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| Standards |
| June 22nd, 2006 |
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| Note: You can discuss this article at the bottom of the article |
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Consumers tend to take for granted that product and services they buy conform to certain standards, whereas standards are meant to discriminate goods and services that do not
perform to certain specifications and performances. Standards cover performance, safety, quality, compatibility, environmental impact, information and terminology aspects for a
range of products and services. They provide government with a technical base for health, safety and environmental legislation. A lack of standardization could affect the livelihoods of certain consumers, for example, the disabled will not be able to access public transport and buildings, if the dimensions of wheel chairs and entrances are not standardized.
Agreements on standard package, sizes, dimensions, and symbols, instructions for use
and so on, makes it convenient for consumers to use products all over the world, for example torch batteries bought in Asia can be used in this country, becoming more cost effective for both producers and consumers. A standard, as defined by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), is a document established by consensus and approved by a recognized body that provides for common and repeated use, rules, guidelines or characteristics for activities or their results aimed at the achievement of the
optimum degree or order in a given context. Standards are prepared so that they are
available to users. In other words, standards are prepared for the public, meaning any body who may have a direct interest in them. They are prepared by Technical Committees (TCs), which consists of representatives from manufacturers, trade associations, government departments, education, research and testing institutions and
consumer organizations such as the Consumer Council of Zimbabwe with respect to
Zimbabwe. In short, the users of such documents prepare standards and the composition ensures that all significant viewpoints are represented and that there is an authoritative body behind every Zimbabwean national standard.
Benefits of standards
To the nation
- Standards promote national production in terms of quality, quantity and reliability.
- Standards are a marketing tool in international markets.
To the manufactures
-Provide adequate performance functions and quality necessary for trade, especially export trade because they assure product quality.
- Boost worker morale and inspire confidence in guaranteed quality.
- Eliminate trade barriers
To the consumer
- Protect health
- Ensure fair practices
- Inspire confidence by guaranteeing quality
In Zimbabwe, standards preparation and publication is the core activity of the Standards
Association of Zimbabwe (SAZ). It is also the registered owner of a certification mark, which is stamped on certain products. The presence of the certification mark acts as independent assurance that the product complies with the relevant (SAZ) standard. The certification mark may only be used by an organization if it is licensed by SAZ, meaning that any individual, company that uses a SAZ certification mark without approval from
the body will be prosecuted.
One area both SAZ and the CCZ have been experiencing quality control problems, is the
merchandise and use of timber/pole for building, telephone transmission, fencing and agricultural purposes. Unscrupulous timber merchants having been preying on the unsuspecting public by selling improperly treated timber that does not meet specifications outlined in SAZS, 120 standard, which outlines how wood or timber should be treated. Many consumers have been tricked into buying poor quality wood that does not last long, rots easily, is vulnerable to termites and is not durable. If consumers buy timber, which has a certification mark from SAZ, they are guaranteed that the timber will last for more
than 20 years, as the treatment process complies with SAZ, 120 standards and the chemicals used also comply with SAZ 514 standard that stipulates requirements for use of chemicals such as creosote.
Consumers have a tendency to judge the quality of timber based on co lour. This is not correct as the creosote used for treating timber varies in quality and colour. The “blackness” of creosote is not an indication of its quality. Some very good wood preserving creosote does not blacken the wood at all or does so slightly. The SAZ mark
of approval on any treated wood safeguards the consumer against “fly-by night” merchants. It is also important to note that timber is treated to different HAZARD CLASSES stipulated by the timber industry depending on its end use, hence the need for the user to specify the exact intended use when purchasing treated timber and poles. Consumers may be concerned about the price, but you cannot compromise quality
because you want to buy cheap.
Users are therefore advised to buy timber/poles bearing the SAZ mark as this is an assurance of quality, which denotes that:
- The product has the right amount of preservative thus will not rot or be eaten by insects.
- The product has had the preservative forced into it under pressure to the required depth.
Each properly treated pole timber is required to bear the following
- Identity of treater
- Month and year the pole was treated
- SAZ mark of compliance
- Hazard class
- Species and strength class
- Length of poles in meters
- Minimum top diameter of the class.
In Zimbabwe, standards are voluntary, as there is no specific legislation requiring the products or services to conform to such standards, by so doing some companies deliberately flout standards because they know that they won’t be punished for it. The companies only consider standards when they are exporting their goods, as some markets do not allow goods that do not bear a certification mark of a standards body. Currently most countries are adopting International standards, in a bid to harmonize standards, so as to ensure reference points in resolving trade disputes at the World Trade Organization (W.T.O.). It is very likely that more national and regional standards will be replaced by international ones. The question of producers of goods and services flouting standards can only be corrected if consumers refuse to be exploited by standing up for their rights and refusing to buy goods that do not meet standards or best still report to relevant authorities. So do you have a complaint or enquiry about poor standards of goods you bought. Phone the nearest CCZ office, or any consumer protection agency that you know. Do not suffer in silence. Get Redress. |
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