News

Celebrating 40 fantastic years in business Originally founded in 1982, Deeter Electronics is now celebrating its 40th year in business!

Joseph Whiteaker, our Managing Director, said:

“As a family business I could not be more proud of us reaching our 40th birthday.  This would not have been possible without the incredible team we have here at Deeter Electronics, many of whom have been with us for most of this journey. The high standards that our Deeter family manages to maintain each year is a fantastic achievement and a real source of pride.

I am very excited for what the future holds, and I look forward to the next 40 years”

www.deeterelectronics.com

Safe & Efficient Drum Handling In Hazardous Areas

 

Do you have a need to lift or move drums, de-palletise or just generally move drums around a workshop or factory site in Hazardous Areas.

The St Clare Engineering range of Grab-O-Matic ATEX fork attachment and pedestrian drum handlers will provide a safe and efficient solution for you.

The popular and versatile Grab-O-Matic DLR range of rim grip fork attachment drum handlers are suitable for all types of steel drums, plastic ‘L’ ring drums and most fibre drums.

The extensive drum handling range includes the SC10 for lifting and rotating drums to dispense the contents, scissor grabs, base gripping units and waist grippers, the whole range can also be fitted to pedestrian stackers for use in confined spaces and places where fork trucks are banned. Bespoke units can be manufactured to suit customer specification.

We also have a range of Drum Cages for off-shore use and fork attachment Whiskey/Wine Barrel Base Grippers for use in the drinks industry.

We have also developed a Quick Attach/Release drum handler fork attachment for use in ATEX hazardous areas.

All Grab-O-Matic models can be Quick Attach/Release units and are securely attached to the forks and released without the need for the truck driver to dismount from his cab, saving time and increasing safety!

The drum handlers can be manufactured completely from stainless steel or part stainless steel to suit customer requirements and the spark proof area the units are operating in.

All Grab-O-Matic fork attachments are issued with Test Certificates, CE marked and manufactured entirely in the UK to ISO 9001:2015 and will be certified for use in ATEX spark proof areas.

For more information on our extensive range of drum and materials handling equipment please contact Andy Bow on 02380 643402 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Hiab launches new 90 tm heavy range loader crane — HIAB iQ.958 HiPro

CARGOTEC CORPORATION, TRADE PRESS RELEASE, 8 SEPTEMBER 2022 AT 10:00 AM EEST

Hiab, part of Cargotec, launches the new HIAB iQ.958 HiPro heavy loader crane with the new advanced operating system SPACEevo to improve productivity and safer operation. Due to its design, it delivers an excellent lift-to-weight ratio. The crane will be exhibited by Hiab at IAA, pavilion P35, in Hannover, Germany, 20 - 25 September.

The HIAB iQ.958 HiPro is a 90 tonne metre (tm) heavy range crane. It is the second model in the iQ range with the advanced technology platform introduced with the HIAB iQ.1188 HiPro.   

The HIAB iQ.958 HiPro structurally builds on the V12-Power boom shape design for the crane and the JIB. The result is an extremely light and compact crane with an under two metres side section that can be installed on smaller trucks within the 4 axle 32 tonnes GVW (gross vehicle weight) category, leaving plenty of loading capacity that can reduce the number of trips needed. The lower vehicle weight when unloaded and subsequent need for fewer trips contributes to lower fuel consumption and reduced CO2 emissions in the customer’s operation. 

The crane uses the new control system SPACEevo that enables precise operations even at high speeds. It also offers advanced safety and productivity features like VSL+ (Variable Stability Logic PLUS) that can maximise the lifting capacity by calculating the stability according to the position of the stabiliser legs and the actual total weight of the truck.

The DLC-S (Dynamic Load Chart) lets the operator set up the crane quicker by simulating the load capacity before opening the stabilisers, avoiding lost time in finding the correct stabiliser position for maximum lifting. This can be done from the comfort of the truck cabin, particularly handy when operating in adverse weather conditions. 

The standard XS Drive remote control can be substituted with the new optional CombiDrive 4 remote control. It enhances the crane operation with new safety features such as Confirm View to find the best field of view, three high definition and bright colour displays and a long-lasting battery with single-user operator personalisation settings.

“The HIAB iQ.958 HiPro is a technologically advanced crane for its category, offering great performance for a wide variety of lifts both in horizontal and vertical positions. The crane offers among the best in class lifting performance when using the eighth extension in combination with the JIB with six extensions (JIB 155Q). This maximises the available JIB power to provide superior load capability,” says Marcel Boxem, Director, Global Product Management, Loader Cranes Heavy & Super Heavy, Hiab. 

The new models will also be offered in non-CE versions, equipped with the control system Space X4 and the optional CombiDrive 3 remote control.

Highlights 

  • 90tm range category
  • SPACEevo control system.
  • New, advanced V12-Power dodecagonal shaped boom and JIB profile for lightweight and compact frame size fitting within a built in space of two metres and below the 4 metres height of passage doors with all the options and JIB installed.
  • An all-purpose crane that delivers the performance of its category with the weight and frame size of the range below, increasing the available payload and making it possible to install on smaller truck sizes (4 axle 32 tonnes GVW) while keeping installation and running costs the most convenient possible.
  • Variable pump, for increased flow performances and reduced fuel consumption
  • nDurance nano-based technology coating assures long-lasting protection of the crane and its parts from corrosion, rust or external environmental factors that would affect its appearance and residual value over time.
  • HIAB iQ.958 HiPro has in-built connectivity so that owners can access Hiab’s HiConnect™.
  • CE marked
  • Non-CE version available

Why Does My Torch Have That Little Screw?

The little screw is referred to as a special fastener and is a safety feature required for a Class/Division, ATEX, and MSHA certification. 

The use of a special fastener is required for certification of lighting products used in hazardous locations. Commonly referred to as a “set screw” or “locking screw,” this special fastener is typically found on the battery compartment enclosure.

Manufacturers of products intended for use in hazardous locations must meet the specialty fastener requirements set forth by both North American and international safety committees.

  • UL 913 Eighth Edition Section 5.5
  • MSHA ACRI2001 Section 9.3.10.2.2 and 9.3.14.3
  • EN/IEC 60079-0 Section 9.2 Special Fasteners
  • EN/IEC 60079-11 Section 7.4.8 (a, b & c)

This special fastener/tool requirement is intended to prevent the exchange of batteries using common items such as coins or fingernails while working in a hazardous atmosphere. Therefore, battery replacement for Intrinsically Safe (IS) products is only performed in an area known to be non-hazardous.

The quality of your lighting equipment is vital in potentially explosive environments. You must ensure your lighting is manufactured by a reputable company with documented experience in creating IS products. The ideal situation would be to purchase all of your IS lighting products from a single manufacturer rather than mixing and matching products from several companies. A single source manufacturer ensures consistent quality and safety across the entire product line. Because of the knowledge, time, and expense required to engineer and produce IS products, a very limited number of companies can achieve this.

Nightstick, a global manufacturer of intrinsically safe, professional, portable LED lighting products that exceed industry standards in performance, quality, and user safety, has over fifty IS products to meet your needs. From pocket-sized penlights to wide-area floodlights, for use above ground or below ground, Nightstick has you covered. You can focus on completing your job with confidence, knowing your equipment was designed and rated for the highest safety levels when your Life Depends on Light, choose Nightstick! 

Find the certification level you require with our Light Finder tool at nightstick.com/lightfinder 

¬Cygnus releases a brand new Ex Certified Thickness Gauge!

The wait is finally over. Lucky visitors to our stand at The Materials Testing Exhibition earlier this month, were first to see the much anticipated, new Cygnus Ex-certified product in the flesh. Now, it’s time to reveal what the new Cygnus 1 Ex Intrinsically Safe Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge is all about!

This rugged, IP67-rated, intrinsically-safe instrument is specially designed to take reliable thickness measurements in Zone 0 Explosive Atmospheres, including;

  • Oil and Gas
  • Mines
  • Chemical Plants
  • Fuel Depots
  • Road Tankers
  • Oil and Gas Tankers
  • Explosive Atmospheres
  • Hazardous Storage Tanks

What is special about this launch?

Like its predecessor, the Cygnus 1 Ex is the only one of it’s kind in the world certified to ATEX, IECEx, UKEX for Zone 0 and NRTL for Class 1, Division 1. But the Ex takes a giant leap forward, offering impressive new selectable features including live A-Scan, comprehensive data-logging and manual measurement mode, which brings Cygnus’ Intrinsically Safe offering up to speed with Cygnus’ most advanced gauges.

First of all, the 3 measuring modes that we are familiar with amongst Cygnus’ surface range, designed for varying levels of corrosion, multiple materials and through-coat measurement capability, are now built into this new gauge and available to hazardous and explosive environments.

Measurement verification and recording are also far more advanced. The addition of Live A-Scan and B-Scan allows precise measurement verification with on-screen visuals via the large 3.5” outdoor-readable display, and the comprehensive data-logging feature ensures seamless data analysis and report generation.

You’ll find the entire gauge, from how it sits in your hand, to collecting and storing measurements, is entirely geared towards the best user experience, making inspection quick and easy, despite the challenging environment. Four new function keys are purposely integrated to maximise ease and speed of control, four dynamic screen views aimed to suit user requirements, and a user access feature to prevent access to protected features.

Why are Intrinsic Safety and Ex certification significant?

Carrying out inspections with testing equipment certified to a suitable protection level is vital to ensuring the testing operation does not jeopardise the safety of hazardous environments. It is important to understand which is the correct equipment, and where to use it.

For equipment that contains electronic components including batteries, the intrinsically safe protection concept ensures that under both normal uses and with applied fault conditions, no arc or spark can be generated, and no component can heat up enough to cause an explosion.

Some intrinsically safe design criteria,

  • The output energy at the terminals is limited so a spark cannot ignite an explosive atmosphere.
  • The equipment must be anti-static and not be able to hold a static electricity charge.
  • Voltages must be electrically ‘clamped’ to safe levels.
  • The use of redundant safety components.
  • If a battery or component fails, it should not produce high temperatures that could be incendiary.

In both IECEx, ATEX and North American NRTL systems, intrinsically safe equipment can be used in any Zone or Division with the correct equipment protection level.

Under the IECEx and ATEX systems, explosion-proof/flame-proof equipment cannot be used in Zone 0 areas, regardless of equipment protection level.

Most importantly, only equipment that has an Ex Certificate (ATEX/IECEx/UKEX/NRTL) can be considered for use in Zone 0/1/2 areas.

In the USA equipment that only has a MIL-STD-810G, Method 511.5, Procedure I test pass CANNOT be used in Zone 0/1/2 areas.

The Cygnus 1 Ex, like all Cygnus products, is manufactured in the UK and is the only Zone 0 (Ga, Ma) Certified UTG available today (for ATEX/IECEx/UKEX/NRTL). To pre-order, simply visit www.cygnus-instruments.com, call +44 (0) 1305 265533 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Pioneering Smart Universal Marshalling System from Eaton Achieves North American and Hazardous Area Mounting Accreditations

 Power management company Eaton has attained US and Canadian certification, along with ATEX and IECEx approvals for mounting in a hazardous area, for its MTL SUM5 Smart Universal Marshalling system for process applications.

Commenting on the accreditation milestone, Simon Westwood-Marsh, Product Line Manager for MTL Process Connectivity at Eaton, says: “We knew MTL SUM5 represented a major step-change in marshalling technology and took the latest international standards into account when we were developing the system. Third party accreditation proves that SUM5 can be used with confidence in virtually any industrial application.”

The pioneering modular design of SUM5 brings marshalling design into the 21st century by combining five key marshalling functions – intrinsic safety (IS) isolation, signal conditioning, relay interfaces, surge protection and loop disconnect – into a single cabinet: eliminating the need for complex wiring. This simplifies procurement, inventory management and documentation significantly. With fewer cabinets to install, process managers can reduce costs associated with installation, commissioning, start-up and maintenance.  The SUM5 modules are designed for ambient operating temperatures from –40 to +70°C and can be mounted in field enclosures in harsh and hazardous areas, as well as in cabinets within control rooms. MTL SUM5 therefore delivers the lowest lifetime costs and lowest installed cost while saving valuable space in a control room.

MTL SUM5 now holds SGS approval to UL913 and CSA-C22.2 standards for connection to IS devices in Class I, Div 1 and Class I Zone 0, and to UL and CAN/CSA 61010 for mounting in Ordinary Locations. It has also gained approval for mounting in Class I, Div 2 and Class I Zone 2 locations.

Additionally, SGS BASEEFA has issued ATEX and IECEx certificates for mounting the MTL SUM5 in a Zone 2 hazardous area. The equipment is certified Ex ec to IEC 60079-7:2015 (Equipment protection by increased safety “e”) and so meets the Equipment Protection Level requirements for mounting in Zone 2. This gives users confidence that the MTL SUM5 can be put into use in hazardous environments long after Ex nA protection becomes invalid and is no longer part of an ATEX harmonised standard. The certification requires the equipment to be installed in an Ex e certified enclosure providing a degree of protection of at least IP54. Eaton offers standard and customised enclosure solutions with the MTL SUM5.

In addition to these latest accreditations, MTL SUM5 holds ATEX and IECEx certifications for connection to intrinsically safe equipment.

More information about SUM5 is available at: eaton.com/sum5

Confined space entry: think beyond the obvious

When an employee enters a confined space to carry out works or inspections, how can you be sure they will come out alive and well? As fall protection specialist, Alfonso Fernandez of MSA stresses, positive outcomes for workers inside that space depend on organisations thinking outside the box.

Little room for error

In what is potentially one of the most high-risk scenarios an individual can face at work, there is – literally – little room for error. Its dangers go way beyond the obvious, with a wide variety of conditions and factors at play – and many a surprise awaiting the unprepared. Selecting the right fall protection PPE (personal protective equipment) to address every eventuality is vital. So is planning for every type of emergency.

Falling from a height is already well established as industry’s biggest cause of fatal accidents for workers. In the UK alone, there were 35 such deaths in 2020/21, accounting for a quarter of all fatalities at work.1 Falling within a confined space adds extra dimensions to that hazard.

European statistics for fatal injuries specifically involving work in confined spaces are less readily available but reports from the United States give some sense of the risk. One of these gives a nationwide figure of 1,030 deaths between 2011 and 2018. Amongst these, 156 were due to falls.2

While fall protection is the focus of this article, there are many other confined space entry (CSE) hazards from which workers need to be protected. Along with the necessary PPE, working in this environment requires robust safety protocols, checks and emergency plans. Importantly, these apply not only to those entering confined spaces but to those supporting them from outside and, in the event of an accident, carrying out rescues.

Confined spaces and their hazards

A confined space in this context can be described as one which is fully or partially enclosed, large enough for a worker to enter, but not designed for continuous occupation. It has limited means of entry and exit, and its nature is such that serious injury due to conditions or substances present is a foreseeable risk.

An archetypal example of confined space entry is the manhole through which workers access an underground sewer. However, there are many other examples, such as chambers, tanks, pits, tunnels, pipes, shafts and ducts. They are found everywhere, from water and sewage systems to mines, manufacturing plants and all types of building.

In addition to falling, workers can be struck by objects or bump into walls and obstacles. Depending on the space’s location and use, they may suffer from oxygen deficiency or be overcome by toxic or suffocating gases and vapours. In some cases, there are risks of drowning in liquid or being buried by solid materials. Hazardous chemicals, fires and explosions, as well as extremes of heat or cold, are further possibilities.

These are all hazards and workplaces with which MSA is very familiar, and for which the company provides a full range of PPE products.

Fall protection kit for CSE

A fall protection kit for confined space entry contains equipment for two main purposes:

1) arresting falls;

2) rescuing someone who has fallen or is in some other way injured.

PPE users, suppliers and legislators seem to give less attention to the second aspect than the first. This is worrying, as survival in the event of an accident depends on forward thinking, a clear rescue plan and a fully trained and equipped team.

The kit starts with an anchor – usually a tripod or davit – to which lifelines and other safety devices can be firmly attached. These will include a fall arrest system, whose braking limits the distance and speed of falling. A self-retracting lifeline (SRL) is often used for this.

If a worker needs to be lowered into and out of the space instead of climbing, a winch is needed. The winch will also be employed for rescue if a worker falls. Alternatively, the team can use a product known as a ‘rescuer’, which serves both as an SRL and as a rescue and retrieval device. In all cases, the lifelines attach to a safety harness worn by the worker.

The combination of PPE and procedures deployed may have to be adjusted according to what the team finds on approaching the confined space. Consider the typical scenario of a street sewer manhole. If a ladder is absent or in poor condition, a normal SRL will not be sufficient for safety. In this case, a winch will be necessary to enable safe lowering and raising of a suspended worker.

Is the legal minimum enough?

There is no EU legislation specifically relating to work in confined spaces. However, the Framework Council Directive 89/391/EEC of June 1989 covers all aspects of safety and health at a workplace. It places a duty on employers to consider the specific characteristics of every workplace.

Some European countries do have their own local confined space regulations. The PPE used for such work is covered by EU-wide regulations, which are also adopted by the EU state members and UK.

For tripod anchors, which provide an economical and more portable alternative to davits, the relevant certification is EN 795. Importantly, if two workers are to be connected to the tripod, you must check its label to ensure it has been tested to take the weight of two people. For SRLs and rescuers, EU 360 certification requires testing for personnel weights up to 100 kg. MSA goes beyond the legal requirement, by testing to 140 kg, for an extra margin of safety.

The worker inside the confined space must be accompanied by another, positioned outside, who will be the first responder if a problem arises. There is a risk that this person could also fall into the space. They therefore require the same set of PPE, including fall protection. Erecting a safety fence around the space entrance is an option, but not always possible, so it’s common that the second worker has to attach to the tripod.

Expect the unexpected

Minutes and even seconds count when accidents strike in confined spaces. The injured and/or unconscious worker needs be rescued without delay by their team. In addition to any other danger, they are likely to face a rapidly diminishing and contaminated air supply.

Given that both the inside worker and the colleague above might potentially fall, at least one other fully trained teammate should ideally be available nearby to assist. Rescue plans for every conceivable situation must be established, understood and rehearsed to ensure rapid response to any emergency.

Winches and other retrieval devices, including rescuers when in rescue mode, are not treated as PPE in legislation. They should be tested to the standard required by EN 1496, but there is no actual certification. Under EN 1496, there are two classes: A and B. Class A devices only winch upward. Class B devices, like MSA’s rescuer, also allow downward manoeuvring, which is useful when negotiating obstacles and optimising the casualty’s body position.

Ideally, the rescue should be executed from outside. Sadly, many deaths have resulted from colleagues entering enclosed spaces to help teammates. According to US researchers, around 60% of CSE fatalities are rescuers.3 Where entry is unavoidable, the rescuing worker must be protected by PPE against all hazards.

On reaching the injured worker, they will attach a line to the casualty’s harness. Harnesses should be approved to EN 361 standard, while those for rescue should also be approved to EN 1497. MSA’s V-FORM harness is specially designed with shoulder-mounted D-rings which simplify attachment of a rescue line and keep the victim in a vertical position for easier lifting through narrow manholes. This product is certified to EN 361 and EN 1497 standards.

The harness can be used in conjunction with an MSA spreader bar, certified to EN 354:2010, which gives further flexibility. It features loops which may be fastened to secure the victim’s arms and maintain a compact posture for easier retrieval.

Safe choices

As the advice above emphasises, you should always think beyond the obvious when preparing for confined space entry. This means having plans and PPE in place to deal with all eventualities. Equipment tested and certified to the required standards is a must, but you should be prepared to go further than the legal minimum for greater certainty and safety. Remember, too, that certification of a product does not make it suitable for every situation. Always seek advice from an expert.

When choosing fall protection PPE for confined space entry, compare more than the prices. Will a cheap version really give the same level of performance and safety? Does it make any sense to buy high-quality gas detection equipment, for instance, but then skimp on fall protection? Choosing lower-priced PPE is also a false economy in many cases. Poorer-quality products have a higher whole-life cost of ownership in terms of servicing, maintenance, repair and frequent replacement expense.

For fall protection PPE users, there may be a preference for the lightest kit available – which may not be the safest. This can be a dangerous distraction, as safety should be the top priority. Low weight should not be set above preserving lives. In the case of harnesses, comfort can be achieved without compromising on safety. Look for a design that avoids bulkiness, chafing, overheating or restriction of movement. Adjustability is essential too.

A partner that thinks of everything

Selecting the right supplier of PPE products and advice for confined space entry is a key to safety assurance. MSA’s long experience in this specialised area extends beyond fall protection to cover all aspects of PPE, including gas and vapour detection, respiratory equipment, head, eye, face and hearing protection, and more. In other words, MSA has the expertise to help you navigate CSE’s varying scenarios and hazards.

Its products are highly compatible and are increasingly connectable via MSA’s Connected Work Platform and the Internet of Things. Importantly, MSA tests its CSE fall protection products as complete kits, as well as individual components, for total confidence

There are wide-ranging issues to consider when preparing to buy and deploy fall protection PPE for confined space entry. How can you be sure it will equip your team fully, not only to meet their obvious needs but to deal with worst-case emergency scenarios? Thankfully, MSA has done the out-of-the box thinking on your behalf, giving you the support you need to find the right equipment to keep your workers safe.

For further information on working safely in confined spaces, including a downloadable white paper, visit MSA Safety.

CHAS launches verification service for engineering materials suppliers

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New from CHAS, the trusted expert in supply chain compliance, is Verified Supplier, a compliance verification service which enables engineering material suppliers to showcase their commitment to operating credibly, safely and ethically.

As supply chains come under increasing scrutiny, material suppliers must confirm they are compliant with a growing list of legislation and guidelines covering health and safety, quality assurance, environmental protection and ethical practices, among others.

Easily demonstrate compliance

Becoming a CHAS Verified Supplier is a convenient way to demonstrate compliance across a range of risk management areas via a single verification, reducing duplication of prequalification questionnaires (PQQs) and making it faster and easier to pre-qualify for contracts across the UK.

As well as demonstrating a supplier’s commitment to quality practices and processes, achieving CHAS Verified Supplier helps suppliers highlight compliance with the following laws and regulations:

  • UK GDPR
  • Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
  • Modern Slavery Act 2015
  • Environment Act 2021
  • Equality Act 2010

Verified Suppliers also get access to CHAS’s growing bank of exclusive benefits, including discounted training courses, free legal advice and exclusive savings with TradePoint, Speedy Hire, Checkatrade and more.

 

Streamline supply chain risk management

Specifying CHAS Verified Supplier gives clients confidence that their suppliers operate to a consistently high standard. This helps protect clients from the disruption and reputational harm that can arise from non-compliant supply chains. Clients can find verified materials suppliers quickly and easily alongside verified subcontractors via the free CHAS Client Portal, helping to streamline their supply chain risk management processes.

Commenting on the launch of Verified Supplier, CHAS Managing Director Ian McKinnon says: “We are delighted to launch the CHAS Verified Supplier service and make it easier for responsible materials suppliers to highlight their credentials to potential customers.

“The launch of CHAS Verified Supplier underlines CHAS’s commitment to simplifying prequalification while raising risk management standards and ensuring that responsible businesses thrive.”

Contact CHAS today to learn more about becoming a Verified Supplier and join CHAS’s growing community of suppliers committed to observing and increasing industry best practices.

Find out more at: www.chas.co.uk or call 0345 521 9111.

 

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CHAS helps environmental charity grow its impact in local community

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IAN_McKINNON.jpegDonations from Merton-based supply chain compliance expert, CHAS, are helping fund

the essential work of local environmental charity Sustainable Merton.Founded in 2007, Sustainable Merton is dedicated to inspiring, mobilising and enabling the Merton community to respond to the climate emergency while also improving local quality of life. With the support of its army of volunteers, it works to champion sustainability and make a difference through community-led projects that address issues around waste, air quality, energy and food.

CHAS, a leading provider of risk prevention, compliance and supply chain management services, has been making donations to the charity every time a member chooses to opt-out of receiving paper accreditation certificates or CHAS van stickers. As a result, it has donated more than £6,500 towards Sustainable Merton's sustainability initiatives and community projects in the last 12 months.

Commenting on the initiative, CHAS Managing Director, Ian McKinnon, explains: "An important part of CHAS's work involves helping businesses demonstrate how they are meeting their obligations towards the planet and society through our environmental and corporate social responsibility accreditation schemes. Naturally, this means we are committed to ensuring our own organisation strives to have a positive impact."

“Working with Sustainable Merton provides the perfect opportunity to improve our environmental credentials while supporting our local community."

"As we celebrate our 25th year of operation in 2022, we are proud to have played a key role in simplifying health and safety prequalification and raising standards of risk management in the UK. This initiative reinforces our ongoing commitment to promoting responsible business practices."

Diana Sterck, CEO of Sustainable Merton, adds: "The flexibility of getting donations from businesses such as CHAS makes an enormous difference for us. Unlike grant funding, the donations enable us to build our activity without being beholden to pre-specified commitments or restrictions. When we get money from CHAS, we can really put that anywhere."

This means Sustainable Merton can adapt as needs shift, allowing the charity to focus predominantly on its 'Growing Spaces' and 'Merton's Community Fridge' initiatives in recent times.

Growing Spaces is about bringing people together and addressing food poverty by helping residents of all ages access, grow and cook fresh, healthy, nutritious food. The spaces allow residents to learn more about the food system, develop new skills, improve health and wellbeing, and feel more connected with their community.

The Community Fridge initiative has also seen exponential growth in recent times. It involves collecting food that would otherwise go to waste from businesses and redistributing it. In addition, the surplus from the Growing Spaces allotments provides a source of fresh fruit and vegetables.

Since May 2020, Sustainable Merton has given out the equivalent of 64,000 meals to people living in food insecurity, with even higher quantities expected to be needed in the months ahead.

Ian McKinnon adds: "At a time when the cost of living is spiraling, it's heartening for both CHAS and our customers to hear about the positive impact our donations are having on the lives of local people."

"We would urge any business in a position to support their local community to consider working with charities such as Sustainable Merton because as well as being extremely rewarding, it is an ideal way to demonstrate your commitment to improving your social value, an issue which is fast rising up the business agenda."

Beyond its food initiatives, Sustainable Merton works to encourage energy-saving behaviours and raise awareness of alternative energy options. It is also promoting means to improve air quality in the borough, while volunteers are carrying out air quality monitoring and working closely with the council. Waste is another key area for the charity, which encourages residents to upcycle items that would otherwise be thrown away. Project Preloved, for example, is a community hub for everything sewing, mending, and textile upcycling.

"We're a small, grassroots operation," adds Diana Sterck. "We try to connect the different elements of what's going on in our community to make the borough a better place and to achieve the climate change targets. We really appreciate the funding we receive from businesses like CHAS and we can make the money go a long way. It's about helping the local community and contributing to something that affects our lives and our children's lives."

For more information on Sustainable Merton, visit: www.sustainablemerton.org

 

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Suit Up for Changeable Weather…

Snickers Workwear’s body-mapping Jackets, Tops, Trousers and Accessories work together for sustainable working comfort and protection wherever and whenever its needed.

Designed for professional craftsmen and women who want maximum functionality and mobility on site, they incorporate the very latest in high-tech fabric technology for top-class performance.

The new clothing in the Autumn Workwear System includes windproof, waterproof and Hi-Vis garments for both men and women to keep them warm, dry and visible all day, every day.

So, when the weather takes a turn for the worse, make Snickers Workwear your first choice for tackling the toughest of jobs and the worst of weather.

(ENDS 116 Words)

For more information on the Autumn range from Snickers Workwear and the brand’s sustainability philosophy, you can call the Helpline on 01484 854788; check out www.snickersworkwear.co.uk or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.