Demonstrable safety and material origin
Certifications and labels help make choices about safety and the origin of materials demonstrable.
We distinguish between certifications Hemlock holds itself and labels that belong to the materials we use.
VCA**
Hemlock is VCA** certified.
VCA stands for Safety, Health and Environment Checklist for Contractors (Veiligheid, Gezondheid en Milieu Checklist Aannemers). The VCA** certification matches the way we prepare and carry out projects, with attention to risk assessment, safety measures, workplace inspections and clear responsibilities.
Our project approach includes, among other things, a risk inventory and evaluation (RI&E), project-specific health and safety plans and workplace inspections.
In addition, our site staff work to VCA-VOL, and where needed an LMRA is carried out before work begins.
FSC
FSC is a label for timber and timber products from responsibly managed forests and controlled sources.
On Hemlock projects, FSC-certified timber or timber-based material can be specified and used. For new timber and timber-based materials, evidence such as certificates and delivery information is collected where required.
In this context, FSC is a material label. Based on the documentation currently available, Hemlock itself is not FSC Chain of Custody certified.
PEFC
Like FSC, PEFC is used to demonstrate that timber and timber products come from responsibly managed sources.
On projects, PEFC-certified or equivalent material can be used for new timber and timber-based material. The relevant documentation can then become part of the project and handover file.
Based on the information currently available, PEFC too is a label of the material used and not a company-wide certification of Hemlock.
Additional material information
Besides FSC and PEFC, other forms of substantiation can be used on projects as well.
For example, LCAs and EPDs can be used to gain insight into the environmental impact of materials.
Depending on the project, material origin, certificates, maintenance information and options for reuse or disassembly can be recorded in a material passport.
