An Indepth Look Into
Safehouse Membership
Safehouse offers a comprehensive range of benefits for its members, designed to help businesses maintain safety, compliance, and competitiveness in the electrical industry. Below is a detailed breakdown of the value points Safehouse provides, along with deeper insights into how these support members in achieving their business goals.
Support
Safehouse provides its members with guidance on specifications, applicable standards, LOA (Letter of Authority) requirements, and many other aspects related to product compliance. This includes:
- Expert Consultation: Safehouse is always available to attend meetings and offer free advice to its members within certain limits. Members can enquire about the standards their products must meet, and if Safehouse doesn’t have the immediate answer, they will refer members to experts in the field.
- Referral to LOA Agents: While Safehouse doesn’t handle individual LOA applications, it provides members with referrals to trusted agents who can assist with regulatory applications.
- Ongoing Advocacy: If members encounter issues related to compliance or industry standards, Safehouse takes these concerns to the appropriate regulatory bodies to ensure that challenges are addressed at a broader level, helping all members benefit from clearer regulations.
Self-Regulation Guidance
Self-regulation is an essential practice that empowers companies to take responsibility for their product compliance rather than relying solely on third-party certification. Safehouse supports members throughout their self-regulation journey by:
- Advising on SANS 17050: Safehouse provides guidance on the South African National Standard (SANS) 17050, which outlines the steps for self-regulation through the Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity (SDoC).
- Fostering a Mindset Shift: Many companies in South Africa are not familiar with self-regulation, and Safehouse works to educate and guide its members on how to take control of their own compliance processes.
- Support for Documentation and Procedures: Safehouse connects members with resources and experts to help them develop the necessary internal procedures for self-regulation, including ongoing quality control and inspections.
Problem Solving
When issues arise regarding regulations or product compliance, Safehouse provides its members with a platform for problem-solving. This includes:
- Industry Forums and Working Groups: Safehouse represents its members in various working groups and technical committees with regulatory bodies like the NRCS (National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications) and SABS (South African Bureau of Standards), where they raise concerns and advocate for clearer regulations.
- Regulatory Challenges: Safehouse ensures that issues related to compulsory specifications are addressed on a wider scale rather than just for individual members, providing long-term solutions for the entire industry.
Exposure
Through various campaigns and media initiatives, Safehouse actively promotes its members, helping to enhance their visibility and credibility in the market. Some of the key exposure opportunities include:
- Online Platforms: Members are showcased on Safehouse’s website and social media platforms, further establishing their presence in the industry.
- Industry Campaigns: Safehouse runs media campaigns that promote electrical safety and compliance, associating member companies with the highest standards in the industry.
Industry Surveillance
Safehouse plays a crucial role in monitoring the market to identify and address non-compliant products. This involves:
- Member Collaboration: Some members are proactive in conducting their own surveillance by testing products and reporting their findings to Safehouse, ensuring that unsafe products are flagged.
- Third-Party Testing: While costly, Safehouse facilitates third-party testing for products that pose significant safety risks, ensuring the protection of both consumers and member companies.
- Continued Monitoring: Safehouse continuously monitors trends and challenges in the electrical industry, helping members stay informed about the latest compliance requirements.
Safe Products Database
Safehouse’s Safe Products Database is a resource for both consumers and businesses to identify products that meet South African safety standards. The benefits for members include:
- Product Listing: Members can list their compliant products in the database, enhancing their reputation as trusted suppliers.
- Compliance Verification: The database serves as a public assurance that listed products meet all necessary safety and compliance standards, helping to build consumer trust.
Safety Mark
The Safehouse Safety Mark is a symbol of quality and compliance, signalling to consumers and businesses that a company’s products meet the highest safety standards. The benefits include:
- Increased Credibility: Members can proudly display the Safehouse Safety Mark on their product packaging, showing their commitment to safety and compliance.
- Trust and Accountability: If a non-compliance issue arises, consumers and businesses know they can trust that the issue will be resolved swiftly, thanks to the company’s affiliation with Safehouse.
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What Is The Onboarding Process to Become a Member of Safehouse?
1
Application or Inquiry Received
- Safehouse receives an application or inquiry from a company interested in becoming a member.
2
Initial Contact and Information Sharing
- A standard letter is sent to the applicant, explaining what Safehouse is all about.
- The constitution of Safehouse, which includes the code of conduct, is attached to the letter.
3
Review and Approval Process
- The applicant signs the constitution and code of conduct.
- Safehouse management contacts all current members to inform them of the new application and asks if there are any objections to the company joining.
- Members have five working days to raise any objections.
- If objections are raised and confirmed with factual evidence, the issue is escalated to the Executive Committee for review.
- If no objections are raised, a confirmation letter is sent to the applicant, officially welcoming them as a new member of Safehouse.
4
Onboarding and Database Introduction
- The new member is contacted to introduce them to the Safehouse database and general procedures.
- Depending on the member’s location:
- Gauteng Area: Onboarding is conducted by Kevin, Wimpie, or Connie.
- Durban Area: Onboarding is handled by Barry.
- Remote Locations: Onboarding is conducted over the phone or through a virtual meeting on Teams.
5
Procedures and Compliance Introduction
- The new member receives copies of the procedures for the peer review system, how to report non-compliances, and other relevant processes.
6
Issuance of Membership Certificate
- A membership certificate is created, framed and hand-delivered to the new member (area dependent). The framed certificate is intended to be displayed in the member’s reception area. .
This process ensures that new members are properly welcomed, informed, and integrated into the Safehouse community, with all necessary documentation and support provided.
Conclusion
By joining Safehouse, members gain access to a network of like-minded businesses and benefit from unparalleled support in navigating the complexities of compliance and regulation. Safehouse’s value points offer practical solutions that help members grow their market share, protect their customers, and maintain the highest industry standards.
For more information on how Safehouse can support your business, fill in the form on our membership page or contact us directly to start your journey towards compliance and growth.
For more information on how Safehouse can support your business, fill in the form on our membership page or contact us directly to start your journey towards compliance and growth.