Apprentice makes quick impression

RE:Group is investing in the future through its new apprenticeship scheme.

It is hoped that Ross Vinegrad, who has joined us as an engineering apprentice, after spending four months with training organisation HETA, will be the first of many in the years to come.

Ross, who is from Hedon, was chosen from a strong candidate list, and has made a quick impression by passing a PAT testing course and starting the job of updating procedures in site.

His apprenticeship will last two years.

RE:Group passes the surveillance test -UKAS

Auditors from UKAS (the United Kingdom Accreditation Service) have once again given RE:Group’s laboratory a clean bill of health.

During their annual inspection, after comprehensively checking, witnessing and reviewing everything the lab does, the three auditors confirmed the company’s accreditation to the ISO 17025 standard.

This was a one day ‘surveillance’ visit in contrast to the four-yearly root and branch review of the laboratory which lasts three days.

“Although we have been audited every year for many years it is always a happy workforce when we can say once again we have achieved accreditation for our high standard of operations,” says Paul Marsden, safety, health, environment and quality manager.

“I would like to thank everyone for their help and cooperation over the past 12 months.”

To maintain accreditation, there is also an annual assessment by global certification body NQA.

In between visits, RE:Group’s in-house team carries out regular internal audits of business processes and quality systems.

Paul says that all laboratories need to carry out an internal audit of their business processes to ensure delivery of a competent service.

“For our part, we are fully committed to maintaining a quality management system which meets the requirements of ISO 17025:2005.

“We are committed to continuous improvement. It is about providing an excellent service and giving customer satisfaction.”

Re:Group UK is also audited against BS EN ISO 9001:2008 and BS EN ISO 14001:2004.

RE:Group provides safe home for garage waste

Following legislation that effectively ends the use of used oil in garage SWOBs, the demand for waste collection is growing.

Acting as a one-stop-shop, RE:Group provides the answer for all business sizes, from one-man bands to dealerships and large chains, that are looking for a safe home for their waste.

Proving bona fide hazardous waste and recycling services, we can pick up everything. We collect waste oil in quantities from as little as 20 litres plus brake fluid, batteries, fluorescent lighting, used oil filters, antifreeze and oily rags. We can empty interceptors and bunds.

All this is achieved safely, efficiently, with respect to the environment and at competitive prices.

The government’s decision to revoke permits for the use of small waste oil burners (SWOBs) was announced in December 2015 and their use became illegal on April 1 unless garages obtained an expensive waste incineration plant permit, costing £3,218 for the application plus four-figure annual subsistence fees.

The decision raised concerns that illegal dumping and burning of waste oil could increase despite the hefty penalties enshrined in the legislation.

For all those responsible users looking for a safe home for their waste, RE:Group is the answer.

“The changes to the regulations have prove controversial, but we can help customers meet all obligations set by the Environment Agency with a range of bespoke agreements that cover all their waste products,” says Phil Evans, RE:Group commercial director.