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PRODUCT SAFETY: THE RESULT OF THOUGHTFUL DESIGN
As stated above, safety is at the core of everything we do, whether it concerns our employees, customers, or the environment. Our products must perform reliably and safely in all conditions. This principle drives our continuous development efforts and decision-making, from raw material selection to training programs and process optimization.
Raw material selection with safety and environmental considerations
We strive to minimize the impact of our raw materials on people and the environment. For example, the use of diesel oil in explosive emulsions has raised concerns. Feedback from our employees led us to transition to a less odorous, albeit more expensive, alternative. This is just one of many examples where safety and health considerations have guided our choices.
Training as a key component of safety assurance
Arranging training for both our employees and customers is a fundamental part of our safety strategy. We provide comprehensive training on blast design, ensuring that explosives are utilized as efficiently as possible. This not only enhances workplace safety but also reduces nitrogen emissions into the environment. For instance, an audit of blasting operations at one of our mining customers revealed an opportunity to cut explosive use by 15%, directly leading to a reduction in their nitrogen emissions.
Water safety and nitrogen load management
Water impact is a significant concern for many of our customers, and at FORCIT, we actively work to mitigate water-related risks. In blasting operations, some explosives may remain unreacted, and material loss during charging can increase nitrogen levels in the environment. We have provided training and conducted numerical analyses to support customers in managing these challenges. Since 2010, rising nitrogen levels have been observed at customer sites, prompting us to invest in the development of other, nitrogen-free alternatives.
Reducing environmental impact
Biodiversity and environmental risks are key considerations for us. Continuous monitoring and development are integral to our sustainability efforts, ensuring that we provide safe and environmentally responsible solutions.
For us, safety is not just about regulatory compliance, it is embedded in our corporate culture and serves as a competitive advantage that we continuously develop in collaboration with our customers.