Air Products construction project completed safely

"In meeting our delivery commitment, we have worked hand in hand with the contractors to ensure stringent application of health-and-safety rules. As a result, we see a project delivered within its 18-month allotted timeframe, without injury or incident, enabling us to deliver both on our customer service promise and our health-and-safety commitment to sending everyone home safely, every day," said Air Products Corporate Risk Manager, Sue Janse van Vuuren.

Air Products broke ground on its site in the Coega IDZ in May 2013 and met its commitment to have the plant commissioned and completed - with gas flowing to customers - before the end of 2014. The ASU is the 16th such plant to be built in this country by Air Products South Africa, and the second to be completed and launched this year.

Janse van Vuuren said the incident-free delivery of the plant in the Coega IDZ was a direct result of Air Products' integrated safety, health, environment and quality (SHEQ) management system.

Auditing and reporting processes

"The system integrates a number of elements, including Air Products' global standards, local legislation, certification system requirements and best practices, with compliance monitored through various auditing and reporting processes," she said.

The ASU brings security of industrial gas supply to Eastern Cape industry for the first time, but this depends on the consistent application of stringent quality and safety standards, Janse van Vuuren said.

She said Air Products' existing Deal Party facility in Port Elizabeth was an excellent example of the consistent application of health and safety standards. The plant, which blends gas and welding mixtures, fills cylinders and supplies various industrial and specialty gases, has maintained an incident-free safety track record for more than 30 years.

"We hope to continue this incredible feat at the new ASU," Janse van Vuuren added.