UPDATE FROM DEBBIE CHIN
Meritorious Service Awards 2011
Standards New Zealand's annual Meritorious Service Awards are an important event in our calendar. They are a major opportunity for us to formally recognise the outstanding contribution that our committee members make to the development of Standards. Without committee members' invaluable contribution, we could not deliver on our mission to improve the lives of New Zealanders through standardisation. They generously share their time, expertise, and knowledge for the benefit of all.
As well, the Awards offer us an opportunity to thank the employers who enable their staff to participate on committees; the nominating organisations; and the many self-employed committee members who contribute their time to the Standards process.
There are three Awards categories:
- Individual committee member – award winners are nominated by their peers and judged by a panel of representatives from the building, energy, consumer, and health sectors. Nominations are based on input into committee deliberations, attendance at committee meetings, length of service, and international involvement and contribution.
- Committee of the year – Standards New Zealand staff nominate committees that have, in their view, exhibited exceptional service and commitment.
- The Standards Council award for outstanding contribution to Standards and standardisation – awarded to committee members who have contributed to the development and implementation of Standards solutions over a sustained period of time.
We are asking committee members to send their nominations for the individual award to us by 30 April. Nomination forms can be downloaded from our website here.
In these times of economic constraint, we are departing from our usual format this year and will not be holding three events. There will be one event in Wellington on 23 August. More information will be provided in future issues of Touchstone.
Development and management of quality management systems in small businesses – new joint handbook
Standards New Zealand has just published a new handbook especially for small businesses. SA/SNZ HB 90.1:2012 The small business handbook – Guide to ISO 9001:2008 relates the 2008 edition of International Standard ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems to the development and maintenance of quality management systems in small businesses.
Managing environment-related risk – new joint handbook
This handbook, also just published, is aimed at a much wider audience than the small business handbook. SA/SNZ HB 203:2012 Managing environment-related risk is intended to help any organisation, big or small, manage environment-related risk based on the process set out in the joint Standard AS/NZS 31000:2009 Risk management – Principles and guidelines.
The handbook presents an integrated framework of principles, practices, and criteria for implementing best practice in environmental risk management. It offers readers who have a broad range of skills and experience of technological systems and environmental applications a clear, credible, and consistent model for environmental risk management, its process and component parts.
Standards and safety
Standards and safety were in the spotlight last month when the Commerce Commission advised it had investigated a sample of companies that manufacture or supply playground equipment to see if they were able to support their claims that they complied with the New Zealand playground safety Standard.
Care must be taken by those responsible for playgrounds to identify and eliminate potential playground hazards. Designing and maintaining a playground in accordance with the Standard NZS 5828:2004 Playground equipment and surfacing will help prevent the risk of injury. The Standard promotes playgrounds that are safe, innovative, well-designed, and well-maintained.
The Standard is very technical and mainly targeted towards manufacturers and designers. In 2006, we published two handbooks to assist with complying with NZS 5828:2004. They provide clear guidance for safety requirements, test methods, maintenance, and operational procedures within the Standard.
SNZ HB5828.1:2006 General playground equipment and surfacing Handbook is a guide for owners and operators of publicly accessible playground facilities (both indoor and outdoor) and aims to help significantly reduce playground injury rates among children.
SNZ HB 5828.2:2006 Supervised early childhood facilities – Playground equipment and surfacing handbook describes recommended practice in playground management for early childhood education services.
Both handbooks are intended for use in conjunction with NZS 5828:2004.
Safety in the home
Still on the subject of safety, last year more than 600,000 people were seriously injured through accidents in the home. To try and lower the high number of home accidents, ACC contracted Standards New Zealand to develop a handbook on safer house design.
SNZ HB 4102:2011 Safety in the home provides a general overview of steps to reduce hazards in the home. It is recommended as a vital resource for DIYers, homeowners, real estate agents, architects, engineers, and trades people.
The handbook covers major areas of the home such as the kitchen, steps and stairs, structure, electrical, as well as site layout considerations. Each of the 10 sections is broken down into general tips, and specific areas where safety risks have been identified, and offers possible design solutions. Here are some examples:
- Kitchens should have a minimum of six socket-outlets to allow for the safe use of appliances
- Avoid locating windows that need to be manually opened over bathtubs
- Group exterior steps in flights of three or more steps
- Make sure children's play areas are separated from garages, driveways, and parking areas but visible from places in the house where adults spend time.
2012 Standards New Zealand Annual Performance Survey
Standards New Zealand is always looking for ways to improve our products and services provided to our Standards development clients, committee members, and customers. To help achieve this, we have commissioned independent research company, Andrew Fletcher Consulting, to conduct our annual performance and customer satisfaction survey in mid-April. This is your chance to tell us what we do well, and what we could do better.
The survey is web-based and should take no more than 10 minutes to complete. All responses will remain confidential, with the results being amalgamated so that no individuals can be identified.
Please take this opportunity to tell us what you think – we look forward to receiving your feedback.
If you have any questions about the survey, please email marketing@standards.co.nz or call 0800 782 632 during business hours.
Meeting rooms for hire
Standards New Zealand has a range of meeting rooms for hire. From meetings for as few as two people to seminars, conferences, or training for up to 60 people, we can accommodate your needs.
We are located in the heart of the Wellington CBD, with parking and accommodation next door. We can also supply catering and a full range of meeting room equipment.
Contact us next time you need a venue. Please visit our website for more information.
Debbie Chin, Chief Executive
Standards New Zealand