SGS develops 4C model for chemical management in apparel industry

SGS, world’s leading inspection, auditing, certification, assessment and verification company, has developed a copyrighted 4C unit, a useful tool for implementing an effective chemical management program to protect health and safety, and environment about the harm due to hazardous chemical compounds within the apparel sector.

The 4C model has four sections namely, Determination, Competence, Critical Point Control and Comprehensive Program. The first phase of determination allows the company’s top management team to know the importance of chemical operations, and analyze the real situation of the company and the hazards it faces and be a part of it. The second step of the 4C unit is to improve competence that involves establishing a special team, led by one individual with total responsibility for chemical control.

Critical Level Control, the 3rd phase can be classified as Type - raw materials and chemicals; Processing which includes product manufacturing; and Output signifying product and waste discharge.

The Input control and testing is a far more effective solution to the condition of controlling restricted chemicals. The chemical management team must work closely with the purchasing (sourcing) department to ensure that ALL chemicals, whether considered safe and dangerous, are evaluated before purchase. The critical tips in In Processing incorporate safe transportation, storage, motion, make use of and disposal of chemical compounds. Testing on the final products and waste move (solid waste material, wastewater and atmosphere emission) is ways to verify the compliance and efficiency of the chemical supervision programme.

The establishment of comprehensive system is the top tier of 4C model. A thorough chemical management program can improve proficiency and decrease the error rate concerning hazardous chemicals.