CHSA introduces enhanced inspection scheme

The Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers’ Association (CHSA) is investing in the enhancement of the inspection regime of its Manufacturing Standards Accreditation Scheme for plastic refuse sacks. In addition to the current system of independently assessed self-regulation and random spot checks there will now be a formal annual audit of all scheme members. Today members of the Scheme use the British Standards Institute’s Drop Test to assess if the sacks match the ‘fit for purpose’ specifications of light, medium, heavy and extra heavy duty. The products are then labelled according to the results of the test, so enabling buyers to be certain they are getting what they pay for. Gordon Butt, a former Trading Standards officer and now the CHSA’s auditor currently reviews each member’s testing procedures to ensure standards are met. In addition, he will now undertake a formal annual audit of each member’s products. “There are many unscrupulous companies in the industry who are here today and gone tomorrow because they care little about whether or not they are giving the customer a product that’s ‘fit for purpose’,” said David Garcia, chairman of Polaris Plastics. “Our members care very much, which is why they voted to introduce greater rigour to the Scheme’s inspection regime. With the extra data it will be possible to identify trends and share intelligence within the industry with the aim of reducing the number of abuses propagated by sharks. “More than ever, people can be certain that when they buy plastic refuse sacks stamped with the CHSA’s Manufacturing Standards Accreditation Scheme logo they will get what they pay for, a plastic sack that is fit for the intended purpose.” The Drop Test is fairly straightforward; the sack is filled to a pre-defined weight, then dropped a specific height and assessed. Ten sacks are tested in this way. If at least nine resist any damage, it then can be considered to have passed and be suitable for the ‘duty’ category in question. According to the British Standards test, a batch will pass if there is damage to no more than 10% of the sacks tested and no tear greater than 50mm.)