were reduced by £16. Quality management systems also yielded impressive ROI estimates for revenues, suggesting that for every £1 spent on a quality management system, revenues were increased by £6. The ROI estimates were drawn from independent case studies and all suggested that businesses gain more from their quality management systems than they spend on them. Hence, it is apparent that a typical business can anticipate a positive ROI from implementing a quality management system. Confidence in this regard is enhanced by the case study responses of a quality excellence body. The excellence body found that, over the past seven years, across a sample of 830 UK businesses there was an average ROI of 19:1.

More qualitatively across all sectors, businesses consistently reported that quality management systems had positive impacts on customer retention, customer satisfaction and employee satisfaction. These qualitative benefits link to the ROI benefit of higher revenues i.e. increased customer satisfaction and retention induces consumers to buy more, pushing up revenues. They also link to the ROI benefit of reduced costs. Increased employee satisfaction decreases costs by discouraging absenteeism and encouraging workplace enthusiasm. Overall, the literature review, case studies and survey data inputs all indicate that quality management systems have improved outcomes for public, private and voluntary sector organisations. The independence and consistency of these inputs means that more intensive and longer-term use of quality management systems creates more productive and successful organizations.

(Information abstracted from Chartered Quality Institute (CQI))


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World Standards Day which is a day that is commemorated every year on 14 October, is a day which has been designated by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) to raise awareness to stakeholders about the importance of standardization in the world economy and to also recognize the collaborative efforts of many experts who voluntarily and tirelessly participate in standardization activities.

The 14 October, was specifically chosen to mark the date in 1946 when delegates from 25 countries met for the first time in London to discuss the formation of an organization focused on the facilitation of international standardization. The meeting resulted in the formation of ISO a year later, however the World Standards Day was first celebrated by ISO on 14 October 1970. Since then ISO has been celebrating the day on yearly basis and

in 1988 the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) partnered ISO in the celebration. It was however in 1993 that the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) also became a partner in the celebration of the World Standards Day.The IEC is responsible for international standardization in the field of electrical, electronics and related technologies; ITU is responsible for international standardization in the field of telecommunications while ISO is responsible for all other fields not covered by IEC and ITU.

Each year leaders of the three organizations (IEC, ISO and ITU) propose the theme for the World Standards Day and jointly release a message on the theme. The theme varies every year hence year 2012 is no exception as the world celebrated the 2012 World Standards Day with a resounding theme: Less waste, better results – Standards increase efficiency.The theme challenges organizations to use standards in their

businesses in order to increase efficiency in their processes and ensure that they eliminate or minimize wasteful activities. According to the 2012 World Standards Day joint message from the IEC, ISO and ITU, standards play a critical role for increasing efficiency in businesses, as emphasized by the following excerpt from the message: “This issue has come to the forefront as global challenges like sustainability and financial uncertainty mean that organizations are challenged to achieve better results with less waste. For example, by providing common specifications, international standards enable products, services and technology from different vendors to fit together like pieces in a puzzle. They support interoperability and compatibility, providing a solid base for developing innovations and facilitating market access to new products. They ensure that countries, organizations, regulators and researchers, do not have to reinvent the wheel, and can invest in other priorities”.

BOBS Commemorates 2012 World Standards DayBY G. MOTSHIDISI

To lighten up and ease the evening, Mophato dance troupe captivated the audience by their scintillating dance moves and melodious tunes assisted by a humorous stand up comedian Ribcracker.

BOBS Managing Director giving token of appreciation to Standard Council Chaiperson


17

National standardization bodies around the world commemorate the World Standards Day in their respective countries with their stakeholders through various activities in line with the given theme. It was in this context that Botswana Bureau of Standards (BOBS) had once again joined the rest of the world on October 2012 to commemorate the World Standards Day with its stakeholders. BOBS has been celebrating this important day with its stakeholders every year since 1999. BOBS celebrated the 2012 World Standards Day by hosting a dinner in its Headquarters in Gaborone where representatives of Technical Committees were invited together with other relevant stakeholders.

In her welcome remarks, the BOBS Managing Director, Mrs Masego Marobela highlighted that 14 October 2012 marks the 43rd World Standards Day. She said the day is celebrated each year to pay tribute to experts who commit their resources to development of international standards. In addition, Mrs Marobela indicated that by virtue of BOBS being a member of IEC, ISO and ITU it has adopted about 500 international standards, trained 6 380 people and certified 35 companies. She said “I therefore challenge all businesses, small, medium and large to come forward and take advantage of BOBS services and be assured of good quality and international acceptability through those Technical Committees professions and expertise”.

Mrs Marobela indicated that BOBS has joined the rest of the world this year to appreciate the tireless efforts of the national technical committees’ experts who volunteer to develop national standards. She said “As we celebrate this day tonight, let it not end here, but continue to recognize and appreciate their efforts by applying the standards they have developed in our operations”.

The Standards Council Chairperson, Mr Ezekiel Thekiso in his key note address emphasized that World Standards Day is a day sanctioned by the three international

standardization organizations, namely IEC, ISO and ITU to which BOBS is a full member of ISO and an affiliate member to both the IEC and ITU. Mr Thekiso indicated that standards are essential in all human endeavour even though people generally take them for granted. He emphasized “The pace, and degree to which climate change has taken place, has been directly influenced by our lack of compliance to standards, with industry not having taken into account relevant emissions and effluent standards in their quest to produce”.

Mr Thekeso further indicated that people should not only remember the need to implement standards when catastrophes strike, or when products dismally fail but should use them regularly in their daily activities, as effective implementation of standards would results in an enhanced efficiency and less waste, which would yield better results irrespective of the organization’s level of sophistication or geographical location. He indicated that BOBS has over the years developed national standards for products and services. He said “We believe that these standards will go a long way in assisting us to realize some of Vision 2016 Pillars of – A prosperous, productive and innovative nation and A safe and secure nation. Standards will also reinforce Government’s Economic Diversification Drive”.

Mr Tshekiso indicated that standards act as a pillar of the new global trade system and are used as tools for eliminating technical barriers to trade and they promote interoperability and compatibility. He further stated that standards have a great influence on determining which organizations prosper and which ones lag behind in accessing the global market. He noted “Botswana therefore cannot afford to be left behind in the world stage”. Mr Thekiso in conjunction with the Director of Standards Ms Keolebogile Segomelo recognized 45 standards development Technical Committees with tokens of appreciation

for their diligent work in preparation of national standards.

PANDA’s regional manager Mr Gregg Scully made an excellent presentation on how usage of standards has assisted his company to achieve its objectives. He concurred with the 2012 World Standards Day Theme: Less waste, better results – Standards increase efficiency by stating “efficiency has the ability to achieve objectives by implementing processes to develop products or services, optimize quality with minimal waste, expense or unnecessary effort”.

Mr Scully indicated that efficiency helps organizations to maximize profits and meet their goals and it is crucial for success in today’s challenging and competitive economic environment. He indicated that in order to achieve successful implementation organizations should consider among others issues of sustainability, environmental impact, efficiency, measurability, consumer satisfaction and conducive work environment. He mentioned that in the case of PANDA, they have implemented effective and clear procedures that employees are able to easily follow, which enhances smooth flow of processes that result in product consistency.

Mr Scully outlined that PANDA started its operations in Francistown in 1989 which was later followed by the opening of the Gaborone Manufacturing Unit in 2004. He observed that the company obtained its first product certification for concrete bricks and concrete pavers from BOBS in 2005. He observed that all his company’s precast products bear the BOBS Standards Mark which undoubtedly makes PANDA a company with the most certified products in the country. Mr Scully further stated “When quality works we take it for granted. When it fails, that’s when we truly realize its value and should have bought a certified product”.

In his concluding remarks Mr Scully said “Stakeholders need to partner with BOBS in creating a quality conscious society”.

Ms. Mama Maite Manager HRMs. Susan Gaofhiwe Office SecretaryMr. Gaboipeelwe Motlhabane Principal ScientistMr. Oarabile Tshetlho Engineer - Testing

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