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AUTOTYPE - LEADING FROM THE FRONT IN ENVIRONMENTAL & SAFETY INITIATIVES
In these times of increased environmental awareness and with legislation driving continual developments to reduce hazards in the workplace, Autotype has established some of the most comprehensive procedures and environmental protection measures of any manufacturer is its field. Over the past year Autotype has introduced the HAZOP (Hazard and Operability Studies) risk assessment technique. This procedure, which has been used to identify and minimise risk from all operations using significant quantities of solvents, was introduced in conjunction with the University of Manchester's Institute of Science and Technology under the auspices of the Institute of Chemical Engineers. The development follows a series of initiatives introduced by the firm which include reducing solvent emissions to atmosphere by 92% since 1992 through best practice technology and recycling 200 tonnes of wood, paper, metal and plastic packaging. The Company has also reduced its vehicle fuel consumption by 65% since 1992. Autotype received recognition of its commitment towards conserving the environment by becoming the first supplier of its kind to be accredited to the international standard for Environmental Management Systems ISO 14001 (receiving full accreditation in 1996). It has also been awarded the British Safety Council Safety Award on seven separate occasions. An extract from the company's General Environmental Policy reads: 'It is the policy of the company to continuously review and improve its manufacturing operations, products and services consistent with the protection and conservation of the environment? Environmental issues are treated by the company as having equal importance to matters related to health and safety.' Autotype takes this very seriously and a subcommittee of the International Board meets several times a year to set and monitor policies and targets. The extract also notes: 'Targets and objectives for improved environmental performance will be set and reviewed on an annual basis to ensure continual advancement. These will be available to employees and the public.' As a proof of this commitment, environmental data is featured in the autotype.com website, where visitors can access up-to-date statistics on the company's performance in this area. The company’s commitment towards conservation is to be at the leading edge of best practice and its policy 'is to regard compliance with the requirements of relevant environment legislation as a minimum standard,' particularly regarding effluent control and atmospheric emissions. In its local community more than £30,000 has been spent on drainage interception tanks to provide a second level of protection to minimise any possibility of pollution of the environmentally sensitive Letcombe Brook that runs in front of Autotype's factory. The famous Autotype ducks that live on the banks of the Brook can rest easy despite literally being on the doorstep of one of the leading speciality chemical companies in the UK.
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