ISSUE 1
CANBERRA 20TH ANNIVERSARY MONTREAL PROTOCOL CELEBRATIONS
2007 marks the 20th Anniversary of the signing of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, arguably the world’s most successful multilateral environmental agreement.
In August, industry leaders, government representatives and environmental organisations gathered in Canberra, Australia, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Montreal Protocol. The event provided an opportunity to discuss the future challenges and possible approaches to ozone protection, whilst reflecting on its achievements.
Discussions that were held during the Celebrations revealed broad support for the recapture of methyl bromide used for quarantine and pre-shipment purposes. Some of the leading industry experts to indicate such support include Mary Harwood (First Assistant Secretary, Department of the Environment and Water Resources), Ian Porter (Co-chair of MBTOC), and Dr Jonathan Banks (head of the Technical Options Committee for the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer).
Since 1987, the Protocol has been ratified by 191 countries around the world, and has achieved a 95% reduction in ozone-depleting substances.
(Courtesy: Department of the Environment and Water Resources)
BELGIAN RECAPTURE DECISION
On the 1st of July this year, Belgium became the first jurisdiction in the world to require fumigation firms to “recapture” the toxic ozone-depleting gas methyl bromide, used for quarantine and pre-shipment applications such as ISPM 15 timber treatments.
Nordiko Quarantine Systems Pty Ltd, an Australian quarantine specialist firm, has developed one of only three approved systems to have satisfied the stringent efficiency standards set out by the Belgian government.
Nordiko has negotiated a number of contracts to install fumigation recapture systems in Belgium and expects to have at least 32 in operation there by the end of 2007.
Nordiko’s Filter Model Ventilation System (shown at right) is one of the systems that is now in operation in Belgium. The system recaptures residual gases from shipping containers, rendering them safe for unpacking. The system provides both occupational health and safety improvements, as well as environmental benefits.
“HALF OF CONTAINERS ARE TOXIC”: AMSTERDAM REPORT
(Photo: Courtesy Wikimedia)
Under the headline “Half of Containers are Toxic”, The Hague/Amsterdam/Rotterdam Times newspaper reported on Friday, 24 August 2007, that containers are coming into Holland which contain harmful gases.
The report states that “more than half of the containers coming into Holland contain harmful gases such as chlorines and methyl bromide This is according to a published report from the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM)”.
According to the report, “the gases within the containers can expose those who come into contact with them to cancer causing agents and inflict damage to human nervous systems”.
(Courtesy: The Hague/Amsterdam/Rotterdam Times editorial staff)
MEET THE TEAM: THIS EDITION… FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE
PROFILE: SERGUEI IVANINE
Nordiko’s Development Engineer, Serguei Ivanine, joined the Nordiko team in 2003.
Originally from Russia, Serguei has a Bachelor of Engineering, specialising in power plants. In addition, Serguei has been certified by the Motor Vehicle Repair Industry Council.
He has experience in systems design and manufacture of mechanical components using cutting edge technology.
Serguei has extensive experience with Dasa retrieval and remote diagnostic and data capture in the area of advanced computerised electro- and hydro-mechanical systems, and thorough knowledge of electronics, hydraulics and mechanics.
UNEP REPORT SHOWS INCREASE IN METHYL BROMIDE PRODUCTION FOR QPS USES
A recent report by the United Nations Environment Programme, prepared jointly by the secretariats of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer and the International Plant Protection Convention, reveals an increase in the worldwide production of methyl bromide for QPS use.
The report dated September 2007 indicates that, despite the efforts of the Montreal Protocol to reduce consumption of MB for nonQPS and noncritical uses (which may be occurring), the categories under which methyl bromide is authorized for use are showing a marked increase during the period 20042005.
This may be as a result of ISPM15 requirements that only recognise heat or methyl bromide as acceptable treatments under the regulations.
(Courtesy: UNEP, September 2007)
NORDIKO TO EXHIBIT AT SYDNEY SAFETY SHOW OCTOBER 2426, 2007
Nordiko will, once again, be exhibiting at the Sydney Safety Show next month. We would love for you to visit us at our Stand at the Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park, from Wednesday, 24 October-Friday, 26 October, 2007.
The Sydney Safety Show is the largest workplace health and safety trade show held in Australasia. It is supported by its principal sponsor, WorkCover (NSW) and is the State’s only dedicated Workplace Health and Safety Trade Show.
Each year the event attracts over 10,000 health and safety professionals from a broad range of industry sectors including manufacturing, building/constructions, government, emergency services, and transport/freight.
Key industry manufacturers, wholesalers and suppliers will display the latest in workplace health, safety and manual handling solutions over the 3 days. This year, the Show will be host to 70+ firsttime exhibitors, ensuring that 100s of new products and services are on display.
(Courtesy: Australian Exhibitions and Conferences Pty Ltd)
CHINA INTERNATIONAL QUARANTINE, CHINA
Tianjin Port, China
Nordiko Director, Ken Brash (pictured centred at right) with representatives from CIQ in China.
Nordiko has visited China a number of times, and has had good cooperation and relations with China International Quarantine.
China is one of the world’s largest and fastest growing quarantine fumigation markets.
MORE IN THIS ISSUE:
-Canberra 20th Anniversary Montreal
-Protocol Celebrations
-Belgian Recapture Decision
-Toxic Containers: Amsterdam Report
-UNSW Co-Op Program
-Profile: Serguei Ivanine
-UNEP Report
-Nordiko Products
-Sydney Safety Show
-Large-Scale Recapture
-Awards
-CIQ China
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